Hi folks. I am a 70 year-old teenager. Been on Harleys for the past 40 years and Hondas before that. My first serious bike was a Honda CB750. Had periodic flings with BMW 1200RT. My question: I am considering a 2018 T120. Love the old school look/style. As a Harley guy transitioning, what can I expect? My Harleys are maintenance-free (believe it or not) for the most part. Still keeping one of them, but this Bonneville is screaming in my ear that it needs a good home.
Well you won’t need to park it round the corner anymore at bike meets Seriously though, good choice and welcome along.
Welcome, it’s nice to have you here. A 2018 T120 will no doubt be a lot of fun. To answer the question about being a Harley guy transitioning and what to expect, I shall take the liberty to assume you mean transitioning to become a dedicated Triump acolyte, rather than say Thomasina... You can expect to spend less on chrome polish and more time riding (excepting COVID lockdowns). Both marques have dedicated fans (often the same people lucky enough to have more than one bike) and can make loyal friends - the Triumph ones however tend not to look like a certain member of the village people or clientele in that dodgy bar scene from Police Academy. Expect to pay the same inflated prices for Triumph accessories as you did for HD. And the Triumph dealerships tend not to be a impressive as the HD dealerships and their coffee isn’t as good either. However both are motorcycles and that is all that matters. Enjoy the ride whatever you chose and please join in the banter in here with photos and your experiences.
Welcome to the forum. Difference between the average Harley rider and a Triumph rider. The Triumph rider wants you to look at his bike. Judging by the way most Harley riders dress, the Harley rider wants you to look at him
TommyPR It that T120 is screaming in you ear change the pipes it will sound quiter. Only joking. Great bikes and I to rode Harleys trouble free for a few years. Welcome to the family if you do take the plunge. Or even if you don't. Joe
Welcome, Tommy. Most Harleys are not my thing but if you’re changing marques now it would be interesting to hear your views on the differences across the whole ownership spectrum.
Hi Tommy and welcome to the forum mainly the mid foot controls. Bent knees take a while to get used to after riding cruisers and the small brake pedal. Great torquey engine the 1200 parallel twin, you will enjoy the ease of riding and simplicity
Greetings, and welcome to the forum, Tommy! I love your description of being "a 70 year old teenager". I am one of those folks that Cyborgbot mentioned who is fortunate enough to have both Harleys and Triumphs and love them both (I have a Street Glide Special, a Low Rider S, and a Speed Triple RS.) You didn't say what Harleys you've had or currently have but I suspect that having had them for 40 years you've probably had a variety. My Harleys have been just as maintenance free as my Triumphs though the Triumph service intervals are a bit longer. You can expect the engine character to be different for sure. My bikes have all been 2010+ model years across both Triumph and Harley and I'd say the fit and finish as well as the reliability are comparable. And for some reason I like that the history of both companies bears many similarities. However, my riding gear doesn't differ significantly when I'm on a Harley as opposed to as Triumph since I don't ride my Harleys dressed like The Village People (yes, @Cyborgbot, I'm talking to you!). I do completely agree with Cyborgbot, however, when he says that "both are motorcycles and that is all that matters". Have you test ridden the T120?? If so, what was your impression and how did it feel to you? If not, try to get yourself on that bike for one. And do please let us know if you bought it and post some photos for us if you did. Also, I'm quite curious about which Harley you're keeping.
Thanks for the welcome. I am mostly a dresser guy though I also own a Heritage softail. I've owned just about all the big twins--dynas, softails , and touring. Haven't ridden the T120 yet but really like the styling. My first serious bike was a CB750. Owned a few BMW R1200rt over the years but they were too high maintenance for me. I like all bikes. Not a Harley snob. I am anxious for the weather to break here in St. Louis to be able to get out and test the T120. For me, it looks like a time machine, which appeals to me.
I'm with you, Tommy, in that I like all bikes. Mostly maybe it's that I like it when folks ride no matter what their personal choice. Those in our riding group represent a real brand cross section--H-D, Triumph, Indian, Victory, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Honda, and Suzuki. For me my tastes and choices run to Harleys and Triumphs. I'm not sure what bike I'd choose if it was from other than those. I'll look forward to hearing your assessment of the T120 when the weather improves and you get to check it out!
