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What's Your Favorite Mod To Your Water Cooled Twin?

25K views 101 replies 58 participants last post by  kdxandrew 
#1 ·
Just for grins, I'm curious what everyone's favorite mod to your water-cooled twins are?

In my case it's the Triumph Electronic Speed Control I added to my 2018 Bonne T120. Ironically, it's a mod that very few (if any) people would ever notice, but it sure has made riding my bike a lot more pleasurable.

A close second is the Corbin Gunfighter and Lady seat. I went to Corbin and had it made while I waited, so it fits my ass perfectly.

If you notice a theme here, you're right: I appreciate the things which make riding more comfortable more than the things which make the bike look better, and I've done plenty of those mods too.

So how about you? What are your favorite mods?

Pete
 
#2 ·
Cruise control is also my favorite so far, followed by TEC X-pipe decat, and the addition of T100 floating front brake discs and headlamp. These last two make a real difference in turn-in and night visibility. Weight is reduced a total of about 16 lbs., which is noticeable.
 
#4 ·
T120 - 2.5 weeks and 1200 miles.

1. Rear luggage rack, bought at purchase, so I could attach my Givi top case. I've had this case on four bikes now and it has become my most valuable accessory, mainly to carry my photo gear and survival supplies.

2. The National Cycle Street Shield - It makes traveling so much more better for me.

3. Cruise control. I had this also installed at purchase, just two and a half weeks ago. It certainly is great and the first time I've ever had it on a bike, but I don't use it or depend on it as much as the top case or windshield.

4. Speed Metal tank protector - I may have put a small scuff on the tank with my coat zipper, but it's now hidden by this all black sticker that I cut to size. See 3rd pic.

5. RAM iPhone handlebar mount
 

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#5 ·
For me, it's the Clearview windshield and the Triumph 4 bar tank badges. I don't really care for the way the T120 looks with any windshield but it allows me to ride in cold weather.
 

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#10 ·
I'll have to check out the price on the cruise control, that would be nifty..
CC is really great! Very precise. It's $380 at the dealer, not including installation. I installed the kit myself, which took about two hours. After installation all other bike features work as before, but the CC will not work until it's activated by the dealer. It's not possible to activate it yourself.
 
#7 ·
Like you PGR I had a Corbin seat made, however living in Spain and having to use the British agent it made the price very expensive. I had a copy of the Gunfighter and Lady made for Bluesideup, not bad but he is taller than me so slightly too much room for the rider's seat. Not to worry as my "Lady" is now long dead so only me for it at the moment. It will be better when I manage to go off camping as the bag will fit nicely on that section and my carrier rack.

Have changed the engine cases for chrome models as I personally hated the brushed finish. Other mods not worth talking about.

So the seat is my favourite I suppose.
 
#12 ·
So far my favourite mod is changing the pretty, but bloody heavy, chrome spoke wheels for the light cast alloys of the Street Twin/Cup. When used with Avon Spirit ST radials it saves 14 lbs of, un sprung rotating mass. And, better still, the inner tubes are in the trash (where they belong).

Second favourite (although only by a whisker) are the Ohlins rear shocks. The rebound damping of the originals was so weak that the rear tyre would actually leave the road on bumpy bends. And having decent shocks means the footrests no longer scrape.

Heated grips are a ‘must have’ over here.

I’m hopeful that my favourite mod will the TEC cam that’s waiting for a free bench before it’s fitted. Going on at the same time is a four piston brake calliper (not strictly necessary but I came across a NOS unit for silly money :grin2: ).
 
#14 ·
Hi all

Made a few modifications to my 2016 T120

Looks - Dart Fly-screen which looks great and for a small screen stops the wind buffering your head, Triumph panniers for touring, smaller LED indicators and an R&G tail tidy both of which I think gives the bike a sleeker look.

Performance - Ohlins rear shocks and upgraded front suspension, which has made a massive difference to the comfort and handling, expensive but worth every penny. Motone X pipe with Vance, Hines exhaust mufflers and a fuel booster plug all of which make the bike sound better and run much smoother especially in Lower gears
 
#16 ·
The TEC progressive fork springs and FOX RSUs have made the biggest difference. Made the bike much more stable and comfortable--much improved long ride experience and actually seems to corner better too. I also switched to Road Attack III tires, which helped out too.

I am thinking of adding the cruise control next. I am planning on a very long group ride this summer, and I want to get it installed before then. I hope I can do the work myself.

¿How much does the dealer charge to activate it?
 
