New T120. Seeking Opinions On Intended Performance Adds.

MrELB · Jun 12, 2019

Hello and thanks for reading.

Just picked up a new 2018 T120 a few weeks back and new to this forum. I tested quite a few bikes before making my choice and just kept coming back to the T120. Happy to report that I'm smitten with this bike — for me it's the perfect combination of personality/character and refinement.

But, as we all know, it's not without its shortcomings. While I love the engine and transmission especially, and the brakes seem respectable, the suspension could use some improvement for my approx. 200 lbs. I also think the exhaust "note" is near perfect, but it could use to be a bit louder.

Here's what I currently have in mind:

TEC's front and rear adjustable suspension kit to improve composure and reduce jarring on our dismal Wisconsin roads, but also looking to avoid overly stiff riding options (heard the Nitros are very firm)

TEC's X-pipe, to increase the exhaust volume some (hopefully, not a dramatic increase) and ideally improve low rpm stumble

Booster plug, if X-pipe doesn't sufficiently reduce stumble

Possibly a sprocket change, but I don't know enough about the impact. Currently, my biggest gripe is 6th isn't tall enough (with 4th, 5th and 6th very close together). I'd like to be able to cruise at 80-85 mph at lower-than-stock revs. 1st strikes me as a little tall, but I care less about that.

Flyscreen to reduce a bit of highway wind blast (any recommendations for brand?)

Replacing existing seat foam with superior gel pads or similar (but I'd like to retain current seat cover)

Adding cruise control (already ordered from Triumph)

Modest cosmetic changes (Triumph accessory turn signals from U.K., different side covers, as I don't think plastic suits the bike — recommendations welcome)

Good choices? Would very much appreciate any feedback and recommendations.

Thanks so much.

Mad Cow · Jun 12, 2019

Motone has an excellent X-pipe. Cheaper than the others I have seen. I have one of these on my bike.

http://motone.com/x-pipe-cat-delete-exhaust-system-lc/

MrELB · Jun 13, 2019

Motone looks nice, but out of stock, unfortunately.

Quick update: I looked a bit further and picked up a new Motone X-pipe for modestly less than they're asking at the Motone USA shop. So, it's on its way here. That's one down.

Name · Jun 13, 2019

Have the same bike also new! Keep us up to date with what you do. Im curious about some suspension upgrade myself so particularly that. It just doesn't handle bumps well. Only complaint i didn't see on your list that i have is the stock tires have no where near the bank angle i need. Still gonna wear them out before buying new though. I just installed engine bars myself and waiting on levers from tec bike

MrELB · Jun 13, 2019

Name said: ↑

Only complaint i didn't see on your list that i have is the stock tires have no where near the bank angle i need.
Click to expand...

Very nice! I can't say enough how pleased I am with mine, whether just ambling along at 30 mph down a country road or pushing it a bit harder.

But it doesn't sound like I've pushed as hard as you. Assuming your "bank angle" is synonymous with lean angle, from what I've seen in videos (since I haven't done it myself), you'll scrape the pegs before you exceed the tire's capabilities (example vid here). So, unless you have raised or plan on raising the pegs, sportier tires wouldn't seem to be of much benefit.

Also (and I apologize if I'm stating something you already know), you always have the option of hanging some of your weight off the bike in the direction of the turn track-racer style to get a little more speed through corners, since that allows you to keep the bike more upright while getting around faster.

Still, OEM tires can almost always be improved upon. What I haven't explored is what's available in the bikes 18" front size (which we know is more limited than the 17" you typically find on sportbikes).

Name · Jun 13, 2019

MrELB said: ↑

Very nice! I can't say enough how pleased I am with mine, whether just ambling along at 30 mph down a country road or pushing it a bit harder.

But it doesn't sound like I've pushed as hard as you. Assuming your "bank angle" is synonymous with lean angle, from what I've seen in videos (since I haven't done it myself), you'll scrape the pegs before you exceed the tire's capabilities (example vid here). So, unless you have raised or plan on raising the pegs, sportier tires wouldn't seem to be of much benefit.

Also (and I apologize if I'm stating something you already know), you always have the option of hanging some of your weight off the bike in the direction of the turn track-racer style to get a little more speed through corners, since that allows you to keep the bike more upright while getting around faster.

Still, OEM tires can almost always be improved upon. What I haven't explored is what's available in the bikes 18" front size (which we know is more limited than the 17" you typically find on sportbikes).
Click to expand...

