Hello All, I am new to this forum and extremely happy to have found it. I am looking for a new ride. I've been without a bike for about 3 years. My last and only bike was a 1993 CB750 Nighthawk. I am getting the itch to ride again but am really struggling narrowing down the right bike. Coming from the CB750 I am somewhat comfortable and drawn to "standards". I've been going back and forth with my wife on intended use and as much as I was leaning to a full fledged touring bike, the reality is we have little time to do extended touring so riding will be limited to weekend two-up rides as well as my daily commute. I've been looking at three bikes at this point, A Bonneville T120, Honda CB1100 and Z900RS, and the Yamaha XRS 700. I believe I've ruled the Z900RS out as there are just too many reports of the throttle issue. The XRS just does not look to me to be a comfortable two-up bike. I like the look of the T120 significantly better than the CB1100. So my questions around the T120 have to do with two-up riding. My wife and I are not as lightweight as we used to be. I am pushing 220lbs and my wife 170lb. What can I expect in terms of the bikes ability to handle that weight when it comes to power, suspension, maneuverability and comfort? I am interesting in other experience with two-up riding. The second question is really more specific to the color/finish I am looking at. I know it is not everyone's favorite but I am drawn to the T120 Black Graphite. I believe most of the surfaces are powder coated. I have no idea what is involved in keeping powered coats clean and looking good. What are pro's and con's when it comes to maintaining this type of surface. Lastly, I am interested in options and opinions on other bikes that I should be looking at. Thank you in advance for any response. Regards, Rick
Welcome Rick. The T120 is a fine bike two up. I would upgrade the shock absorbers first. Keeping it clean is like any other bike. Plenty of water, suds and a chamois. TFR (traffic film remover) sprayed on first is a good idea, followed by snowfoam. Dirt cheap when bought undiluted in bulk. Whatever, avoid getting polish on the matt finishes. A pal of mine finishes with a spray of GT85. And I don't know if they are available in the US but we use Vulcanet wipes to wipe over dusty matt and black finishes on our showroom bikes at the dealership where I work.
From what I've heard I'd be wary of the T120. I understand quite a lot of owners have not been very happy. The main issue seems to be throttle response. I would try and get a very long test ride if I were you.
I returned to motorbikes after 25years out with Street Twin last year. Nice little toy, bit slow and not so clever two-up. I traded it in for T120 Matt graphite black and with 2,000miles on clock would say it is perfect for me on congested and crumbling British roads. I regularly ride two-up, don't feel need for more power, and have no issues with fueling. I was recommended by Triumph dealer to clean Matt paint with Harley Davidson's denim paint Cleaner, and coupled with muc off wash, it is a doddle to keep tidy. Can't recommend T120 black too much
Hi. I’ve got a T120 and I’m a big unit. Copes well with me and a heck of a lot of luggage when I go camping. I am though thinking about changing the shocks not because they can’t cope with the weight but rather I think a change to Hagon shocks will improve handling as I find the handling a little vague when wanting to push the bike round the bendys. Standard shocks are fine four motorways and bimbling along though.
Rick I found the shocks on my T120 pretty basic and changed for Hagon instant improvement and very noticeable. But I did end up selling the 120 in favour of a 900 which I find very good even the shocks. Ride Safe Joe.
Triumph say maximum load (weight of rider, passenger, luggage) for entire Bonneville range (Street Twin, T100, T120, Thruxton) is 210kg.
Must say my old Street Twin struggled with pillion, but on the T120 it seems to make little difference, so 210kg limit across the range seems odd
I currently own a 2018 T120 and am really impressed I have owned a 1975 CB750, 1981 CB750SS and a 1981 750 Nighthawk as well as several CB500 and 2 CB350 versions. I have no doubt you will enjoy this bike. You wil love the torque for sure and that will come in far more handy for 2 up riding than the CB1100. Looking at some of the other replies, the shocks are quite adequate but a little stiff and the 270 degree crank firing is by far a more logical setup for proper scavenging and rotational efficiency.
That is the number for the weight it can carry. This is from my Manual: "The total weight of the rider, and any passenger, accessories and luggage must not exceed the maximum load limit of 210 kg (463 lb)."
