Hey Ol man. Just to let you know, today I went and put down my deposit on my T100 in this exact paint: competition green and ironstone. Your videos were very inspiring to me, thank you for taking the care to edit them and present them so nicely. I’m thrilled for this, it’s my first bike, and I’ve always wanted a Bonnie since I was a kid. I’m 42 now so it’s taken me a while, but I’m glad to finally arrive. Thanks again!
What do you think of the experience? For a first bike, did you find it too powerful, or perfect? Thank you very much and enjoy your new bike to the fullest.
@@brunoferreira9406 Very hard to put into words, since it's everything happening all at once. It’s sublime. It’s so classy, it just purrs, it has tons of torque. It smells of bubblegum and leather. It glides round corners like you’re flying. It does 0-60 in around five seconds. The paint and finishing and detailing is exquisite in person. It sounds like distant thunder, it just burbles. Thanks for the kind wishes and ride safe and easy :)
The T100 is the sweet spot of the Bonneville family and often underestimated. Enough power for 97% in real traffic and easier to handle as the T120 for the front wheel is lighter (1 disc break). Cheers from Germany 🇩🇪
@@ianfutcher1518 I disagree. The rear brake, no matter how powerful it is (most are not), is not very effective as the bikes weight transfers forward during braking, loading the front wheel and lightening the rear. This can easily cause the rear to lock up and slide, unless you have ABS, in which case ABS limits the power of the rear brake to prevent lock-up, but that also means the rear brake isn't contributing much to stopping the bike. There are times to use the rear brake, but to rely on it to help stop you quickly because the front brake has only one disc just doesn't work.
@@gzk6nk I wouldn’t use the rear brake in isolation except for low speed manoeuvres and for that reason you don’t want the rear brake to be powerful anyway. Used with the front brake when needed actually balances the bike avoiding lock ups or handling issues. Good training will teach you this.
I’ve had a T100 Gold Line for the last year that’s what I always think; is just right. When I ride to work I go 75 mph at about 4000 RPM. And I really love riding the backroads of Arizona on the weekend. Just a lovely and smooth ride. I love the riding position for me at 54 years old. Relaxed riding position and doesn’t wear out my legs the way they did on my Ninja 400.
Owning a T100 for a little over two years now I can honestly say it's a marvelous bike. Solid as the day is long. I've got almost 7k on mine and have loved every one of them.
I've had a T100 for over 10 years now. An 865 carb model and it's been fine. I also had a T100R Daytona back in the 80s and I loved that bike too although it needed far more maintenance than the modern incarnation. I'd love to get my hands on the latest T100
I have the speed twin 900 same bike different clothes and I agree with you and Darcy, about mudguards that’s why for winter I have modified and fitted one from a RE Classic 350 , works great and looks the part as well, as you say the 900 is definitely a special engine with plenty of power for everyday use.
It would be nice if we had the opportunity to see how your bike looks with the Classic 350 mudguard. I'm sure it is beautiful and practical too. Please, make a video showing the bike. Regards from Brazil. ✌
Agreed it’s one of the best all rounders. Prefer the 5 speed box as not so much constant gear changing and more accessible torque. Bar end mirrors look great and practical. 👍
Having a Royal Enfield INT650 where my commute involves mostly 40-45mph zones where folks do 5-10mph over, I'm always using all 6 gears. I know I don't need to, but my brain says 6th gear is there so use it. Honestly, even after 13,000 miles, without a gear indicator I often can't tell whether I'm in 5th or 6th at between like 44-48mph because the shift makes only like a 200-300 RPM drop. It feels like an awful lot of shifting, and sometimes for turns I kind of fuss whether to go to 2nd or 3rd. I really now could understand how "only" 5 speeds could actually be an advantage. I did have the 5 speed Himalayan 1st and it did feel like a significant change going to 6 speeds.
I screenshot -ed several moments of this video to save to my computer wallpaper pictures. I will pine and lust for this bike as the weeks roll by. Great paean to a gorgeous piece of equipment!
Great review, the setting suits the bike. Triumph got it right with the 60's British bike look in a modern package. I love my 2020 Speed Twin 1200, I wanted the extra low down torque and cast wheels with tubeless tyres.
Thank you kindly for all your reviews. My wife and I are getting into motorbikes late in life, we’re both in our 50’s and in the process of purchasing our first bikes. She just picked up a Speed Twin 900 and being 6’3” I’m filled with trepidation… fear of being too tall for a T100, but you are the same height (and similar inseam) and look just fine on this beauty. Thanks again!
