BMW R 1150 R versus Triumph Bonneville T120

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
Triumph

Triumph Bonneville T120

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2016 bis 2025~
RRP
RRP 13.545 €
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Pros:
  • easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
  • used relatively cheap
  • is also suitable as a tourer
  • wonderful boxer with sound
  • sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
  • Powerful, high-torque engine
  • Processing
  • Brake
  • Pillion comfort
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • Not exactly cheap

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.125 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
236 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 8V-SOHC in-line motor, 270° lifting pin offset 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.200 ccm
Hub: 80 mm
Hole: 98 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
446 km
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 80 HP at 6.550 U/Min
Torque: 105 NM bei 3.100 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
309 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular Steel Loop Frame (Steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm KYB cartridge fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, KYB double shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm steel
Tyres at the front: 100/90-18
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Double brake discs, Nissin double piston floating calipers ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc, Nissin 2piston floating caliper ( 255 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

Not cheap, but stylish

If you are looking for a curve arrow, you have to look elsewhere. But if you want to move forward in a very stylish way and prefer the calm course of things, you're right here. The Triumph Bonneville T120 can look much more than just good – but you have to be able to afford it. It is currently available at the retailer for 12,050 euros. Clearly, for less money, there are motorcycles that do the same in bare numbers as the T120. But do you want that?

The test bike was provided to us by Triumph Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 12.050€
  • Used (3 years old): 9.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2016
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: black, silver, grey/orange, green/white, white/blue