This is interesting, i had noticed my tire wear right out to the edge of the tread and was worried, but this brings some peace of mind. Haven't moved my pegs or anything like that. I generally do keep my weight above the bike in a harder lean it just feels right. I thought i slipped a bit when leaning to hard the other day, but maybe just a bit of sand or something i guess

joe mc donald · Jun 13, 2019

MrELB
Welcome to the Family. Do drop us all a picture of the steed. Something to drool over whilst Nursey medicates us all.
Ride Safe & Enjoy
Joe.

BigCLM · Jun 13, 2019

I have a 2018 Street Twin and a few suggestions:
- Fly screens don't offer much wind protection. Consider a larger screen.
- Side panels from Moto Trio
- Saddle bags
- Luggage rack
- EBC sintered brake pads
- Engine badges
- Union Jack radiator guard from Motone
- K&N air filter

Eastbournemark · Jun 13, 2019

MrELB said: ↑

Hello and thanks for reading.

Just picked up a new 2018 T120 a few weeks back and new to this forum. I tested quite a few bikes before making my choice and just kept coming back to the T120. Happy to report that I'm smitten with this bike — for me it's the perfect combination of personality/character and refinement.

But, as we all know, it's not without its shortcomings. While I love the engine and transmission especially, and the brakes seem respectable, the suspension could use some improvement for my approx. 200 lbs. I also think the exhaust "note" is near perfect, but it could use to be a bit louder.

Here's what I currently have in mind:

TEC's front and rear adjustable suspension kit to improve composure and reduce jarring on our dismal Wisconsin roads, but also looking to avoid overly stiff riding options (heard the Nitros are very firm)

TEC's X-pipe, to increase the exhaust volume some (hopefully, not a dramatic increase) and ideally improve low rpm stumble

Booster plug, if X-pipe doesn't sufficiently reduce stumble

Possibly a sprocket change, but I don't know enough about the impact. Currently, my biggest gripe is 6th isn't tall enough (with 4th, 5th and 6th very close together). I'd like to be able to cruise at 80-85 mph at lower-than-stock revs. 1st strikes me as a little tall, but I care less about that.

Flyscreen to reduce a bit of highway wind blast (any recommendations for brand?)

Replacing existing seat foam with superior gel pads or similar (but I'd like to retain current seat cover)

Adding cruise control (already ordered from Triumph)

Modest cosmetic changes (Triumph accessory turn signals from U.K., different side covers, as I don't think plastic suits the bike — recommendations welcome)

Good choices? Would very much appreciate any feedback and recommendations.

Thanks so much.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome. I’ve carried out many of the mods you are thinking about ie
Booster plug, TEC progressive front springs, Hagon rear shocks (better quality than TEC, a throttle resister (not quite cruise control but considerably cheaper), TEC levers, the larger of the two triumph flyscreens (work fine for my 5’7” height). Really pleased with all and the handling is significantly better. I’ve got the Motone x pipe but haven’t got round to fitting it yet.

Flashp · Jun 13, 2019

Whats your budget for suspension? I've tried the TEC parts you're talking about on my T100. They didn't stay on long. Now running Ohlins 3 way cartridge inserts and Nitron (not Nitro anything or other) rears. It's in a different class now but it's expensive. Worth every penny.

Norman Hyde sell a Power Commander, Toga silencers and de-cat X pipe as kit which is a great mod. Dynojet were loaned bikes to develop maps for and these are loaded onto the PC5's for sale. And you can get to the chain adjusters with the Togas AND they look like the original Bonnies did back in the day.

My rears are these with a black spring option: https://www.nitron.co.uk/products/motorcycles/ntr-r1-twin

Cartridge inserts: https://www.ohlins.com/product/nix-22/

And here's my T100 for a sound bite:

Something to think about! Loads of other options I'm sure.
Decent suspension rewards you every time you ride I think.

MrELB · Jun 14, 2019

A picture. Well, it's just a bone stock T120 like you've seen so many times before, but here goes...

MrELB · Jun 14, 2019

BigCLM said: ↑

I have a 2018 Street Twin and a few suggestions:
Click to expand...

- Fly screens don't offer much wind protection. Consider a larger screen.
I've heard this a lot now. Will probably pick something up that I can hopefully take on and off easily just for days when I can't avoid the highway.
- EBC sintered brake pads
Very curious to hear what you think of the upgraded pads.
- K&N air filter
Noticeable difference?

MrELB · Jun 14, 2019

Flashp said: ↑

Whats your budget for suspension? I've tried the TEC parts you're talking about on my T100. They didn't stay on long.

Norman Hyde sell a Power Commander, Toga silencers and de-cat X pipe as kit which is a great mod.

Decent suspension rewards you every time you ride I think.
Click to expand...

