Triumph T100 vs T120: Which One Should You Buy? 

Here are some of my opinions: -In USA or some European countries, the gap between the prices of T100 and T120 is not large, so it depends on your need. You choose a T100 if you think it's enough powerful ( in fact it's enough for any tours). You choose T120 because you really would like extra power, you love how it feels when you're cruising your bike at 6th gear and you want front dual-disc brake. -But in Vietnam which is my country, after the taxes, T120 is about more 7000 usd than the T100, it's not a small amount for average income of Vietnamese people. The traffic jam in Vietnam is so terrible, the weather is hot, the speed limit is not very high, so T100 would be ideal for most of bikers. So if I live in USA or in Europe, maybe I will take the T120. But in Vietnam, I think T100 is enough. That's it!

2 months ago i bought a T120 that is 2 years old. It puts a smile on this old guys face every time i ride it. I also own an Electra Glide, love it also ,,,, apples and oranges. But i have to say the Triumph makes me feel like a teenager. They handle wonderfully! Safe riding to all

The best thing about Triumph is there is a bike for all tastes and needs. If possible I would buy 1 from each category. Big Dreams.

I've got 2017 T100 Black, and had it for three years. I've ridden across France and Belgium on it twice, and I love it.

I own a T120 and love the extra power and the bigger feeling. I live in Sweden and its perfect for our roads. Thanks for the nice videos you are putting out!!!

first impressions, t100 sounds amazing, the stock pipes are doing a good job

I am petite and just 5'8" short, I rode only T100 and did not even try 120. I need feet firmly planted and it felt as one body one bike while riding, the sound was great and the swept up exhaust look superb, lighter and smaller men like me would enjoy T100.

i bought a T100 for my first bike ever last May. I love it, and it is such a zen experience. Ive ridden friends bikes (Harleys...) and this experience is so much better. Im afraid to ride the T100 since I have some experience under my belt for fear of wanting to trade up. I'll just bypass the test ride of the T120 after seeing this comparison to save myself some ca$h.

I have 80K miles now on my 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120. It's the best motorcycle I've ever owned, it's one of 4 bikes I've brought over that mark and unlike the others I just don't have the heart to get rid of it... Fantastic standard motorcycle.

I love my T120, Motone Customs is now my best friend! Remus pipes and an X Pipe. I've been lucky to own loads bikes over the years, now in my 50's. Its easy to ride, light clutch and decent brakes. Front shocks are too soft(will upgrade to progressive springs) and had YSS rear shocks fitted from new. Lind Ashford(JL) were great, bought my bike during UK lock down.

Just bought one of these yesterday, love it! I started out on triumphs years ago. My 1967 bonneville cost 1300, and this one was 13000. This will probably be the best bike I will ever own.👍 Very nice review 👍

I ride the T100 and have done around 9k. Most of the time with my wife on the back. I live in the Midlands and just last year I travelled fully loaded with pillion to Normandy in France. Cruise motorways at 70/80 with no issues at all, the bike is more than capable. Fuel economy is great, and to be honest I've never had an issue with the breaks they are absolutely fine. In my experience the T100 is a great do it all bike.

I ride a Street Cup, basically the t100. I stay mostly on twisty mountain roads and rarely ride in town or motorways. The 900 pulls like a champ when thrashing it through the corners, and I have never felt like I needed more power or brakes. I guess it comes down to rider sometimes, since two fellows I ride with are riding a Thruxton R and an older Thruxton 900, and I have to stop and wait on them to catch up

Precisely the video that I was looking for. It's mind boggling how difficult it is to find honest opinions... that aren't obviously biased. Anywho, thank you for making this, and please take care! 🤙

