Triumph Bonneville T120

Built:2016-24201620172018201920202021202220232024

Photos: Motorradtest.de

The Triumph Bonneville is undeniably one of the most beautiful retro bikes ever. The original was presented in 1959 and was a classic motorcycle with a very sporty touch. Can the current version look more than just good?

Love for details

Just how she stands. Depending on the version in a two-colour paint, but definitely with classic stereo dampers and two no less retro bags. As is customary from Triumph, all this is well and processed with love for the small details. Our model is white-metallic and in addition to the paint also wears the Union Jack of the special model Diamond, is otherwise standard. If you don't have enough bling bling, Triumph provides no less than 160 accessories.

The current version produces 80 hp after the recent revision. This is not a small amount in absolute terms, but not much, given the stately displacement of almost 1200 cubic meters. A glance at the data sheet shows what one suspected: 105 Newton meters at a maximum of only 3,100 rpm are available, so it is a torque motor, which fits a retro bike.

Surfing on the torque

The very sight of the instruments warms the heart of the driver. To get speed and speed displayed in analog form, that has something. The engineers integrated the necessary digital information such as the gear display or the filling level of the tank via a small display in the two round instruments.

Down from the main stand (as standard), in view of the single-digit outside temperatures, the equally standard heating handles are switched on and off we go.

What immediately stands out is that there are hardly any engines that sound better. No matter what speed, the triumph sounds pleasantly dull and bass-heavy without scaring the neighbors. The smooth-running anti-hopping clutch allows the first gear of the precise six-speed transmission to come and we drop off. In fact, the T120 pushes off enormously from below. Since it is not only cold for us, but also for the engine, we naturally drive it warm before it goes to higher speeds.

But even if the row twin is warm, little changes in the low-speed driving style. Although the engine is quite willing to turn, a significant increase in the line is hardly to be expected north of 5,000 tours – so one leaves such sparrows.

In addition, it becomes clear in the first corners that the Triumph is more on moderate curves, just as it educates its owner to a calm, balanced driving style. If you want to let it crash, you will be confronted with increased effort, the Bonnie has to be forced into a strong slant, which she acknowledges with quite early footrests. This is also better left, and the curve hatz does not correspond to the character of the machine.

Rather, she encourages the already mentioned, relaxed country road tour. The comfort is fine, the pressure from low speeds ensures a smooth but not low speed over land. The stoppers could do more than that, they can be well dosed and bite violently if necessary.