I had the pleasure of meeting Darcy and yourself at the Birmingham Bike show. As an owner of the 900 Triumph Speed Twin, we discussed how the 900 is the sweet spot in the current range. Keep up the great work, was awesome to meet you. Decent guys 👍🏻👍🏻
Had the T100 for five years now and you nailed it if one had to describe it in two words: just right. No regrets at all for finally choosing this over the T120.
Love my 2021 T100! Wonderful to ride, confidence inspiring, plenty of torque, handles tight turns easily and the thrum of the exhaust leaves you feeling inspired to ride more.
I often go in my cold ass garage in the winter (Canada) just to look under the bike cover at my T120 Gold Line. Just to remind myself "Yes" i own one and admire the build quality. Even my Wife loves the look of it, she sees me out and about in town on it and says it just reminds her of the good old days when things were a lot simpler.
I watch all your videos. You have a wonderful way of giving a lot of detail without going into all the technical spec. I ride the T120 but this bike looks beautiful. ❤
I may have mentioned this before, but I rode all of the Bonnie variants during the Sturgis Rally this past August. I came back to the T100 three times because it was the one that really called to me. I see one in my future as I near my seventies. I do have a couple of gripes, however. The main gripe is that I long for the sound of the old Brit bikes when they were timed at 360 degrees. I understand the reasoning behind the 270 crank, and they do sound ok, but they just don't sound like a sixties British Twin. Now, the only bike that I know of that still uses that 360 timing configuration is the Kawi W800. Those sound amazing at full song. Second gripe is, and I agree with you, the fenders should be more functional and made of Steel! I think I told you, earlier, that I have solved a similar problem on the Guzzi (shown in my You Tube profile photo) by trimming a nice piece of harness leather to extend the bottom of the fender. Attach it to the fender with a couple of nice chromed buttonhead bolts and it looks nice. One of these times, I'd like to see you feature a W800.
Had one of these as you know. Perfect. Single throttle body gives perfect fuelling without a hint of snatchiness. 5th gear at 70mph is about 3500rpm which is right in the sweet spot of torque. Sublime handling - partially due to the single front disc with less rotational mass. Plush ride and excellent brakes. Clunky yet positive gear change (for some reason the 2nd-3rd is always the noisiest 🤔). Better switch cubes and brake master cylinder than the pee pot found on the Street Twin (Speed Twin 900). I would have kept it but the balloon payment at the end of the PCP wasn't financially doable. Thankfully my Classic 350 ticks most boxes more affordably. But I'd have another T100 in a heartbeat
Very informative review of the lovely Triumph T100 with wonderful background scenery as well. The setting with the sheep at 3.05 is a painters dream. Cheers
how fun - i’ve mentioned before your workout / motivation video convinced me to buy a T100. i’ve since wondered if I should upgrade to the T120, but just as with cars, sometimes it’s better to have less power. like driving a small 200hp manual sports car through a mountain pass, you’re using the engine and shifting can be extremely involved in the best way. in a lambo you might ride the whole pass and never shift out of second gear. ‘just right’ I think is exactly right 👌
I have a RE Classic 350 now - love it! I feel it's the closest thing to the pre-2016 T100, minus half the engine 🙂 But I'll tell you, The T100 is the bike I always think SO fondly of. I had a 2013, red & white, tastefully mod'd to perfection - that I regret selling to this day. I haven't decided if the newer liquid-cooled models would meet the overall experience of the pre-2016 models. Exhaust / emissions setup, 270 crank vs 360, forks setup (gators not standard?), shorter front fenders, etc. Still - a GREAT bike. But there's something about those older models that just feels different.
Blake was here, as far as points you brought up is valid, I enjoyed the review and not washing it is my style of bike!. Most hate me because I do not wash my bikes..... as often as I should. I just like to ride. Own my truck 24 years and love detailing her, when she had 150,000 miles. She is now 210,000 miles and it's called patina now! Anyways, great job my friend. If I liked my dealership near by, I would look at one. But, it's horrible that people make our choices on what to buy or not to buy in my case. Like you, like the bike, but hate the dealership.
@@GapBahnDirkand the dealership sells kawasaki, and I own two. I was dealing with the service department and that was where I really lost respect for them. I bought both from other dealerships due to having product during the 2020 thing. But to have two bikes to service in one home 3 miles away. They lost out.
What a beautiful bike im a big triumph fan after owning lots of bikes but to me the triumph was the best all rounder so i have two and looking for the third . it will be a T100 the look is just awesome real rockers bike ...