I am an owner and enthusiastic. I use my Bonneville T100 for city rides, long distances (Prague - Amsterdam vv) and for daily 120km rides through hill (mountain) landscapes from village to village on bad repaired roads with gravel and zand on it, and some unpaved field roads in the Czech Republic. I wish I could upload a picture of my adjusted Bonneville as an answer to many of your remarks. I have additionally ordered this bike with a center stand, classic fall protection groom bar , and a middel high Triumph fantastic wind screen that you can apply or take down in one click. Also a original beautiful an comfortable Triumph special gel Buddyseat. Also the original classic Triumph leather rear site bags with the accompanying groom rack and rear passenger support/ rear luggage rack. I also ordered other tires, rear shock absorber’s , and the original more sound Triumphs special exhaust dempers. It’s a bit extra money all together, but… than you have the best universal bike as possible. One big disadvantage: if the bike tips over on the left side, you can be 100% sure that the clutch lever brakes. This is a big problem because the bike won’t start without it. You can find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere. Better buy a spare clutch lever and the tools for replacement.. And also… I find checking the oil level through the sight glass where the engine has to be straight annoying! this both in the evening and in the sunlight. I don't understand why a normal dipstick wasn’t used. It’s a stable driving and manoeuvrable motorcycle. the disadvantage is on the German Autobahn that he goes through his maximum rpm in 5th gear (in red) you want to switch to a sixth gear that is not there. This is between 176 and 185 km/h. and you have to make sure that you slow down to 175.

That's a fantastic review mate! You have clearly articulated the difference between both T100 & 120..In my opinion- the extra bucks really justify the buy!

I have owned the 900 Street Cup but now currently own the Bonneville T120 Ace Café edition and I can unequivocally say the 1200 motor alone is worth the purchase price, never mind the dual disc brakes, the rain riding mode, the heated handgrips, etc. The Bonneville T120 is hands-down the winner in almost every category (power, braking and comfort) in my opinion.

I've owned both bikes. T120 is better if you cruise at higher speeds with its 6th gear, heated grips for cold weather, and centre stand is convenient for washing the bike. But it is a bit of a slug to turn if you ride the twisties. I sold the T120 and kept the T100 as these bikes feel most comfortable under 140km/h where the t100 is still capable, t100 feels much more nimble in corners, and overall chill ride feel is better on the T100 IMO. For the more spirited ride ... Will always choose my thruxton R tho.

Street Twin every time. Lovely upswept exhausts and easier to clean, what’s not to like.

I’ve put 8k miles on my 2018 T100 and have no gripes at all other than I would love the extra HP & Torque and the dual disc brakes for when I come in a little hot. Excellent video!

Had my t100 for 3 years and what I would say is that it is very economical over 83 mpg touring on A and B roads in the UK, no motorways, no pillion. It probably lacks a bit of character though, and the drive chain is a pig to adjust ,but overall I am very pleased with the machine. Just wish it was made in England.

I ride a GSXR in London. I would love one of these as a more practical bike for London riding.

I went through this analysis and chose the T120 - dual brake discs, 6th gear, and a lot more torque for ~15lbs more.

In February 2020 I located a new 2018 T100 at a reasonable reduced price. Next I located a Master Builder who has vast experience in building Trikes and attaching Sidecars to motorcycles. After reviewing various sidecar manufacture's models, I felt that the Velorex 563 would handle the power of the T100. I took delivery of the Sidecar unit days before the United States lock down due to the COVID-19. However, I ride alone and have been able to rack up 1500 miles. The Hack experience has been a bit of an adjustment to be kind. The T100 even at 900cc will handle the extra weight at a respectful pace. I believe the T120 would of been a better choice for use on the high speed express ways. The T100 is a great run about and handles the twisting low speed back roads. I felt that I if wished to continue to ride at age 77 the only way to achieve that goal was to add a third wheel. I selected the T100 with sidecar leaving most of T100 in tack as opposed to a trike which lacks in personal engagement with the machine.

had a t100 for 5 years, its my first bike and it may be the only one Ill ever own. I see no attraction in other bikes. I use it for short trips around town. I dont like long drives and im not really a motor cycle enthusiast, but my t100 i just love

just started watching "Centre Stand" on the 1200, that's a plus! Don't follow modern bikes as I used too. But it appeared centre stands were an endangered species.

I rode my old T100 800cc to London and back in one day it had a aftermarket gel seat it was one of most comfortable bikes I’ve ever had guys with me on sports tourers were knackered I wasnt

Amazing comparison! Thanks for your content, I understand how much work you've put into it 😉 I'd definitely choose the T100, don't think there's any need for a bigger displacement in the city. Keep up the good work 🤘🤘

In Texas I need to be able to run 80 mph on some highways and interstates to be safe. Traffic still passes you at a 5-10 mph but the mismatch isnt so great that it is concerning. The cruise was a big plus for me too as well as 6 gears.

