Triumph Bonneville T120 test

Menus

• Character legend
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• Colors
• Black Jet Black or Matt Graphite version
• Other versions with hand painted edging on these 4 colors
• Availablity
• Standard equipment
• Prestige "inspiration" kits: € 1,620

Character legend

Completely redesigned but faithful to its legend and its aesthetic codes, the Bonneville reinvents itself with talent and efficiency in the T120 version. Always more attractive, the Triumph is also forging a more marked character. History resumes its march, with great strides.

An emblematic model since 1959, the Bonneville has marked the collective unconscious to the point of having become an aesthetic symbol of THE motorcycle. In homage to the speed record gleaned 3 years earlier on the salt lake of Bonneville, USA, Triumph produced the T120 named after the same name. Equipped with a 649 cc inline twin cylinder set at 360 °, this model will enjoy worldwide success for more than 20 years, making it the flagship model of the Hinkley manufacturer..
In 2000 reappeared the modern version of the old British legend, now cubing 790 cm3. Six years later, the machine goes to 865 cm3, gains injection in 2008 and stick rims the following year. Always attractive, the English girl however lacked the driving personality to live up to her story..
By presenting its Street Twin at the end of 2015, Triumph seemed to have passed the baton in terms of displacement, entrusting its future spearhead with the responsibility of the legend. And to sublimate this one, here is finally the all new Bonnevile T120 model of 1200 cm3.

Accompanied for its launch by its sporty twin Thruxton 1200 R, the new "Bonnie" is completely reinvented. Around Lisbon, the classic roadster shows an ever more seductive face and a completely different mechanical health.

Discovery

To ensure the success of its new icon, Triumph took 4 years of thought and work to deliver the most worthy succession to its history. And, as with the Thruxton, the result is exciting. Our test models are the dark versions of the builder, named Black. Specific brown seat and black metallic finishes surround the T120. Rims, passenger handle, optical unit, indicator cabochons, exhaust and engine casings are dressed at night, raised "stars" chrome: tank logo plate, rear shock absorbers and injection body covers. In glossy black or matt gray (Jet Black and Matt Graphite), the machines play with the elegance of colors to match those of their lines.

Welcome to the sixties. Timeless, the silhouette of the novelty immediately appeals to the retinas, familiar with history. Its round headlight dominates the fork gaiters and an enveloping mudguard with a slender support. Less plump, refined, the tank loses 1.5 liters with its 14.5 units but Triumph announces a machine 13% more sober. Protective pads adorn its sides and the chrome cap remains off-center. A long and wide one-piece saddle stretches the line of the machine. Thicker and slightly rounded for the accompanying, it is framed, at its end, by a very stylish tubular handle. This seat dominates a long metal mudguard and curved sidewall covers.
This elegant set highlights a sumptuous engine block, already seen on the Street Twin but bored for its 900 cm3. In Black version, the Bonneville T120 visually evoke this little sister. However, the novelty is more opulent and efficient. Liquid cooled (cylinder head and cylinders), the vertical twin retains its aesthetic authenticity. Thus, thin fins always finely cut the top engine, also helping to reduce the temperature. Same treatment for manifold crimping rings. The integration of modernity is perfect, aesthetically almost imperceptible. No hoses and the radiator, in front of the frame, is hardly noticeable. Catalyst and expansion tank are invisible, hidden behind and under the engine. Likewise, the two injector bodies mimic carburetors with perforated covers. Attention to detail which further reinforces the authenticity of the Bonneville T120. So much so that the new block almost retains the proportions of 900 cm3 in order to preserve the original look ….

Supported by a classic double steel cradle frame, the new parallel twin is here in the original 1,200 cm3 version and fully Euro 4. Under its retro air, the mechanics are very modern. The crankshaft is set at 270 ° and a single camshaft operates its 8 valves per cylinder. Technical refinement, the rockers feature wheels at the point of contact with cams with slightly concave surfaces…. And performance side, we are now far from the nice T100. Almost identical to that of the Thruxton, the twin has the same bore stroke ratio is 97.6×80 mm. However, its compression is less, the crankshaft heavier, the air box (hidden behind the engine) smaller and the double-butterfly injection presents a less sporty profile. The unit thus delivers 80 hp at 6550 rpm and 10.5 da.Nm of torque at 3100 revolutions / minute. At 4,500 rpm, that’s 50% more power and 54% more force than the old model! But the curves also show an operation favoring low and medium revs and (slightly) less reach. A profile dedicated to the pleasure of riding on the couple while enjoying their mount. To optimize this trend, a balance shaft reduces the vibrations of the block and the anti-dribble clutch softens the control on the handlebars. The ample breath of the twin-cylinder flows into collectors with rectified design. And to purify the base of the Bonnie, the line no longer presents a bend under the engine before flowing into the long silencers, tapered at their end..
In order to give the best of the mechanics, the electronics are invited on board with a handle of the throttle type Ride by Wire controlling the injection. Two profiles are available, Rain and Road, more or less smoothing the engine response. Deactivatable, TTC traction control is also standard.

