I ended up getting the T120. It has polished aluminum wheels, not chrome. I wouldn't have gotten the chrome wheels either.
The Euro 5 spec T120 now has silver alloy rims as part of the weight saving exercise, from what I see the T100 has black rims. The T120 also has fork gaitors, unlike the T100, which cover the chromed stanchions this also reduces the amount of chrome on show.
I test rode a T120 three years ago at Youles in Manchester. As I pulled away from the dealers it started stuttering and I nearly turned back but in a mile or so it sorted itself out. I loved the torque and the low throb of the exhaust but several days later I test rode a Z900rs and that just blew the T120 away in my view so that was that.
A bit late to the party here but I would also have gone with the 1200 so you made the right choice IMO. I have a Street Scrambler (900) and I'm very happy with it although there are occasions when a bit more oomph would be great. If they made a 1200 version that's the one I would have but they don't so I'll stick with it and still enjoy every ride.
Chalk and cheese TBH. If I was considering a 1200 Triumph Twin I wouldn't give a Z900 a second look, completely different machines in every respect apart from retro styling which is the only thing they have in common. I would certainly go for a new model Z900 than pay the ridiculous prices being asked for original Z1/900 bikes from the 70's. It will have 90% of the look with 200% of the handling and performance. Maybe not the same street cred among Japanese Classic aficionados but WGAS.
As you say they are both retros, that's why I tried them both and they definitely are chalk and cheese. The T120 felt like the dependable plodder and I would maybe like to own one some day but the Z900rs stirred my soul.
Take the Z strip it down a bit cut the arse end off and graft the back, back on Obviously do a bit up front, zorsts etc as well, but......
Hello Ian, sorry I'm late to the party but I'll give you my modest opinion. I've had my T100 for nearly three years now and have enjoyed riding it immensley. However, now that I've had time to gain confidence as a rider I plan to upgrade to the T120 this summer. I have decided that I'm ready for the more substantial 1200cc engine so I can travel longer distances with ease. The T120 also offers the aforementioned accoutrements and I'm sort of wishing I'd just purchased the T120 instead of the T100. Safe riding, brother.
In what way will the 1200 motor let you ride longer distance with ease. Max speed in the UK 70mph not sure where your are Sir......my T100 will do 70mph with ease....I weight 110kg. At 70mph its running at under 4000rpm.....effortlessly.
Good as the 900 motor is the 1200 is in different league when it comes to power and torque where it counts in the low to midrange. Yes you're correct, max speed in the UK is 70 but that's a pretty lame argument against bigger engines with more grunt IMO. More midrange means fewer gear changes for effortless overtakes and throttle roll ons, especially two up and/or loaded with luggage. Some might say that alone can make long distances "easier" but the 900 is still more than capable of crossing continents.
I agree completely. Here in Texas the roads are mostly flat and the 900cc runs like butter, but riding cross country I'd prefer the bigger engine. I'm not saying there would be any issues with the 900cc, but we have some dramatic terrain changes here in the states including long steep inclines across mountain ranges and the extra hardiness of the bigger engine would come in handy.