Hi, Ive owned both, and currently own a 2018 T120 Bonneville black edition. The heated grips r a great addition, as well as the 2 riding modes. The low end power the T120 has over the T100 is very noticeable. On highways the T120 has all the power needed to have a great ride while avoiding those pesky cars. My opinion is the T120 is a big upgrade. I feel the extra weight the T120 has helps it have a smoother ride on the highways. More stable. Quick speed burst is always on demand immediately with the T120 in any gear. Not as much on the T100. So, there is my 2 cents from a person who literally has had both. My T100 was a 2018 also. All in all, i loved the T100 but love the T120 a little more. Either way you can't go wrong, both are fantastic.

As a T100 owner (which I love) I think your comments about the pluses and minuses are all spot on...the only thing I would have liked to hear a bit more about is your views on the handling....do you find it a little bit on the lazy side?

Speed Twin 900 Review I just got a Speed Twin 900 as my 1st motorcycles 🏍️. It is absolutely awesome, I am 45 years old, 5ft 7inches. This motorcycle has Great 👍🏽 Ergonomics to sit and drive High Torque which makes it FUN to drive Easy to handle Superb Sound better than the 1200 Best Looking ❤

For riding round town, the T100 all the time. For country riding, the T100, with twin front disc conversion, For two up riding, the T100 is very under braked, my Street Cup was woeful with my wife on the back, that`s why i traded it for the Speed Twin, plus i don`t like the pipes on the T100/120 range. Looking back, maybe i should have bought the T120, and just put some after market pipes on it, it might have been a bit cheaper. Great video Bob, i`l be watching some more.

I think that the new T100 was 64 horsepower 10 more than the previous years is the perfect bike. I had a 2008 speedmaster carbureted was a good boy also and a 2014 America touring edition was also very good bike. In 204 I bought a rocket 3 too much power too much torque not needed and very expensive. Thanks for your time and your opinion the 900s fine for me and to save a fair amount of money over the T 120. 👍😉

I am 4000 miles into a return to riding. Got a great deal on a T214 which is really a T 100. I wished I had gone T 120. I want more power and comfort for longer rides. Highways here in Pa beat up a smaller bike.

No one has mentioned the t120 has dual throttle bodies while the r100 has one. This is a big difference to me. One throttle body for two cylinders means less precise fuel metering, less power, more difficult to add k and N filters to match the dcat for better power and gas mileage. Also no need for camshaft upgrade on t120.

If you gotta rob a store for the extra cash for a T120; just do it! The extras you get with the T120 are well worth the jail time you might spend. The 900 Bonnies are great, but if your going to step down to the 900s, go for the Street Twin or the Steet Scrambler.

Which one? Both of them, yes I will take both of them or better yet get neither and grab a Thruxton RS! Good video

I don't own either of these, but for the extra money here in the US, I would get the T120 based on the 6th gear, heated grips, center stand and dual discs. I would also trade up to the extra 300cc's and sacrifice the fuel economy as well. Since I have a few bikes now, mostly vintage, I would use this as a commuter bike to and from work which is a combination of highway and backroads. I think I would wait until the 2021 models and HOPE they have fixed the nagging gear selector issue that seems to plague some of these bikes.

I own Aprilia Tuono V4 2020 and I'm thinking to change this of the T120. Although I'm not a sporty rider but i still like the Tuono.

Best bike for you is the one you want….research and then decide for yourself. Ride within your skill level, improve your skill level, and then enjoy more of what a high quality bike can do. I bought a 2021 T120 and love it. Love the toned down power and mature weight of the bike. The Street Twin may the the so called “starter bike” but it’s just doesn’t present itself as a mature bike for long term enjoyment. Bottom line: your money, your choice….and you assume the risk. The videos of “this is the one you should buy” drive me crazy…review, but don’t dictate.

Both of them are beast! i would love to have on of those. Great review btw!👌

Thanks, this was very helpful. I'm looking to get my first bike in a few months. Originally I had my eye on a beautiful Triumph Bobber, but after doing some research I learned that would probably be way too much bike for a beginner to handle. 😅 Cheers

I had a beautiful (maroon & silver tank) 2017 T120. I was looking for the looks & feel of my '66 & '68 Meriden 650's. The 2017 was beautiful, but too slick & techy for me. I might consider a newer T100 - I like that it's simpler, a bit lighter & has most adequate power for my needs at this point.

I own a 1969 650 TR6C, 2005 Bonnie and a 2018 T120..... Yup......They all have their place but the T120 is a crazy nice bike. Especially on more open roads.

