Launch night

Well over here it's happening this thursday night.

 

Triumph Swindon seem to be launching the T120's and new Thruxton on April 23 and 24th.

 

Jack Lilley Romford have a launch 23/24 April too, but they've got a T120 demonstrator available now (which I'm taking out tomorrow !).

 

Dealer did ask me to keep schtum until after launch day, but I can say I was really impressed with it, but not having ridden any other Bonnie in the past, don't have any opinion on whether it's better than the T100. IMO it looks better and the finish was certainly good. There was a lot of poke immediately available from the off and it was a comfortable riding position. Given that I was in an urban environment, there wasn't much chance to open it up fully, but I did manage a couple of reasonably quick overtakes in 3rd and 4th on a dual carriageway and it spun up to 80 mph with no problem (it was in "rain-mode" too, as I prefer a more gentle power delivery - normal "road" mode should see an improvement). Coming from a 17" front wheel bike, the handling seemed a little ponderous to me to start with, but I soon got used to it and it won't be a problem for me in the future.
Overall, I really liked it and confirmed my order - just have to wait now....
Cheers

 

Delivery date given to me is 30 June (hopefully they'll stick to that, as I understand that the Street Twin is now December !) - I've ordered the cranberry/silver model - there was one in the workshop being readied for the launch day and IMO it looks much better than the T120 Black Graphite model I rode. The only accessory I've ordered is the "comfort" seat, as I found the standard one a bit plank-like.
This will be my first Triumph - I wanted a classic look bike with the latest technology and for me the Bonnie is the only game in town - the other marques so-called retro offerings don't come close (I think the Yamaha XSR 700/900 are fugly in the extreme, the Guzzi V7 is a bit small & the Ducati Scrambler just not my thing), so I don't really care what any test thinks - I'm getting it !!

 

Well , it looks like you're going to get what you want and make a few people on here jealous!

 

Not sure about the seat - I just saw a pic of it on the configurator. Not too bothered about the pillion part, as I don't intend to take any (unless the wife changes her mind - she hasn't been on the back of any of my bikes for the last few years!). Did check on delivery early this week - was still showing as end June (I had paid the deposit a little while ago). Fingers crossed.

 

So I went to the launch day at my dealer - bit of a disappointment if I'm honest, as there were only about 10 punters there ! Still, it was nice to see the new models in different colour options - still think I made the right choice in opting for cranberry/aluminium. Ended up adding LED indicators to be added as they look much neater (tip - if you're thinking of getting these and also considering a touring screen later, get the midi-length fronts, not short, as otherwise screen won't fit).

 

The Thruxton R is a great looking bike to be sure - if I wasn't so old and creaky I would definitely consider it, but as it is the T120's for me !

 

I was still having to commute 60 miles a day then, so no, unless I had more money and could have it as a second bike.
Thinking back 11 years ago, I was riding a Guzzi 1100i Cali - very comfortable commuter !