Beautiful and on point review! I bought this bike a few months ago (2017 model) and it totally brought back the fun of riding a motorcycle for me, after having ridden an adventure bike before this. As soon as I sit on it and start the bike it makes me totally relaxed and just want to ride it forever, together with a huge smile on my face that it. The mirors are to small for me as well and im not a gym fanatic, just very tall so I sit quite a bit more towards the rear. As a solution I have ordered the Halcyon bar end mirrors, which look Stunning, should give s great view and seems to suit the high end materials being used overall. Keep up the good work with these videos, I loved the earlier review of this bike as well, exactly as it is 👍
I bought a T100 in 22. Riding it is so enjoyfull due to it's superb, nimble handling and lot's of torque at low revs. Pushing the bike on country roads is also fun, because the suspension is stable and the pegs have enough ground clearance to allow for "sporty" lean angles.
Was sitting (not riding) on one of these just last week. Next to the BKK Kawa Service Station is a Triumph Showroom, hence I walked into the shop after dropping my Z900 RS for its 18k (km) service. Based on your VDO I will most definitely go back for a test ride. Thanks for your top quality work, Ol'Man 🙏
I rented one a few years back here in Southern California. Did a 350 mile trip through the desert. I was impressed. Handled nicely, had enough performance, perfect size. I'd be happy to load one up with camping gear and take off for a week trip. It needs a bigger tank for touring, 100-120 mile is just not enough.
Totally agree on front mud guards being to small on bikes, I have a Honda NT1100 that has a ridiculous small guard, the only extra I got for the bike is a fender extender from pyramid plastics. Keep up the great reviews, top channel 🏍👍
These are a gem of a bike. I have the speed twin 900. Just a joy to ride. That 900 motor is so good. Most enjoyable bike I’ve owned in 35 years of riding.
I am 64 and purchased a mint 2015 Tspirit T100 (TOR exhaust awesome) in 2023, coming from my stunning triumph street triple 675! You just proved my point on that bends. Just no fun on the twisties fantastic for local cruising and did attract attention but sorry the Street triple 675 is in a different league 🤷♂️ I love triumph’s I now have a Speed triple 1050 shhhh 🤫 it’s a better bike than the Z900rs guess different strokes for different folk’s 🤔 stay safe 👍
Great vid. I rather have a 1200 Bonnie than a 900 but that's just me. Nevertheless, a great watch that makes you want to try one. And top marks for the music you're using now in your vids. It's grown-up and contemplative. So much better for taking in the bike. we're not all 17 year olds with pods in our ears. It's nice to be treated as adults. Understated class. A bit like the Bonnie I guess.
I feel Mozart would have liked this bike; in the notes for his overture to 'The Marriage of Figaro' he's alleged to have written 'Cannot be played too fast nor too loud!' . . . seems appropriate eh? My envy is as green as that lovely paint job, & my heart feels for you in having to return it! Ahh : )
I got a very gently used 2018 T100 few days ago. My first bike. What a solid machine it is. Surprisingly zippy for it's weight, it loves corners too. And those are some of the best stock pipes I've ever heard. I was thinking I'd want to change them, but now I'm reconsidering. They're not loud, but when you open it up wide between 3-4k rpm it just has that deep raspy bark to it. It's like Tom Waits' whiskey drenched vocals. Things I didn't like so far is turn signals are annoying to cancel, but that's a similar story on many other bikes and is a matter of getting used to. And shift lever is perhaps a bit too close to the left peg, or too low. I just find it not that easy to slip my boot under it, so I end up using very rightmost tip of the boot. Will look into maybe a different lever. Other than that it's exceptionally well thought out. Can't say enough things about those gauges, under close inspection they are absolute works of art. And very readable too.
I'm breaking in a scrambler 1200 as my first bike, and I was supposed to keep it under 4k rpm the first 300. Having passed that, the engine has so much power to do anything I need it to. Impressive engine.
I reckon you’ve just about nailed it with that review. I have a 2019 which has had its airways unblocked and a few other tweaks and it does everything you’ve described with sprinkles on top. I could be seduced into thinking I need something bigger and better but I really don’t. Nice work.
That radiator was a mess, if nothing else I would hang some type of mud flap on that from mudguard Then I would find some custom guys to build me a proper mudguard It’s really weird how manufacturers prioritize style over functionality Good review I’m current looking for a low mileage carbed version
I’ve had my T100 for nearly 4 years. Light easy to handle. Sounds great looks great. 2 fault’s worth mentioning. It has a nasty problem of engine surging when you think the throttle is off. It has inner tubes so when I had a puncture while on tour I had to have it transported home because no one was willing/ able to fix it. Otherwise it’s a keeper
Thanks for posting. It’s a nice bike, no doubt about it….but if it were my money it would have to be the Guzzi V7 for greater character and authenticity, riding dynamics and looks.
