Triumph Bonneville T120 - Everything you need to know

 

The Triumph Bonneville is a motorcycle that looks like it has traveled through time from the past into the future. It has been engineered for the modern times, and in its fourth-generation form, it continues to look retro. There have been various motorcycles based on its platform, and the new one is no different. We go for a ride on the T120 to see what it's like.

Classic strokes

The Triumph Bonneville T120 has been tastefully designed with chrome all over, that lovely circular headlamp with a Triumph Bikes logo found on the bulb reflector. The Triumph Bonneville T120 features an LED DRL that's shaped to look like a 'U' at the bottom of the headlamp. Up-front, it has a metal mud-guard held in position by a metal bracket that also sports the Triumph logo. And in keeping with the old times, it gets an 18-inch wire-spoked wheel up-front and a 17-inch one at the back. The moment you are seated on the saddle, the instrument cluster appears modern; it has signature twin-analogue dials for the speedo and tachometer that fit nicely in a brushed metal bracket. The dials feature tell-tale lights for ABS, Triumph Traction Control, low oil and engine warning. You also get digital displays for the trip meter, a fuel gauge, odometer, distance to empty and fuel consumption. Beneath the seat lies a USB charging socket. The metal tank looks great and gets rubber pads for the rider's knees. And there's the Triumph logo seen in chrome. The seat is flat and long, giving the rider and pillion ample space and the tail section includes a broad, metal grab-handle that bodes with the overall design of the bike. We also love the pea-shooter exhausts.




Parallel-twin magic

The TriumphBonneville T120 is powered by a 1200cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, producing 78bhp and 105Nm of torque, so you get lots of pulling power while power delivery is linear. This bike feels relaxed in the lower rev-range with ample torque at your disposal. Open up the throttle and that's when the needle on the tacho swings past 3000rpm as the bike gradually begins picking up speed. The bike accelerates well too. The engine is paired to a 6-speed transmission that feels price, although in the lower gears, it does get a bit clunky. The enjoyable power delivery is also the result of the 270-degree crankshaft layout. The exhausts sounds amazing, taking you back in time. There are some modern touches that include ride-by-wire throttle, traction control and two ride modes: Road and Rain.




Take it nice and easy

Once you see the corners, the stiff chassis lets you tackle them with ease, but the bike won't turn-in quickly. It does feel more nimble than the bike it replaces thanks to the tighter steering geometry. And because of its weight and 18-inch front wheel, the motorcycle does feel heavy to chuck into a bend; however, it remains planted. The handling is predictable but the low-set foot pegs rub against the tarmac. It's not a bike built for corners, but it feels comfortable and stable and that makes it great for highways. Ride quality is just about right; the Kayaba forks up-front and twin-shocks at the rear soak in most of the undulations, except for the very bad ones. In the city, the T120 does show its weight, especially at low speeds, but once you get used to it, it shouldn't be a problem. The low seat height ensures that short riders are comfortable too. At the front, Triumph Bikes have equipped the T120 with Nissin two-piston calipers. And you get ABS to aid braking as well.