So I got myself a 2017 T100 in April of 2018. I have some 13.000 km (about 8000 miles) on it so far and I absolutely enjoy it. The reason why I went for the T100 instead of the T120 was mostly because I had also read that the T120 was a bit more sluggish in the corners (we have a LOT of corners in the Swiss mountains!) and I did not see enough benefits at that time. In the meantime, I have spent a lot on accessories: two saddle bags, chrome luggage rack, all chrome covers, LED indicators and even a centre stand (to facilitate lubing the chain). I even thought about the heated grips as it gets chilly here in the winter. So yes, looking back I might as well have bought the T120. Might have come cheaper even. On the other hand, I just loved the blue/white colour scheme and the additional power and the 6th gear are not really useful for me: 120 km/h (75 mp/h) is the maximum you are allowed on highways in Switzerland. And honestly, going over about 100 km/h (60 mp/h) is already really tiring for me, hard to hang on, hard to steer, that kind of experience and speed in general are not what I bought a motor bike for. I did install a fly screen (the Dart Marlin), but that only allows for some 110 km/h (68 mp/h) or so, the wind hits my throat and helmet (I’m 1,78 cm / 5.8”), it’s not usefull really. So I’m not going to go any faster anyway, so why would I need an more power.
Regarding the original post, the handling of the T120 (my bike) compared to the T100 is accurate, but the T100 you tried had the Fox shocks on it, which makes the comparison impossible, IMHO. I just put the Fox shocks on my T120 and all my complaints about cornering are gone. It is like a new bike,solid, smoother, and cornering requires way less countersteering. I highly recommend the Fox shocks to any T120 owner. Started a separate thread about it earlier. Also, same problem here with the wind screen. Prefer to ride without it.
Brought home a "New to me" 2018 T100 about a month ago. Just had the 1st service done at Tampa Triumph, FL, USA. I had been riding large displacement heavy HD's and the occasional power cruiser form the Japanese Manufacturers (like the 113 cubic inch Yamaha Stratoliner). As I continue to age, much too rapidly for my taste, the weight of the machine seems to have moved up higher on my priority list. The Bonneville T100 is 265 pounds lighter than the 2014 HD Heritage Classic that I traded in and that reduction in weight is a pure joy. I love the ride of the T100. I think the bike is absolutely beautiful. The Dealer was loaded with T100's when his 2020 models started coming in and I got the 2018 leftover for $7,999 (US) plus the usual dealer fees. A very good financial deal, fair trade in allowance and the service is reasonable so far. The Handling is a delight to me (of course I have been riding some pretty chunky hogs) and the speed is adequate. That said, the seat isn't all day comfortable. The brakes don't have you saying wow, but they do stop the bike; you simply must be a bit more sensible in your riding style, which really isn't a bad idea as I am just a couple of years shy of Seventy. The T100 doesn't even seem to use any gas! I think I'm getting about sixty something miles per gallon (not an aggressive rider). All in all, unless you are flush with cash and or do a lot of Interstate Riding I would recommend the T100 heartedly...
I had the same experience with the seat on mine, the Triumph comfort seat fixed that. Not cheap but looks right and likely to work for you I'd imagine. Congrats on the bike.
Spent zillions of hours researching on T100 vs T120 and finally decided on T100. Test rode the 100 couple of times but no T120 available to test. Went to the local dealer with cash in wallet to order a new T100. Dealer said he had a nearly new T120 which had arrived just that morning and if I wanted to test ride it as I never got a chance. Came back home with the T120. Ride differences and additional accessories apart, the T120 just felt right for me. Very happy with the decision.
Gotta agree on test rides... bought 6 bikes in last 12 months, never tested rode any (How dumb is that?, no, don’t answer.)so, think I’m extremely unlucky that I didn’t buy the Street Twin first instead of last. Coulda saved myself a couple of bob methinks. Regards,Ken.
Hi Hudson Valley, The Fox shocks are handed. Hard to be sure off your picture, but worth checking they’re on the correct sides. Regards,Ken. PS. I’m usually wrong.
Good eye! They are on correctly, but what you're seeing is the washer, not the flange in the shock itself, which indicates which side they go on. It'd look a little cleaner with a black washer, I think.
I own a 2016 T120 and have to say that after over 20k miles, I love it. Fitted an x pipe, Avon storm xm, new chain etc! Recently got back from a two week ride around the NZ south island on a T100, 2up in all sorts of weather from torrential rain storms to full hot sun, with no problem at all. To compare; the T100 brakes were somewhat wanting especially 2up and engine lacked a bit in power, but to be expected really. After nearly 3k miles in just over two weeks it was a shame to have to leave because of lockdown! As said "I'm biased" but the T120 just has more get up and go, much better brakes, does a few more mpg and just feels right for me and especially for 2up riding. And the sound, wow. In the end they are both excellent bikes and can be relied on to be just that.
Hi All, I just bought a 2012 T100 a month ago. I wanted a smaller more nimble bike to use in NYC. I love the bike and want to use it all the time but now it seems a bit small. I have been teaching my sons how to ride on it and they love it. I'm a big guy at 6'2", 330lbs. The bike is awesome in that it reminds me why I love to ride, it's simple but has all that I need and nothing I don't need. But I wonder if I look like a circus bear on a tiny bike. I keep wondering if the T120 would be a better fit. I write this as I have ordered front and rear shocks, a tail tidy, new barend mirrors, signal lights, seat screws and side panel screws, and the engine guard. I want to make it my own. In other words I like the bike. If there are any big guys out there I would appreciate your opinions on the T100 and the T120. Or small guys I appreciate all opinions as long as there good ones. Just to let you know my other bike is a 2014 Honda Valkyrie aka a stripped down Goldwing that weighs less and has a honda civic engine. Fast as F@%k, but really big. Thanks in advance.
I'm absolutely loving my T100, the ride, the looks, the whole retro gear and the appreciation the bike gets. Totally different to my BMW, different mood and riding style. Covered 1050 miles on it from new, not bad considering we went through a lockdown phase as well. So happy with my choice
Oh yes, so pleased you like it. You just know immediately when you have the right bike. Its a Triumph!
