Triumph Bonneville, No Centre stand, poor seat? Poor mudguards, Is it good enough? 

I put a black carbon fender extender on my black 865 and Avon Roadriders tires . Ive tried almost all the tires out there and the Avon Roadriders are extremely good in wet conditions, excellent tire.

Manufacturers can make front mudguards with a removable black 6" plastic extender. Then if a fashion victim wants to get their legs and the bike covered in crap they can take it off. That's fairer than making the rest of us have to buy a complete replacement mudguard for a brand new machine

My 2016 T120 black came with a centre stand and heated grips as standard. A couple of years ago Triumph updated the T120 by making it lighter, they spent some money on slightly lighter wheels, saved some money by deleting the centre stand and removed the really heavy heated grips, and then put the price up to boot!

Morning Keith. A few years ago, I did a long term owners review of my RE Interceptor 650, and chat about some of the things you mentioned here (ok, it’s not Triumph, but still applicable). The Interceptor was fitted with the Pirelli Phantoms, and yes they did “track” a bit, but I didn’t mind, as they gave excellent feedback, and I always knew where I was with them. Now I had BT23’s on a Yamaha MT07, and thought they were rubbish. They felt vague, and I just didn’t trust the front at all. I also had a rant about standard plank seats, basically accusing motorcycle manufacturers not producing bikes that are fit for purpose, in the interest of making more profit by selling a “comfort” seat option……that is so wrong on so many levels 🤬. Back in the day, there wasn’t any such devious money making tactics going on, except on some of the larger distance tourers, like Goldwings, but even then, the “comfort” seats were made by 3rd party companies, like Corbin. By and large, the manufacturers made the seats comfortable out of the crate. I agree with you about the mudguard too, mind you, the Interceptor didn’t have that issue as it came with removable fender extenders 😂

Hi there, just subscribed. I've got a 2017 T120 that I've had for just over a year now and I'm very much in love with it. It came with Pirelli Phantoms and although I've got no major issues with them they do have a tendency to tramline a bit and I will be changing them probably for Michelin Road Classics. I think you are definitely making the right decision having the genuine Triumph stand fitted and it sounds like the dealer is more than fair, many wouldn't even work on non-genuine parts. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I definitely prefer the look of the standard Bonneville mudguard over the RE Classic which, to me, looks old fashioned. I have got a fender extender but that is as far as I'm willing to go to compromise the looks. As far as the seat goes it is really individual, I've got the standard seat and find it superbly comfortable even doing 1500 miles in a week on it I had no issues with comfort. I hope you have many happy miles on your new bike.

Hi Keith great video I think triumph is the UK version of Harley Davidson ie. Charge ridiculous prices for average add-ons. Take care

Morning Keith, thanks for showing the pictures of my T100 and airing my Pirelli tyre issues. I am just like you with the never ending quest for the next bike or new addition to the current bike. I have had the Bonny for 2 months and am already looking at selling it and getting a Speed Twin 1200. Maybe this is an illness but as one of your subscribers said “you only live once “ 😂😂😂😂

I've got Pirelli Phantoms on my T100, also had them on an Interceptor (terrible seat as well). They do track and follow road imperfections. Comfort seat at £310 is a joke but necessary as the stock seat is awful. It's better but far from perfect. Mine came with a triumph centre stand and heated grips. It's a heave to get it in the stand but makes chain maintenance so much easier. I fitted a booster plug to reduce the snatchy throttle and slow speeds and it has helped.

Nice one Keith, enjoyed that 👍 Thanks for the shout out too. See you soon mate

Great content again mate get that lift bought 😏🤫🤣

If the option is a comfort seat then the original seat should be described in the brochure as the discomfort seat

I had bud ekins t100 now have a speed 900. The pereli tyres on the the t100 were never a problem wet or dry. Once get what you want then you always look to the next level 😂

Good video interesting points a bike should come with a centre stand especially one with spike wheels 👍

I have noyiced a bit of tracking on my T100 with std Pirelli tyres.....but its a none event....but I am going to try the Michelin Road Classics....As fitted by Triumph now. Just about wore the front tyre out at just under 7500mls....rear has loads of meat on it. Fronts are X-plys...rear is a radial....still not found out the reason for that combination.....Triumphs are not alone in such a fitment. Yes glad youir fitting the Triumph Ctr Stand....I have one...the OOOOzzz quality.....and have a sort of axle to spread the load.....hope your frame is ok after the TEC Part. I can understand why Triumph my not fit the item.....one to keep costs down as many owners now would not dream of getting there hands dirty doing maintained.....I do all of my own....always have. I have the comfort seat....TBH.....I found the std seat fine for the use I have with the bike.....usually max 70 radius. The comfort seat is also comfy well on the miles I do. Yes the front excuses for a mudguard.....crazy.....seems to be a fasion thing....very odd....but some peple like short mud gaurds.....not for me....I hate all the crap being thrown over the rad and motor. Made my own fender extender......and reinforced the front guard.....be warned avoid drill holds in it.....can cause cracks.....Love to see your Pals lower brackets with his RE Mudguard....what a great mod. So please if you have a close up of his lower bracket please let me know..... Nick from Cheshire.

