I've wanted a Bonneville for some time now and I'm getting close to taking a trip to the dealer. For some background, I'm 42 of slight (but able) build. For the last 13 months I've ridden a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and I've put about 6000 miles on it. It's a wonderful bike, but I'm looking for something with a little longer legs. I'm looking for some opinions on which bike to consider--T100 or T120. I'm curious if there is a substantial difference between the two in terms of things like weight, reliability, acceleration, etc? The price difference isn't all that much and I feel as if I went for the T100, I'd regret it in a few months. Is there one thing that the other does better or worse? I've done some research in terms of weight and power and all that, but I'd really like to hear from some owners. Also, how user friendly are these bikes? I'm pretty competent mechanically and have done all the maintenance and repairs on the RE, but these bikes seem more technologically advanced. Thanks in advance, and I hope to join the fray soon. -Ian
Welcome to the forum Ian. Personally I'd go for the T120 for the extra torque plus I think the T120 has twin discs up front so the brakes will be better, but only you will know which is best for you so it's a case of getting yourself down to the dealer for some test rides.
IFGD. Question answered i think. I myself prefer the t100. I had one of the first t120's at bulldog and did not like it. Seemed i was up and down the gears all the time to get it to respond. But i do believe they tweaked them from then on. Welcome to the family perhaps. Joe
The T100 will have similar legs to your Interceptor. I have one and it does not feel much different to my mate's Interceptor. If you want a bit more oomph then between the two you're probably best trying the T120, although it is a chunk heavier.
I was in the same quandry about the T100 vs T120. I test rode both. I rode the T120 first (maybe should have done them in reverse) and it was more than capable. The torque it has, was what I wanted to scoot out of the way in case of trouble. Without having to downshift. The T100 I could tell it wouldn't be long before we got used to each other and I would want a little more than it had. Just my thoughts I am going with the T120. A test ride on them will tell you what you need to know.
Thanks for the input, everyone. I'm not really looking for significantly longer legs. The Interceptor does pretty much everything I ask of it, just want something that is *a bit* more powerful. Also, and I should have included this in the original post, I really want a bike that's a little more refined and confidence inspiring. There have been a few too many instances of Interceptor transmissions catastrophically failing. Although occasional failures are not uncommon with any manufacturer, it seems to me too many to make me comfortable keeping it as a long term bike. The reg/rectifier crapped out at 3500 miles. That said, it's a fantastic bike for the money. From everything I've read/watched, Bonnevilles are good for many, many miles. I'm not one to trade up every year--I keep things for a long time. Headed to the dealer tomorrow to look at/ride a T100.
Personally, I think it depends entirely on your own use case. If you’re just going to ride in an urban/city environment, you may well find the T100 suits your needs. It’s a little lighter than the T120, and the extra power and scope provided by the latter may not actually be required. For me, though, that power coupled with a sixth gear, twin discs at the front and the increased suitability for longer journeys makes it a no brainer. T120 all the way.
Well, from my point of view, I'd go for the T120 every time. I've always found that the T100, just being a 500 was slow and just wouldn't climb a hill anything like I wanted it to. The T120 can easily be given Morgo barrels and be a complete hooligan. Obviously the T140s are the king of the hill though. Cheaper too than the overpriced T120 (which is a bonus).
Went with the T120. Just an amazing machine. I was pretty much decided on a T100 until I rode the T120. I take delivery on Tuesday. Glad to be part of the club!
Go for a Speed Twin 1200, lighter than either the T120 or T100, twin Brembos up front, three riding modes and enough torque to pull your arms off. I had a 2019 Street Twin (now the Speed Twin 900) which was OK but I soon found it a bit tame, so I bought a 1200 Speed Twin which is a brilliant bike, a keeper for sure. It can amble along like a T100 or burn up the road if you give it more beans, it's up to you. There are plenty of good, low mileage pre-2021 1200's on the market, they're Euro 4 so you can delete the cat more easily and give it a better exhaust note. £9k will get you a good one.
I haven't read all of the replies, so if I'm repeating what's been said, I apologize. I've owned both a T100 and T120. While the T100 is a nice motorcycle, the T120 is simply superior, at least specification wise. It really boils down to your use case. The T100 is more back road focused and feels pretty punchy due to its gearing. The 120 is certainly no back road slouch but does have higher gearing. The 120 is far more comfortable on the highway, has cruise and twin disks up front. The weight difference is negligible while riding and the riding position is the same (of course). A demo ride of both would be ideal. That said, I have owned both, but I own a T120. It just does virtually everything a want from a bike.
Thanks for the input. My replies to this thread took DAYS to be approved (I suppose because I'm a new member), so people may not have seen that I did end up purchasing a T120. I test rode both and it was a pretty obvious choice between the two. I take delivery tomorrow.
Bought a new 2023 T120 Jet Black Bonneville in October; fantastic machine; built and refined like it was made in Japan (no offense); excellent quality and precision; I have to temper my view because I only have 120 miles on it (winter here); BUT, I've owned over the years 6 Hondas, a 1971 Triumph Tiger, and a 2002 Harley Road King; so, this is not my first rodeo with a bike; every ride is a pleasure with that go fast torque - 3rd gear, 3K rpm, accelerates like a beast; you have to hold on or kiss your a!! goodbye - Happy Camper.
Good choice. I took a test ride on a Speedmaster last week, lovely engine, OK riding position but horrible suspension. When I returned the bike to the dealer I spotted a pristine 4 month/760 miles T120 in red/silver which had loads of extras. It was love at first sight ❤, it's getting delivered on Wednesday. I like that the latest euro 5 models have been on a diet and the engine re-worked to spin up faster.The lighter alloy rims should help make the handling more responsive, not sure about the usefulness of the cruise control though. It's a pity the heated grips were deleted on the Euro 5 models and the X-pipe is now "tamper proof" but at least mine comes with a centre stand. BTW I am trading in a Tiger 800XRx against the T120 so a bit of a change in style for me, I'll miss the luggage so some form of panniers may be on my shopping list.
Only you can decide....you say not much difference in price....there is in the UK....£3000 plus. Yes the T120 is more eye catching....love the carbs and the painted mudguards. But for me that was about it.....I bought a new T100 in 2020.....its got way more power that I need.....but maybe you would find a T100 slow. Only way is for you to decide...test ride both. On some of the YT tests.....lots of rides sat the T100 handles nicer.....is easier to move around on foot.....that important to me at 70.....ever the T100 is a heavy lump. If your buying new and like lots of chrome......far as I know only the T120 has chrome rims....I would not but todays T100 for that reason.