I'm the proud owner of a T120 Goldline but I can certainly appreciate the benefit of a little weight reduction and a quicker front end. Never ridden a T100 but it sounds like a sweet spot.
Had mine 2 years... Decatted it (USA, USA)... and a free flow A/C... sounds so much better with the stock pipes and runs great! Certainly runs cooler without the cat barbequing the oil sump. I also have a Speedmaster and I think the 900 B-ville is the more adaptable and universal bike. Speedy just sounds so good stock that I haven't decatted it yet but did put in the free flow A/C. I have a front fender extender (rear) that will eventually find its way onto one of these and I will order another one for the other. If I had to keep one it would be the T-100 but fortunately I don't... Life is good!
you can also throw some semi-knobbly tires and do a bit of green lane on it, its just a do it all but master of none. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable my street twin going at moderate speeds on a green lane when standing on the pegs and letting the suspension do its job. I installed a street scrambler handlebar and a modified street scrambler bash plate, crash guards and wider foot pegs along with a street scrambler rear brake lever and a 1200 scrambler shift lever. I have a 55hp on mine but the torque really makes up for it, a super low centre of gravity and unexpectantly not bad in traffic situations, and those looks...The most beautiful shape for a motorcycle Imo.
I think the gauges would look a LOT better if the plate they are mounted in was satin black rather than silver. Looks like the wrong end of a pair of binoculars as it is. I agree about those mudguards - just inadequate as the muck on that bike amply demonstrates. I saw Darcy's review of the tricked-out R18 and could not believe the ludicrously short back mudguard on that. As I commented, in the rain you'd be blasted from behind by dirty water off the road and end up looking like a skunk! He replied that as he didn't consider the bike safe in the wet, he wouldn't be riding it in those conditions! (I think that was due to the near-slick rear tyre they'd fitted - again, perhaps not a very bright idea!).
@@asacarrick1385 What ARE you on about? Edward Turner died decades ago - how could he have designed a 2023 bike? And the bikes he DID design had the two clocks mounted in a black panel, not a silver one. I know, because I used to own an original Bonneville. Go have a look at some Meriden Bonnie pictures!
The problem with full size mudguards of the 50's is that it is very difficult to remove the wheels. Earlier bikes had hinged mudguards to facilitate their removal.
Nice summary on the T100 👍 I keep looking at these as a two up bike with the wife for days out in the summer I prefer the T120 because i think the styling is slightly better I’m not sure why they should be different in looks but there’s definitely something in it and it has the larger motor which I think may be better for two up riding But the T100 appeals to me because it’s cheaper and I don’t think the performance difference would make that much of a difference in general day to day use and it still looks great
I'm fortunate to have the exact same 2024 t100 colour combo. I've been riding for 25 years and had all sorts of bikes . In my opinion, the t100 is a superb bike in every way and feels great to ride but I feel a 6th gear would be great, gaiters and main stand should be standard. The quality is superb and that is something that triumph has improved greatly in the last 15 years. Also I found my triumph dealer to be excellent all round.
I went for the T120 myself, mostly because of the additional gear. On motorways it's nice to just burble along at 110 km/h at low RPM. The power and torque is so much it's just unnecessary really, extremely rarely do you actually use all the power. Both the T120 and the T100 are quite heavy bikes though, so if I was only doing city/backroads I'd go for a lighter bike altogether.
What a great review. I love your Goldilocks analogy and can see BSA nicking that. I agree with everything in your review but for the mirrors which were fine for me. I wish Triumph would fir progressive fork springs as standard as these improve the handling so much. I also would like it to be a 6 speed just to bring the revs down that little but more. I had a T120 which while faster and more powerful was snatchy at low speeds and agree the 900 engine is the gem of the range. I've dropped a clanger and bought a new Transalp which has the uncomfiest seat of probably any of my 50-60 previous bikes and miss the Triumph seat already, (high possibility of switching back to a Bonneville). Once again a great honest real world review 👏👌
Great bike, always has been. Great music too. Nice NOT to hear crunchy electric guitar in a bike video for a change. And totally fitting that such class is in a Triumph vid.
Your videos are great to watch-love the scenery and am most jealous of your lovely roads, perhaps I should move to Wales! Music is nice too. Love the T100 , especially in that color combo-the details, looks, quality, power- all seem right on the money for me as a reentry rider. You are quite right about the shorty mudguards-lots of cleaning will be required. Think I will be ok with the added cost compared to the RE 650 which I also really like-thanks again and look forward to future videos, including comparisons.