Another great video! You better hope the missus doesn’t find out about that magic tunnel! 😂

Had the Pirelli phantoms on my Street Twin…I guess they suit the retro style of the bike..no issues if you’re just bimbling about or light touring….wet or dry …..if you want to hoon around the back roads and tear around corners at speed then of course there are always going to be better tyres ….but I had no issues and used mine till they wore down ….eventually replaced them with Avon road classics…mainly because they were cheaper and better value!…..😎👍….safe riding bud…great video 👌

Morning Keith, had to laugh about the bike lift, don’t worry you’re not on your own, I’ve been thinking about getting one myself 😂 as you say it’s the getting back up again that’s getting more difficult 😂 it’s got to be worth getting one just to save the knees 😂. Tell your wife it’s purely for medicinal reasons 😂 all the best buddy 👍

I have 2022 T100. I swapped out the tires, fitted an aftermarket center stand, and ordered a new seat before the run in was complete. I am going to check the lugs and make sure they are ok. Either way, the after market center stand is going to come off and I'll install the OEM stand. I agree on the front mudguard. I'll probably fit one of the extenders when I get a chance. I do like my T100 however. Very happy with the bike. Ha! Nice pic of my home state, Vermont. Great riding here. Bay of Fundy is amazing. Might have the biggest tides in the world? Certainly close.

Hi Keith, as far as tyres are concerned the general consensus of opinion over here is Bridgestone BT 46 for general road use on the Enfield's. Couple of the triumph boys swear by them. Cheers mate enjoy the new ride.

Had Pirelli Phantoms on my 2019 Interceptor and totally agree with the tracking ruts issue and also tipping into corners too much. Just didn’t feel right and made me question the handling of the Interceptor. Bike had 5000 miles on it when I bought it and although there was still enough tread left I opted to put Bridgestone BT46 on front and back. What a difference, night and day

I bought a RE- GT and added the center stand that comes on the Int. Same frame but now an added expense to me. I guess " looks over function " applies here. Sure is nice to have the proper center stand.

This is very bad, Keith. I literally just finished servicing my Classic 350 tonight, and am still feeling the accompanying aches and pains of bending and twisting to access the necessary areas, and you throw the photo of the motorcycle lift into your video. Now I must have it, along with 4 sets of panniers, bar end mirrors, side stand extender, rear luggage rack, Trip Machine tank bag, right side grab handle, 2 tool rolls... Where does it end? It wasn't like this when I was younger - I just bought a motorcycle and then rode it, having fun and not thinking about much else. I fear that this is an age-related affliction for you and I and other old farts. By the way, my measuring cup/funnel device, used oil collection pan, and tools are all completely cleaned and shiny - like new - after the servicing. Who the Hell have I become?

Morning Keith Enjoyed that again definitely issue with these motorcycle companies charging extra for basics mental 😮 Great natter the bikes looking cool 😎 Sounds great 😊 Have a great weekend Atb Phil Green

I find the seat absolutely fine but the phantoms are pants. I put Avon roadriders on mine and it's like night and day. De-cat and standard silencers will give you the fizz as well.

You've taken the right option with the centre stand, looks like the company you bought the bike is really genuine, unusual in this day and age. Ditch the Pirelli tyres at the first opportunity, they're rubbish, I went to Avon Roadrunner (if memory serves) and they were far better, admittedly mine was a T120 but it did follow road imperfections with the original tyres on. As for the centre stand, the bikes are heavy and its difficult to get them onto the stand, I always grabbed the frame bracket where the passenger foot rest is to assist lifting, but the T120 is quite a bit heavier than the T100. Triumph are making out that they are a premium brand and at the same time, corner/cost cutting all the time. When the water cooled models came out they had a centre stand as standard, now it's a very expensive extra, as for the so called comfort seat, as I said before to me its worse than the original. I liked the look of the Bonneville and at the time was very upset to sell it but now Im glad it's gone, except for the extra power over and above the R.E. 350 Classic.

Hi from Montana, Keith. Bought a T120 a few weeks ago and agree with all your points, especially the lack of a centre stand. Makes you wonder what they’ll leave off next to save a few pennies. I’d already purchased a radiator guard, sump guard and centre stand before the bike even arrived. Then got the King and Queen after it arrived because the stock seat was plain awful after a hour. Next is the grab bar so I can more easily hoist this beast onto the stand. Bit of a money pit so far, but loving the bike nevertheless. Nice wide, fast, empty roads here in Montana, so I’m glad I opted for the T120 over the T100. That said, it’s nice to see the English country lanes!

