Triumph Bonneville T120: Specs, Features, Background, Performance, & More

When buying a motorcycle , a rider looks for a powerful engine, striking looks, and a superior ergonomic design for comfortable cruising and exciting long-distance trips.

Triumph is well-known for manufacturing performance-oriented motorcycles and it’s Bonneville T120 is the best example of these qualities. This legendary bike was launched in 1959 and never failed to meet the expectations of its riders. Its sleek frame, light handling, and responsive throttle is now better than ever.

Read this article to find out what makes the Bonneville T120 one of the most iconic motorcycles  of all times.

Introduced in 1959 by Triumph Engineering, the Bonneville T120 was the first model in the Bonneville cruiser series. Later, the Triumph Motorcycle Limited continued this motorcycle’s production. However, the production of the Bonneville T120 stopped after 1975 and a 750 cc cruiser designated as the Bonneville T140 was introduced in its place.

Here is a quick summary of the Bonneville T120’s backstory:

In 2016, a bigger and updated motorcycle was launched. This was the new Bonneville T120, powered by a 1200 cc fuel injected engine, a five-speed transmission, and an X-chain final drive.

A Quick Comparison of New & Old Bonneville T120 Motorcycles

Bonneville T120 Mechanical & Aesthetic Changes

In 2017, Bonneville T120 motorcycles came with an updated six-speed gearbox. Moreover, the bike’s rake angle was reduced from 28° to 25.5°, and its trail was decreased from 4.7 in to 4.1 in. The rear tire size was also increased from 130 mm to 150 mm.

In addition to the mechanical upgrades mentioned above, the design team also launched exciting new color schemes to appeal to the target audience. The details are provided in the chart below:

The latest Bonneville T120 models borrowed their styling cues and attitude from the original bikes. The modern engine technology augments the striking look of this bike.

At first glance, you are bound to notice the engine’s heart-shaped aluminum brushed cover featuring Triumph’s logo. The modern cooling fins and the engine’s robust throttle bodies add to the bike’s charming looks manifolds. The large fuel tank comes with stylish paint jobs and knee pads while proudly boasting the chrome-finished metal Triumph badge.

The black seat features white piping to give it a more classic touch. The saddle and passenger pillion are an elongated single seat featuring a ribbed top.

The classic cruiser styling is evident from the extensive chrome details throughout the bike, including the handlebars, mirrors, mudguards, headlight, silencers, silencers, and fuel tank cap. On the other hand, the blacked-out front forks and color-matched fenders create a stark contrast.

The 1200 cc liquid cooled parallel twin engine is designed to provide an exceptional riding experience. For this new engine, the engineers used light-weight and effective crankshafts to reduce the engine’s mass.

The powerful engine delivers high torque that starts from low rpm to mid-range. This claim is evident by the 105 Nm of peak torque produced at 3500 rpm.

With its liquid-cooling system, the engine gives out low emissions that ensure better fuel economy.

The upgraded assist wet clutch with multi plates and balancers help reduce inertia for more responsive throttle action. The torque assist clutch reduces stress on long hauls and traffic dense roads.

The two-into-two exhaust system comes with chromed twin-silencers to produce a deep sound. The exhaust hides the catalytic converter under the bike to give it a cleaner finish.

The advanced six-speed transmission delivers the engine’s power to the rear via a chain final drive with remarkable precision.

The dynamic handling of the Bonneville T120 makes it a hit among American cruiser enthusiasts. Even at a standstill, the bike has nimble steering that allows it to move with minimal effort.

The cartridge front forks and adjustable rear preload suspension offers plush wheel travel that make for a smooth riding experience. The suspensions also improve the bike’s ergonomic comfort. The Bonneville T120’s suspensions reduce the shock of bumpy roads and make your long-distance trips more enjoyable.

The Bonneville features 32-spoke aluminum wheels which reduce the bike’s weight and inertia, enhancing the bike’s maneuverability.

The 100 mm front tire and 150 mm rear tire maintain the bike’s sleek silhouette. They offer optimum traction without causing the bike to slow down when turning corners.

The front brake is a single disc with high-quality Brembo two-piston calipers and sliding rotors. At the rear, the two-piston Nissin calipers are responsible for braking. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) improves braking power considerably. The brake setup ensures maximum stopping power, safety, and riding control.

The bikes feature a long seat perfect for two people. The firm seat will ensure maximum comfort no matter the duration of your ride. The forward-mounted foot-pegs and drag style handlebars offer a comfortable riding position for all riders.

The bike features a bar-mounted, twin dial instrument panel comprised of an analog tachometer and speedometer. Moreover, the Bonneville T120 is also equipped with a handlebar-mounted cruise control button and LCD for multi-functional displays. The ride by wire system features two throttle maps for absolute riding control.

The bike also features two distinct riding modes:

1. Road Mode
2. Rain Mode

Both riding modes adjust the speed, throttle, and traction control of your bike according to the climate and road conditions to better ensure a safer ride.

For outstanding forward lighting, the Triumph Bonneville T120 features an LED headlight that creates a brighter beam of light to illuminate the road ahead at long distances.

The rectangular LED tail light is not integrated into the rear fender and looks stylish when coupled with small round turn signals.

The 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 can attain a top speed of 120 mph on freeways.

The Triumph Bonneville is a heavy midsize cruiser with an overall length of 2230 mm and wet weight of 520 lbs.

The Triumph Bonneville T20 possesses a 1200 cc engine that generates a peak horsepower of 78.9 bhp at 6550 rpm.

The motorcycle company claims that the Triumph Bonneville T120 has an average mileage of 50 mpg.

The Bonneville T120 is one of the most powerful and biggest motorcycles of the Bonneville lineup. However, the bike’s agility, retro looks, smooth gear box, reliable ABS, and affordable price make it a suitable bike for beginners.

Although a bagger motorcycle is more suitable for long hauls, you can travel on interstates with your Triumph Bonneville T120 as well.

Performance wise, this bike possesses everything you would need for an exciting motorcycle trip. A 3.83-gallon fuel tank, with good fuel economy, a 1200 cc engine for peak torque production, an ABS system for stability, powerful forward lighting, and high levels of comfort.

However, it lacks the basic travel accessories that can enhance your bike’s touring capabilities and ensure an enjoyable riding experience.

Consequently, you would need to set up your bike for long-distance travel with aftermarket parts. Install fairings, luggage racks, saddlebags,rider and passenger backrest, sissy bars, and crash bars.

With these add-ons, you can travel over 200 miles, camp at a beautiful and relaxing camping destination, and return home after a couple of nights without any trouble.

Once you return, your customized bike will have a new look that will attract admirers wherever you go.