RIDEFAST DECEMBER 2021

l.
We told our guests that they had to write
the story, so without further nattering here
is the rundown:
T120 Bonneville: R188,000.00
The Bonnie is one of those iconic bike
in Triumphs lineup. Retro cool, the new
one certainly looks the part, but would
Euro restrictions choke it up? The British
designers have managed to chop almost 7
Kg’s in total off the previous model, which
includes a 2 kilogramme weight saving on
new 32-spoke wheels.
It’s easy to get all nostalgic about a bike
like this, but don’t be fooled, Triumph has
packed it with their very latest parallel twin
power plant. Peak power and torque are
claimed to be the same as the previous
T120 model 58.8kw/78.9bhp @ 6500rpm
and 102Nm/75.2lbft @ 3500rpm. Triumph
has reduced the weight of the crankshaft
and tell us that with improvements to the
balance shaft and clutch, produced an
engine that is more responsive and revs
more freely.
Up front it boasts new sliding-caliper
Brembo stoppers. Conventional (non-lean
sensitive) ABS comes as standard and
there is still a Nissin rear caliper out back.
Cruise control is a standard feature.
Garth says:
The T120 is by far one of most comfortable
bikes I have ridden. It’s a great urban
commuter, someone who enjoys lazy
Sunday afternoon outrides. BUT! Don’t be
mistaken because when you open up, the
power on this bike is quite extraordinary.
It’s strange to think that all the bikes in this
pack have the same or very similar motors,
but somehow Triumph makes them all feel
a bit individual. If I wanted to pop a bike in
the garage for my partner or just for lazy
Sundays this is ideal. Not scary, just easy
to ride. I felt that the throttle response
is a bit more lethargic than the others,
particularly the Ace… I love the comfort,
suspension and seating position. What a
cool, chilled bike to ride.
Mercia Says:
Very smooth and sophisticated. Almost
too smooth for me. I like older bikes with
personality. BUT… what I can say is they
did not sacrifice on power or torque in
order to achieve Euro 5 standards. This
motorcycle still has all the power and more
when you need it. The riding position is
very comfortable and natural.
Jason Says:
This bike just feels so refined. Everything
is smooth, it’s the most comfortable of the
bunch and I love the looks. Don’t be fooled
by the Euro 5 Smoothness though, in a
drag race, it actually beat the Ace by a few
bike lengths…
Peter Says:
A classic bike. No big surprises, it did
exactly what I expected. I love the colour
and quality finish. The engine is smooth
and refined and the suspension and
handling is just fine for a relaxed bike like
this.
RIDEFAST MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021 39