As a Guzzisti, having just written off my Norge after 11 years, I was persuaded by an ex Guzzi, now Speedmaster owning friend to try a Bonny. I always said I would never have another bike without a fairing (since putting a handlebar one on my GT380) or chain drive (since my Spada)......and thought the modern Triumph twins were just....not very good. However on riding (Dec 2018) this 2017 watercooled T120, I was smitten, ....(especially as Guzzi currently offer nothing to replace the Norge!) but what a COMPLETE and together machine this was! Have added throw overs, chain luber, charging point, satnav and a comfortable saddle and am a very happy bunny. One question I would ask, if I have read any criticism of the suspension, it has been of the rear shocks, which I have found fine: it is the FRONT suspension, I feel, that is the bikes weak point, getting way too excited on poorer surfaces....is that considered the norm? It looks very nice too in its metallic red and silver grey paint...….and tiny!! Although capable of really taking off, being fairing less, I am discovering the delights of chilling at slower speeds...………... (France this Sept.!)
Welcome Caligula. Enjoy your new wheels. Regards front suspension a common change is to put on progressive springs such as those made by TEC - other brands are available.
Welcome and good choice!! Ive got a soft spot for Guzzi's since owning a Breva 1100 but Triumph gives you wider choice for everything including after-market. Something not always available for Guzzi's.
Well I nearly bought a v7 instead of my Bonneville but what swung it was my wife said I looked good in a belstaff style ‘triumph’ jacket which she bought me....... Bonneville followed !! Welcome in btw!
Welcome to the site, the new bonnevilles not known for there handling to be honest, but an easy fix, dealt with TEC bike parts for a while, provide good products at prices seem unreasonably cheap. They do progressive springs for front end and piggy back shocks for rear. Got a set of rear shocks myself, made a huge difference, and at a fraction of the cost of named brands. They also do loads of informative videos on youtube about improving handling and performance on triumphs. And how easy do it yourself, for those lacking confidence, they also do a kit for adjusting the damping on the bonneville just like think on the thruxton, if you need to fine tune the set up to your riding style. Hope this helps, upgrading both ends made a huge difference to handling, almost as good as all the meridan bonneviles I've had over all the years, and they're a good 40kg lighter. Hope this helps.
I have had made some improvements to my Scrambler with TEC products as well! There are many different sources available to you for products, shocks and springs, fork springs,etc. They vary wildly in price, as well as quality. I. for one, do not ride flat out all the time, nor am I even close to being talented or daring enough to feel the need the absolute best quality parts available.