Thanks very much for the requested photos of the RE mudguard on the Triumph. I really am liking the whole concept of this modification. At the risk of being a pain 🥴 please could I ask Mike to send you a close up of the fitting at the bottom of the fork leg. It would appear I am not the only one wanting to go in this direction🤔 Great Job Mike, looks great 😀😀

maybe you should have stayed with RE lol , try dunlop tt100 i found them to be very good and they look the part.Its just a shame that triumph still has thier hand in your pocket.I hope you get it sorted,the front mudguard fixi is brilliant well done that man.

Afternoon Keith “told you so” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 even though I didn’t, just don’t want to be left out, MIkes guard looks great doesn’t it. Michelin every time mate had them all but Michelin 2,3,etc CT’S great wear rate and superb handling love the dual compound, yes I would love a bike stand just can’t cope with scrabbling about on the floor these days, new stand at cost mate is the best bet I think, you know know it’s all proper then, catch yer later bud …. Pete🇫🇷

They always did, why they (Triumph) don't fit a centre stand now is nuts.....and as for the front mudguard, not just the lack of length, but the attachment system?????? The lack of useable mudguards on motorbikes is a bete noir of mine 👿🤬 ps really love riding my t120 (2017)

Another good video Keith.....no direct experience of thd phantoms...but if memory serves me rightly, way back in the dawn of time, the phantoms were not exactly the bees knees..... I recall they were dubious in the wet...probably down to the fact they had less tread than now,.....like a racing intermediate. Also they had terrible wear rates....seem to remember press articles about only being good for a thousand miles!

On the T120 the comfort seat is a quilted bench seat and looks (and feels) totally different to the standard seat, I thought it was the same on the T100?

Great video. I'm with you regarding fashion verses practicality, Triumph v Enfield! Lovely to see that triple with an Enfield mudguard. Bet it's off a 2020 Bullet. Made me chuckle. As a matter of interest, if you don't mind telling us, what will you actually pay for the Triumph stand? Maybe it would be cheaper to fit an Enfield stand!! 😅 If you do get an Enfield mudguard, look at purchasing a red and chrome one like mine! It will match the rest of your bike. Oh god it's raining again, when will I ever get out on "Ruby" ? Take care. Pete

Best bit is Triumph charging nearly £250 for the centre stand. Must be making a tidy profit on that I reckon.

Being a year round rider most bikes have something about a foot long useless. Same at the rear stupid bit of plastic that looks crap and does nothing.

I’ve got a street twin and have the same tyres as your bike and would like to change them so very interested in what others may recommend

Spoked wheels with tubed tyres not for me.

You do confirm my thoughts, Keith. Without laughing or saying " I told You so". I simply think quite some bike brands have to seriously consider some aspects of almost "evident" features Royal Enfield offers. I do like Your Triumph and I am quite sure You'll appreciate it over the time and with some personnalisation all along with Your personal needs. And they should be standard for a Premium brand Triumph is. Ride safe and enjoy all good moment in life. And thank You for publishing the pics of my two machines.

Triumph are the masters of selling overpriced extras which should be fitted standard equipment. Oh, and also painting a few slow selling bikes a different colour and charging a very inflated price.

Classic 500 all the way mate. It is a far better bike than the all new 'Plastic' 350. 30%+ more power and 30%+ more torque. Way better built than many youtubers would have you believe. Solid metal side boxes, instead of just metal fronted. Glass and polished alloy dials, not plastic glass and plastic chrome. A kick start back up in case of low battery power, as well as full electric starting too. Self adjusting hydraulic tappets, so no tank off job at service time. Euro 4, so far more scope for tuning improvements. Oh and then there's the genuine sprung saddle on the 500. When RE needed to put a fake one on the all new 350, then you may realise that they have a poorer product perhaps...

I have an Enfield Interceptor that came with Ceat tires as original equipment. Everyone said they were poor tires and should be replaced immediately. I didn’t have any issues with them rain or shine, and i commented as much on a few RU-vid sites. However, on one ride with my wife as pillion we encountered a section of highway that had been grooved prior to repaving. I’ve never had such an uneasy feeling in my life! I tried slowing, but the bike was just frightening as it slewed side to side. I think I nearly scared my wife off riding with me. I did replace the tires (at about 6000 miles since I’m too cheap to remove tires with usable tread), with Bridgestone BT46’s. They are definitely an improvement. They also improved high-speed handling of the bike which had been less than ideal. I’d add that many OEM tires are not the same quality as the same tire in the aftermarket. Pirelli Phantoms may be fine tires as replacements, apparently just not the original equipment ones (like Ceats).

All tyres are rubbish depending on who you listen to.

You want the extras? Buy the T120. Much better bike.

I’m the same I get a bike then straight away looking for extras to put on good extras mind that help the bike or I’m looking for another bike to go with it I like having 2bikes but I’ve got get some add ins for my rocket yet crash bars fender extender higher screen and extra lights then might look at a T120 shotgun or meteor 650 for them two then I’ll want to add onto them boys and there toys😂😂😂 your a long time dead and you only live once take care