#19 ·
I think mine is also the Cruise Control which I installed myself as well and had the dealer activate. They charged me $54.50 to do that, so not too bad because it did take him a little while to actually get it working. Apparently a call to Triumph was needed for some information. The CC is really nice to have and I find myself using it more then I would have thought even around town during urban assaults. Its kind of like having a my wrist locked to keep my speed in line.....lol

After that I think my Hagon Shocks would be #2 on the list but I also have the V&H exhaust and a Two Brothers Exhaust. I currently have the V&H mounted but they both have there own strengths and weaknesses. I was going to sell one set but decided to just keep both so when I get bored I can swap them out.....As for usefulness there is no doubt that the set of Givi Metro's have been worth their weight in gold and get the most use of anything on the bike although do detract from its clean lines. Its nice that they actually lock onto the bike unlike many other options. The skid plate, bar end mirrors and JBQ risers also are nice bits. I have a few other items as well bolted on and am waiting for the Evotech fender eliminator kit to arrive. Looking forward to seeing how it will look.

That is the great thing about the T120, it is a jack of all trades and maybe master of none but you can make it into just about any style of motorcycle you want with a few modifications here and there. Scrambler - Tracker, Vintage Classic, Rat Rod - Bobber, Cruiser - Touring Bike - Classic Racer whatever you can imagine just about. For me it is great because I tend to get bored and with this bike I can reimagine it whenever I want as long as the wallet has some cash.........
 
#21 ·
Hard to pick a favorite because I make more than one change at a time. The biggest would have to be 40 tooth sprocket, de-cat, and Norman Hyde mufflers.
Second would be suspension changes- bitubo shocks and Matis cartridge forks. I have cruise control and rarely use it. Could easily live without it. I tend to avoid roads where it might be more beneficial.

Chuck
 
#22 ·
My favorite?

I just bought a second hand T120 (from 12/2017 with 6.500km) from the manager of Triumph Greece. It has a touring windscreen, a king & queen seat, Hepco & Becker side- and top-case carrier with 2 Junior side cases and a sump guard. I wouldn’t have bought those immediately, but since they come with the bike, they’re welcome. The bike has heated grips and those infamous rotor dampers from stock. The windscreen is definitively my favorite add-on.

Essentials
Even before having the bike at home, I bought two essential accessories: a Baas buzzer and a front fender extender. The first little thing I buy for my new bikes is a Baas buzzer, a tiny little thing you connect to the left and right turn signal wires and which gives a loud intermittent sound to recall you not to forget to cut off your turn signal. In town, the sound surprises both car drivers and pedestrians, alerting them of your presence. If the bike has warning flash turn signals, the buzzer-sound warns the car drivers when you pass in between them at a traffic light or in a traffic jam. Life saving device for 10€.
The R&G front fender extender is a useful add-on, as is the existent sump guard; all Cretan roads are covered with pebbles and stones.
I absolutely need an up-an-over handlebar extension, 2cm high, from British Legends, which doesn’t need any cable or brake line change.

Looks
The Hepco & Becker carriers and cases are very sturdy, perfectly adapted to each bike and a pleasure to have for long trips. I know them since an eternity, but on a Bonneville, those black side-cases disfigure its classic, old-fashion look. That’s why I asked a French saddler to make me a pair of custom buffalo leather bags which will be attached on the H&B carriers. Since my bike is green, they will be in two-tone brown with a handstitched T on it; the T of Triumph and of my family name.
Waiting for them I’ll fix a Fehling crash bar.

Security
A pair of additional lights fixed on the crash bars would be useful. Which one?
3M reflective stripes on fuel tank, side covers and bags.

Experience
Experience will tell if I want or need a booster plug. Very probably after what I’ve read on this and other forums.
If the touring windshield turns out to be too low, I’ll need an x-screen on top of it.
Rear shock absorbers from Wilbers, Factory Shock or Fox? Front progressive springs or complete adjustable kit?
A sprocket change? Crete = twirling up and downhill roads. Maybe the first gear will be too long.

Desire
Those spoke wheels are gorgeous, but alas don’t accept tubeless tires, which I find a must. I always had a Dynaplug with me; it’s useless now. A pair of Kineo spoked wheels with Continental Road Attack 3 tires would be great, but those wheels cost a fortune! I’ll ask Santa Claus next year.
A cruise control would have been nice on the continent, but here in Crete there isn’t any straight road longer than 10km.
A Tune-ECU?

No, njet, never
No Power Performance; no x-pipe; no GPS; no Smartphone holder; no extra USB; no interphone or Bluetooth thing; no camera or music. No! When I ride my bike, I am one with my bike and we don’t need anything that could interfere with our communion. I carry my smartphone in case of an emergency but shut. Silence! Leave me alone!
 
#79 ·
My favorite?

I just bought a second hand T120 (from 12/2017 with 6.500km) from the manager of Triumph Greece. It has a touring windscreen, a king & queen seat, Hepco & Becker side- and top-case carrier with 2 Junior side cases and a sump guard. I wouldn’t have bought those immediately, but since they come with the bike, they’re welcome. The bike has heated grips and those infamous rotor dampers from stock. The windscreen is definitively my favorite add-on.

