I just picked up a 2017 Bonneville T120 in carnival red and silver. It's an absolutely brilliant bike and I can't wait for some nicer (i.e., above freezing) weather to spend more time on it! I'm looking to kit out the Bonnie for long trips over the next few months and looking at some luggage rack and rail options. Has anyone mixed black and chrome accents (luggage racks, pannier rails, etc.), and if so, could you share some pics? Or is it considered bad form to mix metal types? On a similar note: any recommendations on pannier racks/rails that don't break the bank? I'm looking at the Tec Bike Parts rails since they're so affordable, but want to be sure they're OK quality too.
Hi and welcome to the forum, with a red and silver Bonneville I think that chrome luggage racks and pannier rails would be the way to go. I think that black would look out of place on a bike with loads of chrome and shiny bits! Ten bike parts are generally good value for money, they aren't the best quality but they are reasonable and cheaper than Triumph OE parts. The pannier rails are more than adequate for the job. If you are planning to use Triumph's own panniers then the rails carry little or no weight, they serve mainly to keep the panniers stable and keep them out of the back wheel!
I have two sets of Tec rails. So far, so good. I tend to try to match chrome for chrome/black for black. I've powder coated chrome parts to fit black color scheme. Usually cost effective solution.
This Fall I fell for a 2020 T120 with a blaze orange over black tank without the rather costly two piece Triumph luggage rack. The first owner had mounted Hepco and Becker C-bow black carriers. I found the H&B bags fine for errands but want to explore longer range motorcycle camping. Months of research before I settled on Givi monokey system. I mounted a Tec one piece rack which accepts a Givi top case mount, and BONUS, also fits the Givi side case mounts. All in flat black. For some reason I feel the Givi side mounts are less intrusive than the C-bow, blending in more like traditional pannier rails. Black Friday shopping scored some Dolomiti aluminum color 36 cases for sub $500. Pictures soon; Amazon delivers the cases today.
Sounds like a great set up! I have a Givi top case already and was wondering whether that Tec rack would work with it. If possible, could you post a picture of your setup? Would be interested to see how the Tec rack and Givi side mounts work together.
Givi PL4610 packs two mounting brackets: One for stock Triumph two part rack, and another with "U" bolt clamp for other racks (including the Givi SR4610). The Tec rack sits at the right level, and SO fortunately, the "U" bolt fitted directly between the braces which mount the luggage rack to the underseat fender. I kinda dig the aluminum contrast with the chrome to brighten up the bike. The black might be too much Darth Vader hahah.
This looks great- thanks for posting the pics! I really like that black and chrome contrast as well, and the Tec rack looks quite sturdy. (Hard to tell on their website)
Very satisfied with Tec rack. It also uses the forward attachment points for strength, never could figure out before I installed it that there are two *threaded* holes in the frame directly behind the top shock bolt. The rear racks are anchored to those holes with new bolts.
