BMW S 1000 R versus Triumph Bonneville T120

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Triumph

Triumph Bonneville T120

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2016 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 13.545 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Powerful, high-torque engine
  • Processing
  • Brake
  • Pillion comfort
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Not exactly cheap

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.125 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
236 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
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: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 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
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 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 sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

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