The chassis evolves significantly. Thus, the wheelbase of the T120 is reduced by 65 mm compared to that of the T100, or 1445 mm. The column angle is now 25.8 ° and the trail 105.2 mm. Far from the values ​​of its predecessor: 28 ° and 110 mm! As we can see, agility is favored to support mechanical dynamics.
The steering gear sits on a new, non-adjustable 41mm Kayaba telescopic fork. On the other hand, two shock absorbers from the same supplier, adjustable in preload, manage the movements of the tubular steel swing arm. The suspension assembly slides over 120 mm.
History requires, the rims are radiated, in 17 inches at the rear and 18 at the front. They receive Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp envelopes, with a specific design, in dimensions 100 and 150 (130 on T100). What to pass the driving force while maintaining the liveliness. The braking system incorporates ABS (non-deactivating) to watch over the Nissin two-piston calipers. 310 mm tracks on the front and 255 disc towards the stern.
Service intervals are reduced from 6,000 to 10,000 km, reflecting a reliable design. Useful detail, a USB socket under the saddle allows you to power or recharge mobile phones and other GPS devices and the start key is coded. Finally, the central stand is standard.

With 224 kg dry, the T120 takes only 10 units compared to a much less efficient T100. What to optimize its new geometry. Timeless and faithful to its legendary aesthetic, the Triumph Bonneville T120 skilfully conceals its modernity under charming plastic. An accessories catalog of 160 parts allows you to personalize the machine and further strengthen its power of seduction…. There are compact LED indicators, but also cafe racer type saddles, textile or leather luggage (superb), fork heads, new "Vance & Hines" exhausts, "Ace" handlebars…. etc. In lack of inspiration? Choose the kit of the same name in Prestige version (details at the end of the article).

In the saddle

The finesse of the machine is sensitive, leaving visible part of the cylinder heads. Raised by 10 mm, the Bonneville T120 retains its accessibility, with 785 mm of saddle height. The position provided by the saddle-handlebar-footrest triangle is very pleasant. The legs naturally find their place and the handlebars are now 45 mm wider (785 units) and less set back. Integration model, the heated grip control, standard please, is integrated into the left grip, adjusting the heat in three levels.
The bust straight, the hands fall on the handles without any support. Particularly neat, the cockpit displays a certain refinement. Enclosed on its saddles by an elegant plate, the handlebars dominate a black upper triple clamp, contrasting with the metal instrument blocks. Two large counters circled in chrome are embedded in a brushed aluminum plate. The bottom of the dials takes on a satin finish and incorporates elegant hands. On the left, tachometer, on the right, tachometer. and each sports an LCD window. The first displays gear engaged, odometer, two partials, average and instantaneous consumption, ABS, TTC and clock. The second incorporates a fuel gauge and the chosen injection mode.

The assembly is controlled on the left stalk, via the Info buttons and on the right by the Mode button. The blocks supporting these commands differ from those of the Thruxton R, here sporting a pleasant ovoid shape. More damaging, the readability of the screens is average, the display of information being too small. We also regret a perfectible integration of the two sheaths enclosing the wires as well as their contactors. But the levers are adjustable in spacing and the ergonomics of the controls are very correct..

In the city

Comfortably seated on the welcoming saddle, I hasten to wake up the English twin. Discreet but pleasant pulsations emanate from Hinkley’s block. The mobile crew already reveals a virile and alert mechanical life. However, the sound of the exhausts is a little discreet, those of the Street Twin were shown more present. Far from the optional Vance & Hines listened to before leaving ….
Softness and availability are the prerogative of the Bonneville T120. Its balance gives it a natural steering and allows the machine to easily take the machine in traffic. She slips through it with good grace, demonstrating convincing agility. Likewise, the fairly small turning radius allows any maneuver in urban development. Narrow, the mirrors still return a correct field and free of vibrations.
Evolving between the walls is pleasant as the boiler shares his good nature. The controls are precise and flexible, just like the box but the latter is a little sound. Fairly long, the staging of reports is mainly using the second in town. The higher speed too often makes the Triumph hiccup, caught in the vagaries of Lusitanian traffic. If the urban pleasure is very real, the Englishwoman also knows how to play a more dynamic score on freer paths..