I've got a T100 and the ONLY thing is the lack of the 6th gear! The 900cc is quick/fast enough for my 50 Mike interstate commute a couple times a week.

I have a '22 T100 and a '23 T120. I cannot answer the question but I can say they are the 2 best bikes I have ever ridden.

Got a 2013 SE. It is a 900cc AC bonneville t100 with 17 inch cast front wheel and 69hp. Tuned my raisch it is good for 90 ponies.

I really can't decide. Prolly go with the twin.

The T100 from the 2010 era and surrounding years was one of the best looking bikes ever, definitely the best looking modern Bonnie, i think the tank may have been a tad smaller too, less bulbuous. I loved the chrome covers and the way the pipes angled back up at the back of the engine before sticking back straight again to the silencer, cradling the engine instead of just straightlining back like they do now. Little touch, but it did a lot for aesthetics, too bad they dropped that. I'd love a T100 from that era. (Or could you go to a machine shop and have 'em put that bend in?) Right now have a Bobber standard (1200) and for these western North American highways it is nice to have the extra power of the 1200 Bonnie, everyone is in such a bloody hurry here and the other motorists are a real nuisance and even a hazard on anything much smaller. I like a lot of grunt to steer clear of 'em. On secondary highways? I had an 800 cc bike for some time that was more than adequate.

Of these two, I like the T-100 better for it's looks, but I think I would opt for the T-120 for use on the motorways, but not the all black one...Sal : )

I really like the "murdered out black" look of that T120, that along with the improved brakes, more pep and rain mode all appeal to me as a 50+ 17 stone 6 footer... What doesn't appeal is all those god awful Ace Cafe branding stickers! I honestly don't know what they were thinking!! We don't all live in the Smoke and dress like Shakin' Stevens, it's trying too hard and failing... omit the stickers and naff branding then I would have one, as it stands nope I wouldn't be seen dead on it! Great review by the way and you did ask for feedack 😎👍🏍

I’ve always been wandering if they have the same chassis and dimensions. Thanks for clearing that up. I thought the T100 was smaller in size. Maybe the t120 has 1 inch bars and the t100 7/8? Like the pre-16 models.

Hi Bob, you only forgot to mencion the cruise control on the t120. It's very, very useful when you go on open roads, right? Thanks for the video, mate

I've been thinking about getting a T120 but as I've ridden sports bikes for 40 years, I'm wondering how I'll get on with the weight, less power, less braking and the wind with it being a naked bike. Anyway, thank you, this review helped, I at least know from this that I should probably test the T120 and not bother with the T100 🤔

Good review that, thank you. Hoping to get a second hand one, don't do many miles but the 1200 could be the better option.

I love the look of the Ace Cafe T120. For the cost difference, if it's not your first bike, then it's a no-brainer IMO. They've since taken some weight off the T120 too in the wheels, so that's going to make it more maneuverable too. The real question for me is T120? Or a new Speed Twin? That's a tougher decision.

Having ridden both I would definitely go with the................................................................. RE Interceptor 650 Twin....just more fun to ride....and loads of cash left over for a Insurance/Bike Holiday etc etc

Bought a street twin to replace my monster 695, it felt cheap and light so I got rid and kept the ducati

I had a 67 500 what fun it was to ride

My T120 with cat delete and aftermarket endpipes is starting to feel a little short on legs... I can't imagine how hard I would have to push a T100

If you can afford it T120 every time 😍

do you realize that with a flash intake and possibly exhaust you can add at least 12 HP and 10FT TQ and that is under 1000.00 done right.

T120 for me, great review by the way.

Tough choice; if money was irrelevant I'd buy the T120. But because the T100 has an extra 10 bhp (from 2021) AND is cheaper I've bought a T100. Both great bikes.

The T100 is a great bike but the T120 "talked" to me, so I got her with no regrets up to date. Stay safe

Wenn ich nicht schon meine geliebte Street Twin 2016 in matt schwarz hätte, ich würde mir die T120 ACE kaufen ... eine wunderschön aussehende Maschine. Die T100 hat mir zu viel Chrom Blingbling. Grüße aus Sachsen If I hadn't already got my beloved Street Twin 2016 in matt black, I would buy the T120 ACE ... a beautiful looking machine. The T100 gave me too much chrome blingbling. Greetings from Saxony

I have a street twin and I disagree that the bike is lacking anything on the motorways. I have cruised at 80+ mph for hours with no problems. It is quite capable of touring and you don't need a 6th gear. The gears can be wound out longer on the smaller bike. On a naked bike, not sure the added power is necessary because the wind can be a problem on any naked bike after 80+ mph. Also all the decals and triumph logos all over the t-120 are annoying to me. I would only get the T-120 if you ride two up a lot, or are a bigger or taller person or ride at the max all the time.