Reminds me of MY 1979 Triumph. My fenders/Mud guards are long and work. Never got the butch cut fenders that DO NOTHING. Also I think the weight of the 79 is lighter and handles extraordinary. Not sure I will EVER upgrade as I"m almost 70 years old and still love my OLD Triumph
Thanks for this - I've got the 2023 model, and, as usual for me, I had to change out the seat after an hour or so of riding it. I've got the King and Queen on it now, and that's not a great deal better comfort wise but I'm hoping it will bed in soon. What is it with bike manufacturers and seats????? I'm a lot shorter than you and I get about a half view from the right-hand mirror and pretty much full view from the left, oddly enough. I don't like bar-end mirrors because of the look of them and will try and get a/market long stem ones. The mirrors I had on my Tiger were terrific. Other than that, I had progressive forks and shock absorber fitted, and I'm very happy with it. It is fast enough for me, but did you know Triumph have deliberately reduced the top speed of the T100 so it wouldn't compete with the T120? They restricted it on the T100 by the camshaft. TEC UK have a work around for earlier models, but not for mine.
My first test ride, back in 2017, was the street twin. Nice bike but I didn't like the seat and i thought the ride was OK. Next was the T100, much better. Then I tried the T120. For me, no comparison and a much better bike in all areas. I rode it home.
Agree with your verdict on ud forks. They were developed to reduce unsprung weight, so really a waste of time and money on non sports bikes. I like to see gaiters on these type of forks though, they give the fork seals more protection than the little rubber boot, and they add to the classic Triumph look.
Cool video! 👍🏻 Love seeing the Ol’ man and his unique take on motorbikes! And a hot cup of tea sounds just about right in that weather, doesn’t it? Although I might have chosen a hot cup of chocolate or another type of herbal tea.. 😁
gr8 bike, had a T100 for over 5 years, now I have a 1200 speed twin ( 2022) which is also a great bike and is a bit quicker. The only fault I could find with the T100 is in the adjustment of the rear chain you have to release or slacken off both rear silencers to gain access to the rear wheel nuts . If you take your bike to a dealer for this job then this is not a problem. .(p.s the 5 speed box of the T100 seems better than a 6 speed for me)
yes , i agree about the mudguard protection , but it's done for looks - as they would not sell so well if fitted with wrap around fenders , sad but true ;;; like the green colour rather than just all black ;;
A nice machine indeed ... If I owned one, it would be a black one with lots of chrome, then I'd get a Pyramid Plastics FendaExtenda for the front mudguard, and I'd also be tempted to spend a thousand quid on a belt drive conversion kit.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I see, I dunno why I am attracted to a higher displacement probably because the Indian Scout was already 999cc, and used to its power. Getting the T100 is a downgrade of that, hmm...
Great review. I have a Street Twin. I prefer the slightly more modern looking finish. It is a great all rounder. Well behaved but exhilarating if you want it to be. I can see a bit more in the mirrors, I need to join a gym.
I had a T120 until a couple of months ago. I traded it for the new V100 Moto Guzzi. I also have a V7lll Special. The comparison between the two, each has its good and bad points. I agree that the mirrors on the Bonney are terrible, I replaced them with bar ends. I also installed a belt drive, the Guzzi wins on shaft drive. I will never ever own another bike with a chain other than a cam chain. As for fit and finish the small bits on the Guzzi are much nicer, cast instead of stamped. The Guzzi seat is more comfortable, the Triumph seat is hard on the butt after a couple of hours, I replaced it with a king/queen seat. One of the main reasons I sold the Triumph was vibration. It shuddered at lower rpm under load and was buzzy over 3,500. It got old on long trips and the dealer said trhat was normal so I replaced it. Maybe it just needed throttle body balancing or something else but I am a Guzzi guy anyway so the new Mandello fit what I needed. The Triumph was a nice bike though just didn't do it for me on multi day rides.
I don't like upside down forks because if the seal is leaking even a little bit you lose all the fork oil. But on normal forks a slight leak is no problem.
Another great review with great photography. But it the T100 really worth the extra four thousand pounds over the RE Interceptor for most people? Oh, and what brand is that jacket, the brown Brando style looks so cool and retro 😎
Thank you 👍🏼👍🏼 Here’s a link to the jacket bikeweardirect.co.uk/products/genuine-top-grain-leather-brando-motorbike-jacket-motorcycle-protective-armour
The Street Twin / Speed Twin 900 is a stripped down version of the T100. As others have mentioned, I wish the ST900 had those dials instead of that cheap plastic single dial.