Essentials
Even before having the bike at home, I bought two essential accessories: a Baas buzzer and a front fender extender. The first little thing I buy for my new bikes is a Baas buzzer, a tiny little thing you connect to the left and right turn signal wires and which gives a loud intermittent sound to recall you not to forget to cut off your turn signal. In town, the sound surprises both car drivers and pedestrians, alerting them of your presence. If the bike has warning flash turn signals, the buzzer-sound warns the car drivers when you pass in between them at a traffic light or in a traffic jam. Life saving device for 10€.
The R&G front fender extender is a useful add-on, as is the existent sump guard; all Cretan roads are covered with pebbles and stones.
I absolutely need an up-an-over handlebar extension, 2cm high, from British Legends, which doesn’t need any cable or brake line change.

Looks
The Hepco & Becker carriers and cases are very sturdy, perfectly adapted to each bike and a pleasure to have for long trips. I know them since an eternity, but on a Bonneville, those black side-cases disfigure its classic, old-fashion look. That’s why I asked a French saddler to make me a pair of custom buffalo leather bags which will be attached on the H&B carriers. Since my bike is green, they will be in two-tone brown with a handstitched T on it; the T of Triumph and of my family name.
Waiting for them I’ll fix a Fehling crash bar.

Security
A pair of additional lights fixed on the crash bars would be useful. Which one?
3M reflective stripes on fuel tank, side covers and bags.

Experience
Experience will tell if I want or need a booster plug. Very probably after what I’ve read on this and other forums.
If the touring windshield turns out to be too low, I’ll need an x-screen on top of it.
Rear shock absorbers from Wilbers, Factory Shock or Fox? Front progressive springs or complete adjustable kit?
A sprocket change? Crete = twirling up and downhill roads. Maybe the first gear will be too long.

Desire
Those spoke wheels are gorgeous, but alas don’t accept tubeless tires, which I find a must. I always had a Dynaplug with me; it’s useless now. A pair of Kineo spoked wheels with Continental Road Attack 3 tires would be great, but those wheels cost a fortune! I’ll ask Santa Claus next year.
A cruise control would have been nice on the continent, but here in Crete there isn’t any straight road longer than 10km.
A Tune-ECU?

No, njet, never
No Power Performance; no x-pipe; no GPS; no Smartphone holder; no extra USB; no interphone or Bluetooth thing; no camera or music. No! When I ride my bike, I am one with my bike and we don’t need anything that could interfere with our communion. I carry my smartphone in case of an emergency but shut. Silence! Leave me alone!
 
#24 ·
So far, it's a toss-up for emotional favorite between the OEM heated grips and the Apache box (Pelican case knock-off by Harbor Freight) bolted to the rear rack.

From an appearance perspective, the Motodemic Adaptive LED Headlight is wicked cool, and pricey. From a safety perspective, the Back-Off XP brake light modulator. I put them on every bike.
 
#28 ·
Bit early to say that this is a ‘favourite’ modification as it’s still in the very early stages! Fitting a NOS four piston Nissin front calliper that I found on the auction site for silly money. So cheap it seemed rude not to experiment. :grin2:

Don’t worry about the ugly bracket, that’s just lashed together to get the dimensions right. The finished job will have one machined from billet.

Why didn’t I just buy a faster bike with better brakes? Nah! Too easy! Anyone can do that.. >:)

 
#29 ·
Bit early to say that this is a ‘favourite’ modification as it’s still in the very early stages! Fitting a NOS four piston Nissin front calliper that I found on the auction site for silly money. So cheap it seemed rude not to experiment. :grin2:

Don’t worry about the ugly bracket, that’s just lashed together to get the dimensions right. The finished job will have one machined from billet.

Why didn’t I just buy a faster bike with better brakes? Nah! Too easy! Anyone can do that.. >:)

 
#30 ·
My favourite mod is going up a tooth to the T-120 17 T front sprocket. It's good all around for most of the riding I do. In town you can hang on to first and second a little longer, and for sport riding out in the country 3rd gear is perfect for corners with signs that "suggest" slow to 20 - 30 mph. In 6th gear you lope along effortlessly at 70 mph, if you even remember to shift into 6th.

50 bucks all in.
 
#31 ·
Thruxton

17t front sprocket. Easily the best $45 I’ve ever spent.
Bitubo shocks and TEC progressive fork springs really transformed the handling.
Meercat X pipe, V&H pipes.

Land vehicle Vehicle Motorcycle Motor vehicle Car


Street Scrambler

TEC cam.
Front guard from 865 Scrambler - THE stand out styling improvement.
V&H 2:1 exhaust.
Fox shocks, fork pre-load adjusters, TEC progressive fork springs.
Motoz Adventure tyres.

Land vehicle Vehicle Motor vehicle Motorcycle Car
 
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