I've got my workhorse 2014 Thunderbird Commander for long touring or for when my wife joins me. But I'm wondering about something lighter for just me; the thing is, I don't live in a city, and I need some reliable brakes and handling for the country here. I wonder which way to go. Opinions welcome.

11.000 those 100 and 200 are fucking nuts !!! With that a buy a afrikan twin second hand or bmw 850 or 1200 or susuki vstrom 1000 etc etc etc this is crazy !!!

I remember when I went from my Honda 305 to a 500 Tiger. I thought that was a big engine.

Nice bikes and a good review :-) Do a review of the Triumph Trekker GT :-) If they have it in stock ?

Is that the stock exhaust? It sounds wonderful.

I would take a perfectly restored, 1969-70 Bonniville 650, with drum brakes and a four speed right shifting gear box, over either of these bikes.

If there not much couple of thousands difference I think I’ll go for t120

I still can't grasp how a 900cc bike is described as falling short for motorway riding. I have a 500 which has no problem maintaining 70-80mph all day long.

Thanks for the video! Can you lmk the helmet you were wearing. The link in the description doesn't work.

great comparison!

Hi mate what helmet are you wearing the Amazon link doesn't work. Many thanks.

What’s the difference between the T120 and the Speed twin?

What do you think of the 100 vs the 120 for beginner's and why? It's been suggested to me rain mode code help while getting used to a 120.

Doesn't make since why anyone would need or want a 1200cc scrambler. Even 900cc is over the top. For most riders, 750cc is the sweet spot.

My Dream Bike T100 😍😍😍

Great video, just a curiosity, what helmet are you wearing? :-)

Get a carby model bonny, old school easy

Neither : get a Speed Twin !

It’s a shame Triumph stamps out those cheap tin toy looking pinch-weld tanks. Why don’t they offer the clean looking tanks similar to the Rocket 3 and T120 Scramblers?

Can you review Royal Enfield 650 twins as of 2020 , it's build quality?

Awesome great vlog👍

So the 900cc with a 6 speed would be great...

Do they have cruse control?

cheap brakes dose it stop.

Firstly, thanks for your vids, they are great to watch. Now, I really wanted the Street Twin to be great when it was first released. I was ready to buy but didn't. I'm a bit over 5'-10" but it felt cramped, the gearbox clunked and it ran out of puff very quickly even in an urban setting. So disappointing. The T100 had the extra space courtesy extra seat height but you also get an extra 15kgs, no thanks its already too heavy for what it is. The current Street Scrambler would seem to fit the bill, higher seat and only another 5kgs but I much prefer the look of the Street over the 'wannabe' Scrambler. Dilemma as yet unsolved. Oh and "out of puff at 70" on a 900cc motor, who's kidding who at Triumph? Sorry to be so negative but I wanted to be impressed.

These are great bikes I have the T100, you can check out a quick review I have on my channel as well thanks

T120 for sure.

It is amazing how we now almost refer to the 900 as a small engine. My original Bonnie was 650cc, ample power when even a 500cc was considered a big bike back in the day.

Well presented. I was between these models a few months ago. Basically I choose the T120 down to these factors 1. extra torque for the super nice takeoff 2. better highway cruising. That 6th cog allows to settle down the motor quite a bit 3. Heated grips, not very essential, helps to extend the riding season 4. Way better brakes, the T120 has phenomenal stopping power. Though not as great as my Street Triple, the feed back is nice. Also like the fact that the ABS is not as intrusive. 5. Bragging rights of the larger motor....LOL😂 6. Center stand - lot of people don’t care. But it so much useful. I usually use the Cstand almost all the time. The small difference in price ($1500) is certainly worth for what the T120 offers.

I own a T120 and love the extra power.

My first bike when I got out of the service was a 650 Bonneville back in 1970, Now at the age of 74 I’m still riding A Triumph ,this time it is a 2018 120 Bonneville, The best bike I’ve ever owned and I owned quite a few. Enjoyed watching your video.

Loving the top quality vids you’re putting out mate.