Triumph revives its famous Bonneville: 1,200 cc, classic styling, new technologies and two versions – T120 and T120 Black.
Bonneville is the most famous name in Triumph’s range. The previous model, launched in 2000, brought back the past with its classic lines and it was the leader of the classic-shaped motorcycle segment. But since the “retro/heritage madness” of the last three years, it was very hard for Triumph to keep up the pace with models such as BMW R nineT and Ducati Scrambler. So the English engineers developed a whole new Bonneville family: T120, Street Twin and Thruxton. T120 is the most “retro” member.
Triumph T120 keeps the same engine style and architecture, but the volume of the parallel twin was increased to 1,200 cc. A liquid-cooling system was added, although it still has that air-cooled engine look.
The new engine produces 105 NM at 3,100 rpm, 54% more than the old twin. It’s got eight valves and ride-by-wire fuelling, 270° firing intervals, and a six speed gearbox. Triumph says it sounds like a British twin should do.
The T120 design was inspired by the 1959 Bonneville, from the tank to the lights and clocks. Overall, the whole silhouette of T120 looks even classier than the one of the previous model.
Even if it looks old, it really has more advanced technology than many naked motorcycles, such as ABS, ride-by-wire and two different riding modes: road and rain. Moreover, it has switchable traction control, slip assist clutch and heated grips with a three-mode setting.
The twin-clock dashboard has classic lines, but embodies two displays which show you the riding mode, the gear position, the range and other basic information. Another modern feature is the USB socket that can be found under the seat. The round headlight embodies a daytime-running light.
If you will buy it and want to give it a custom touch, you can choose from 160 original accessories, including Vance & Hines chrome pea-shooter slip on silencers. Triumph also created a “Prestige Inspiration Kit” if you find it difficult to choose the accessories on your own.