I'm not too constrained on budget, but I'd like to keep it under $500 (U.S.). Main thing is I'm not looking for track-level performance. My primary aim is something that does a much better job soaking up the horrid buckling we get here that feels like you're running over wrist-thick rebar every 20 feet. Secondary aim would be something that does a bit better job communicating what's going on with the road.

If I need to spend significant money to get that, so be it. Main thing is I don't want too stiff. Again, not looking for track day performance.

Re: X-pipe, I picked up Motone's yesterday, so it's already on the way.

Thanks!

Cupoftea · Jun 14, 2019

MrELB said: ↑

Hello and thanks for reading.

Just picked up a new 2018 T120 a few weeks back and new to this forum. I tested quite a few bikes before making my choice and just kept coming back to the T120. Happy to report that I'm smitten with this bike — for me it's the perfect combination of personality/character and refinement.

But, as we all know, it's not without its shortcomings. While I love the engine and transmission especially, and the brakes seem respectable, the suspension could use some improvement for my approx. 200 lbs. I also think the exhaust "note" is near perfect, but it could use to be a bit louder.

Here's what I currently have in mind:

TEC's front and rear adjustable suspension kit to improve composure and reduce jarring on our dismal Wisconsin roads, but also looking to avoid overly stiff riding options (heard the Nitros are very firm)

TEC's X-pipe, to increase the exhaust volume some (hopefully, not a dramatic increase) and ideally improve low rpm stumble

Booster plug, if X-pipe doesn't sufficiently reduce stumble

Possibly a sprocket change, but I don't know enough about the impact. Currently, my biggest gripe is 6th isn't tall enough (with 4th, 5th and 6th very close together). I'd like to be able to cruise at 80-85 mph at lower-than-stock revs. 1st strikes me as a little tall, but I care less about that.

Flyscreen to reduce a bit of highway wind blast (any recommendations for brand?)

Replacing existing seat foam with superior gel pads or similar (but I'd like to retain current seat cover)

Adding cruise control (already ordered from Triumph)

Modest cosmetic changes (Triumph accessory turn signals from U.K., different side covers, as I don't think plastic suits the bike — recommendations welcome)

Good choices? Would very much appreciate any feedback and recommendations.

Thanks so much.
Click to expand...

Hi,
Got the same bike. Added the following.
Decat, Remus silencers, k&n filter, booster plug, cruise control, small front screen, uprated Hagon nitro and front springs. Comfort seat. Just brilliant.

BigCLM · Jun 14, 2019

MrELB said: ↑

- Fly screens don't offer much wind protection. Consider a larger screen.
I've heard this a lot now. Will probably pick something up that I can hopefully take on and off easily just for days when I can't avoid the highway.
- EBC sintered brake pads
Very curious to hear what you think of the upgraded pads.
- K&N air filter
Noticeable difference?
Click to expand...

I do notice stronger braking with the EBC sintered brake pads. I just changed the pads, nothing else. Not hard to do.

Can't offer a comment on the K&N performance as I changed to a K&N air filter right after I purchased the new bike. I use K&N on all my vehicles as a high quality upgrade.

freck · Jun 14, 2019

BigCLM said: ↑

I use K&N on all my vehicles as a high quality upgrade.
Click to expand...

Just not the oil filters I hope

Flashp · Jun 14, 2019

MrELB said: ↑

I'm not too constrained on budget, but I'd like to keep it under $500 (U.S.). Main thing is I'm not looking for track-level performance. My primary aim is something that does a much better job soaking up the horrid buckling we get here that feels like you're running over wrist-thick rebar every 20 feet. Secondary aim would be something that does a bit better job communicating what's going on with the road.

If I need to spend significant money to get that, so be it. Main thing is I don't want too stiff. Again, not looking for track day performance.

Re: X-pipe, I picked up Motone's yesterday, so it's already on the way.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

To keep the budget down maybe Hagons and have a look at new springs for the front matched to body weight and try emulators. Andreani make a cheaper cartridge kit which I would have gone for were it available at the time.

My setup is compliant and the bike is very well controlled on uneven or broken surfaces. It's not a bike to go racing around on like a loon but more one that is usually used on smaller roads that are typically in poorer condition.

MrELB · Jun 16, 2019

Gazzatriumph said: ↑

I found the x pipe reduced the snatchiness in first and second gear.
Click to expand...

Very glad to hear. Now I just need to get over the hurdle of spending a day installing it.

Tubs Taylor · Jun 17, 2019

Hi Mr ELB. Welcome to one of the best forums ever.

