T120 Worries

Personally I wouldn’t be put off buying a T120
The engine is a beauty and the low speed jerkiness can be dealt with in a number of ways
Depends on how hard you’re gonna ride as to wether the suspension is to your liking or not
Again it’s something that can be dealt with
If you ride on our salty winter roads and don’t keep on top of your cleaning then it’ll go rusty
It’s mostly metal
Pick the one that floats ya boat and enjoy

 

I chose the T120 'cos I love the looks and the motor and after 3 years I still do.
However, as dilligaff says, you have to keep on top of the cleaning, otherwise it can start to look a bit tatty very quickly. It's not the sort of bike that can take a bit of neglect, like e.g. H*ndas etc.
Luckily I'm retired, so have the time to pamper the bike - I also try and avoid crap weather, as I don't have to commute to work any more, but I do ride all year round.
I haven't had any water in the clocks.
If you like riding it and looking at it, get it - you won't be sorry.

 

Hi Dudis. I’ve got a 2016 T120 and am very happy with it. I’ve done some mods to improve on one or two aspects but I found this part of the fun of owning the bike. My clocks did mist but it was a no quibble warranty replacement. No trouble since. Enjoy the ride whatever you decide.

 

I too have the T120. I like the scrambler but the sheer power from the T120 is thrilling.
I have done a few mods, well who wouldn't and she runs lovely.
Very nice compact machine and has loads of torque. Looking after the machine I just wash her down and more importantly blow the water off with a powerful drier. Then just spray a protector over the vulnerable items.

 

Hi,

I went for T120 black 2017 in warranty, with 1200 miles on , done total of 6,000 now in a year.

Heard of issues with wheels, and was attentive to cleaning and protection, however after a serous soaking last year, and it maybe my lack of finesse..but wheels did break down.

Dealer agreed my cleaning was up to scratch, got a few tips on protection sprays etc,,,but Triumph agreed to replace both wheels under warranty.

Love my bike and wish had enough experience to understand what I ought change and why?! But now out of warranty would consider that.Arrived from dealer with x pipe and Vance and Hines exhaust..LED indicators..

Picking up so much here...I will be sticking with the brand and the modern classic vibe..most write ups,blogs,reviews I researched scored as outstanding.

M

 

new or used? https://www.totaltriumph.co.uk/pages/used/used-bikes/2017-67-TRIUMPH-BONNEVILLE T120-1200cc/5d0b9982246b76fd8.htm

I believe the clock issue was sorted for the 2018 models (which were sold from the end of Oct 2017 onwards).
The front disc noise dampening rubber ring appeared as well.

Used in winter it will deteriorate quickly but as mentioned, keep on top of the cleaning and polishing and it should look as good as new for many years to come.

 

Dudis.
Welcome to the Family. Take any bike and you will encounter the same stories. The Triumphs are as good as any other make. Sometimes you got to get the wax polish out and clean them. Plus if using in the salt conditions then you need a good treatment for them. I have my 2010 t100 and the wheels look as good as new. If it gets wet I shamy it of and as soon as I can I wash and wax it.
Ride Safe & enjoy.
Joe.

 

I have a 2013 america, great thing....but just seems they got a bit cheap on the chrome work, engine bits ok just things like indercators, headlite, rear backrest/rack, gotta keep at it, bits made in thailand maybe? Just gotta keep at it, takes up good riding time

 

Hi Dudis. Go with your heart .... but use your head!

As has been suggested, maintenance is more of an issue than is the quality of finish of the bike. If it's got chrome, spoked wheels and you use it in the wet and/or salty conditions without post ride treatment, expect it to tarnish and rust! I've seen more good looking, good condition (modern) Bonnies than I've seen tarnished, rusting ones - totally unscientific, I know, but the point is, it's as much down to the owner/rider as it is down to the machine, IMHO.

Buy the bike and buy one of these

https://www.bikedryers.co.uk/ .......... and use it. Often.

Buy some of this https://xcp-protection.com/products/xcp-rust-blocker/ and use it. Even more often.

Enjoy riding what you really want to ride and take care and pride in cleaning and caring for it. You'll get more out of it and for longer.

 

I had one of the very first T120’s and traded it in last year for a Tbird LT.

But I missed it so much I’ve just traded the LT in for a new T120 as I belatedly realised just how much I like them!

Any ‘niggles’ I had with the first one we’re too minor to be bothered about, certainly so as it was kept outside the entire time as well as being ridden throughout the years.

First one:


Second:


R

 

I’ve had a 2016 T120 for 2 years, only real issue I’ve had is squealing front brake which isn’t a recall in Canada apparently. Dealer offered to chamfer the edges of the pads down when it goes in for the next service. There is a jerkiness at low speeds but I’ve heard a booster plug takes care of this. I love the bike and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend one.