Motorway and expressways

Setting off on the priced asphalt, we then discover the bravery of the new block. Vibrant, the Bonneville T120 quickly takes the crew to the cruising area or that of the breaker with the same desire. The Bonnie does not mind being pushed towards high speeds but we will stop before her. In flag hanging on the handlebars, the pilot is hardly at the party and the machine deserves better than these vanities.
The last two reports are typed overdrive, leaving the twin purring at 3000 revolutions on the legal highway. In sixth, the raises then lack frankness and demand to fall a speed. However, we walk pleasantly to the rhythm of the rapid pulsations of his block. Ample but discreet vibrations then inhabit the roadster which traces its way towards the horizon. Always comfortable and showing a course holding without surprise, the Bonneville T120 will prefer to show off on the secondary network.

Departmental

On the contrasting route of the Portuguese secondary network, the new Bonnie reveals even more its major argument. Its maxi twin now gives it the character that its predecessor lacked. Particularly appreciable at mid-speed where its torque curve is fully expressed, the block delivers more than raw performance. Its mechanical life results in a measured roughness but present by a consequent mobile equipment. The power effectively relays the driving force, giving the boiler a much more determined personality. Bold and ample, the twin cylinder made in quiet strength.
Each relaunch deliciously catapults the Englishwoman between two curves. Maintained within the optimum range of use, the T120 provides permanent pleasure, buzzing with each go-around.
The bouldering has no trouble reviving the crew at the end of the curve and the traction control is often not too much to curb this new temperament. However, the Pirelli bring all confidence and their small size highlight a rigid and healthy chassis. And this despite an 18-inch front wheel providing a bit of inertia when changing angles..
However, to be efficient and rhythmic, the piloting must be rolled up and the trajectory neat. At too high a pace, the ground clearance limits improvisation and reminds us of its limits. Enough to test the braking system when arriving on optimistic curves. If the horsepower is good, the front calipers could show more bite. The attack lacks frankness but without disturbing the effectiveness of the whole.

Effective, the suspensions correctly filter the defects of the bitumen but are quickly exceeded on the largest compressions. Over the miles, the dynamic pleasure of the vintage roadster is exciting, both for its ease and its mechanical vigor. At legal speeds, it is preferable to drive in fourth gear to benefit from the best of the twin.

Part-cycle

Frame and suspension deliver a healthy and dynamic behavior to the Hinkley machine. On the corner, the Bonneville stays on course and quickly emerges from the curves. Only the 18-inch front wheel affects the liveliness.

Braking

The braking of the front calipers is convincing on all occasions, effectively slowing the machine. However, he could be more frank on the most important decelerations. The rear effectively complements the device and provides an excellent feel to the foot.

Comfort / Duo

The pilot seat is welcoming in the long run and very roomy. The accompanying person benefits from a comparable welcome and a large grab handle. The comfort is more strained by a damping which is sometimes too dry on bumpy roads.

Consumption

The on-board computer indicates 5.4 liters per 100 km but this point should be checked on a long-term test..

Conclusion

Long awaited, the Triumph Bonneville T120 demonstrates a most successful evolution. Faithful to its origins, it knows how to sublimate its aesthetics by now bringing a bewitching mechanical character. Remarkably finished, the Triumph fully plays the card of seduction. Its price of € 11,900, or € 2,200 more than its predecessor T100, is fully justified in view of these new services..
We will oppose him the Yamaha XJR1300 at 10,999.00 € and 11,999 € in Racer version, with even more lively behavior. The Honda CB1100 EX, priced at € 12,599, is an attractive machine but with a much less brilliant aura than that of the Englishwoman.
With its history and characterful mechanics, the Triumph Bonneville T120 brings its rider into the motorcycling legend. Ever more stylish, the Hinkley icon is sculpting a future to its measure: timeless.

Strong points

• Unparalleled style sublimated
• Motor character
• Saddle comfort
• Finishes
• Assistance (ABS, anti-slip, anti-dribble)

Weak points

• Hardly readable LCD instrument
• Slightly limited suspensions

The technical sheet of the Triumph Bonneville T120

Test conditions

• Itinerary: small varied roads + interurban highways with a bit of town
• Motorcycle mileage: 300 km

Colors

Black Jet Black or Matt Graphite version

specific brown seat and black finishes: rims, passenger handle, exhaust and engine.

Other versions with hand painted edging on these 4 colors

Jet Black
Cinder Red
Cranberry Red / Aluminum Silver (+ 240 €)
Jet Black / Pure White (+ 240 €)

Availablity

March 2016

Standard equipment

• Two-mode ride-by-wire
• Anti-slip disconnectable
• Assisted clutch
• ABS
• Heated grips
• Daytime LED front lights with Triumph signed optics
• LED taillights
• USB plug
• Silent "peashooter"
• Central stand

Prestige "inspiration" kits: € 1,620

• An authentic tank badge with four chrome bars
• A black stitched and ribbed saddle
• Transparent black LED flashing lights
• Vance & Hines chrome "sausage" silencers
• Black "balloon" handles
• Chromed chain, clutch, alternator and throttle body covers .

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