I have 2016 T120. I have Hagon rears. Firm but compliant for our aussie bush bitumen. Fitted my Motone X-Pipe myself. Also a 39T rear sprocket. The sprocket is no good for what you describe you are looking for, however, can Highly recommend the x-pipe. I also have a K&N air filter. Together with Arrow pipes, it sounds AWESOME. Also my fuel economy has increased about 5-10%. Smoother throttle response and no lag off idle.Have dresser bars fitted. Recomended if you accidentaly drop her. I have a small bar mount fairing. Bigger than the dart, but smaller than the touring screen. OEM King and Queen seat is also brilliant. I rode mine home (3,700 km's) on the gel "comfort" seat. Title is not accurate for longer than an hour or two.
I am a commuter mostly, so this setup suits me and the bike. The original concept is brilliant. These tweaks just enhance it and finish it up.
Love my bonnie. Will NEVER sell it. They can bury it with me. I'm gonna try take it with me.

All of the stuff was done in the shed at home. Mr Fillingham (Youtube) is an excellent tutor with easy step by step vid's. Well worth watching. Have a go I say. It's very therapeutic working on your own bike, and helpful if anything ever breaks.

Can post a pic if you're curious.

Cheers,

Tubs

tbatti99 · Jun 17, 2019

MrELB said: ↑

Hello and thanks for reading.

Just picked up a new 2018 T120 a few weeks back and new to this forum. I tested quite a few bikes before making my choice and just kept coming back to the T120. Happy to report that I'm smitten with this bike — for me it's the perfect combination of personality/character and refinement.

But, as we all know, it's not without its shortcomings. While I love the engine and transmission especially, and the brakes seem respectable, the suspension could use some improvement for my approx. 200 lbs. I also think the exhaust "note" is near perfect, but it could use to be a bit louder.

Here's what I currently have in mind:

TEC's front and rear adjustable suspension kit to improve composure and reduce jarring on our dismal Wisconsin roads, but also looking to avoid overly stiff riding options (heard the Nitros are very firm)

TEC's X-pipe, to increase the exhaust volume some (hopefully, not a dramatic increase) and ideally improve low rpm stumble

Booster plug, if X-pipe doesn't sufficiently reduce stumble

Possibly a sprocket change, but I don't know enough about the impact. Currently, my biggest gripe is 6th isn't tall enough (with 4th, 5th and 6th very close together). I'd like to be able to cruise at 80-85 mph at lower-than-stock revs. 1st strikes me as a little tall, but I care less about that.

Flyscreen to reduce a bit of highway wind blast (any recommendations for brand?)

Replacing existing seat foam with superior gel pads or similar (but I'd like to retain current seat cover)

Adding cruise control (already ordered from Triumph)

Modest cosmetic changes (Triumph accessory turn signals from U.K., different side covers, as I don't think plastic suits the bike — recommendations welcome)

Good choices? Would very much appreciate any feedback and recommendations.

Thanks so much.
Click to expand...

MrELB said: ↑

Hello and thanks for reading.

Just picked up a new 2018 T120 a few weeks back and new to this forum. I tested quite a few bikes before making my choice and just kept coming back to the T120. Happy to report that I'm smitten with this bike — for me it's the perfect combination of personality/character and refinement.

But, as we all know, it's not without its shortcomings. While I love the engine and transmission especially, and the brakes seem respectable, the suspension could use some improvement for my approx. 200 lbs. I also think the exhaust "note" is near perfect, but it could use to be a bit louder.

Here's what I currently have in mind:

TEC's front and rear adjustable suspension kit to improve composure and reduce jarring on our dismal Wisconsin roads, but also looking to avoid overly stiff riding options (heard the Nitros are very firm)

TEC's X-pipe, to increase the exhaust volume some (hopefully, not a dramatic increase) and ideally improve low rpm stumble

Booster plug, if X-pipe doesn't sufficiently reduce stumble

Possibly a sprocket change, but I don't know enough about the impact. Currently, my biggest gripe is 6th isn't tall enough (with 4th, 5th and 6th very close together). I'd like to be able to cruise at 80-85 mph at lower-than-stock revs. 1st strikes me as a little tall, but I care less about that.

Flyscreen to reduce a bit of highway wind blast (any recommendations for brand?)

Replacing existing seat foam with superior gel pads or similar (but I'd like to retain current seat cover)

Adding cruise control (already ordered from Triumph)

Modest cosmetic changes (Triumph accessory turn signals from U.K., different side covers, as I don't think plastic suits the bike — recommendations welcome)

Good choices? Would very much appreciate any feedback and recommendations.

Thanks so much.
Click to expand...

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