I Think I Want A Bonnie.

[vinnyb]

Hi all,
Having finally (almost) decided that I want a T120 as my next and hopefully forever bike. The next problem is which one to get. I don't even know yet whether I want black or bling. At the moment I am just trying to find out if any one one here has ridden both the '21 model and the earlier model and do you think that the '21's a huge improvement? I like the idea of having the centre stand, heated grips and grab rail as standard rather than expensive options. How much of the much publicised weight loss is just down to removing these parts? I know I really need to get a test ride on both but in the mean time I am just trying to get owner opinions. Thanks.

 

[Qship]

If you plan on exhaust mods such as cat delete/X pipe mod the '21+ are welded to prevent modding or meet EURO compliance regs, maybe both. Can always find a pre '21 exhaust and swap. The '21s come with cruise as standard IIRC. That's one expense you would not have to worry about, if you like cruise control. Center stand is indeed nice for doing chain maintenance, and heated grips are really a necessity during cold wet days. How much to add the two options over there?

 

[dazco]

I prefer the last gen, 2020 and below. Heated grips in place of the 22's cruise. You can easily fabricate a criuse or other such thing to make it easier on your hand. Heated grips however are a huge bonus to me. Cold hands are the #1 thing that keeps me off the bike when it's cold. Centerstand as opposed to none on the 22. No jack required for most work like tires and chain. Front brake lines look much neater on the older ones...they hang out in space on the 22. I also much prefer the classic paint scheme to the new one.

On the other hand the 22 has brembo calipers and lighter internals for faster spinup. Not sure thats even worth lighter and possibly not as reliable internals. I also love chrome and the older ones have chrome cam cover which is essential to my eye. I even bought one and installed it on my '05 speedmaster. But all this is personal preference.

 

[vinnyb]

To replace the parts that Triumph has removed for the '21 model would cost the thick end of £600 and for me, they are all pretty much 'must haves' but I have to say that in the 40 years or so I've been riding, I can't remember ever thinking that I need cruise control. It appears to be a fairly basic set up anyway.
I also prefer the classic paint schemes on the older models, particularly the original red and silver. I must admit that I hadn't noticed the flappy brake lines, the older model's do look tidier.
I know all that may make it sound like I've made up my mind already, but if the '21 model, with it's alloy rims, freer spinning motor, Brembo brakes etc. is a much better ride, not just Triumph marketing talk, then I would probably end up with one and add the missing parts. But from everything I've read and watched, it seems the biggest improvement Triumph could have made would be to change the OE tyres.

 

[dazco]

Thats right.....forgot about the rims. I WOULD prefer those but the other things are far more important to me.

 

[Qship]

The new Gold Line Bonneville is very sharp. Seen one in person at dealer and very nice to me. Like the colour is on the fenders and side covers, not just the tank like most newer models.

 

[vinnyb]

The gold line edition does look good but I think I would prefer it with more subtle lettering on the side panels. My favourite colour for the '21 models is the blue and silver, it kind of looks like the '62. The only colour I really don't like and would not have is the gloss black, it's just boring.....sorry.
I suppose the only changes between the '16- and the '21, that can't realistically be changed are the engine and updated rider modes and obviously cruise control.

 

[TMead]

I also was between the 2020 and later but went with the 2022. I actually was planning on the T-100 untill I rode the new T-120. I was dissapointed about the welded CAT as I was planning on decating but after putting Sleeper Pros on it the sound to me is just right. I see now they are coming out with pipes to take out the CAT so might do that eventually but for now really happy with it as is. The Cruise is great when you need it and I like the idea of adding what I want. Added the rails and Pannier, luggage rack and back rest and flyscreen already but gotta cool it for awhile. The center stand is also on my list to add but dang all the add-ons are real expensive. I don't know if it helps at all but I'm very happy with the 2022.

 

[Lordmac]

If you plan on exhaust mods such as cat delete/X pipe mod the '21+ are welded to prevent modding or meet EURO compliance regs, maybe both. Can always find a pre '21 exhaust and swap. The '21s come with cruise as standard IIRC. That's one expense you would not have to worry about, if you like cruise control. Center stand is indeed nice for doing chain maintenance, and heated grips are really a necessity during cold wet days. How much to add the two options over there?

All that fancy new stuff on the new Bonnies . . . and I suffer with my 78 T140, DANG!

 

[Scramboy]

At Laguna in Ashford, there's a black T120 with cruise, heated grips, 5500mile 2019.
Nice bike, was mine.

 

[vinnyb]

Lings Triumph of Norfolk have got a stunning blue and white with blue mudguards in. Not seen it before, I don't know if it's a mid season update but i think it's my new favourite colour. If anyone's interested it's on Autotrader under Bonneville (not Bonneville T120)

 

[aj7840]

Personally, If I was buying my T120 again, it would still be a 2016-2020 vintage. IF you think alloy rims are a good deal, just remember all the stuff Triumph took off. Center stand, grab rail, radiator guard, heated grips, to reduce cost - the question is where the alloy rims a cost reduction or an actual improvement.
Cruise control only needs a momentary contact switch and the correct ECU software. You need TuneEcu and a BAFX bluetooth OBD link, and a momentary contact switch to do it yourself. This post https://www.other forum/threads/i-enabled-cruise-control-for-9-on-my-t120.972886/#post-2004093047 IS a how to do it including how to download the correct ECU software for free.

 

[Scramboy]

This was mine.

 

[B25bsaboy]

Hi all,
Having finally (almost) decided that I want a T120 as my next and hopefully forever bike. The next problem is which one to get. I don't even know yet whether I want black or bling. At the moment I am just trying to find out if any one one here has ridden both the '21 model and the earlier model and do you think that the '21's a huge improvement? I like the idea of having the centre stand, heated grips and grab rail as standard rather than expensive options. How much of the much publicised weight loss is just down to removing these parts? I know I really need to get a test ride on both but in the mean time I am just trying to get owner opinions. Thanks.

Vinny,

If I were to build another Meridian Triumph, this is my build list:
1. Early 1971/72 OIF frame
2. 5 Speed transmission Front Drive Sprocket being 21/22 TPI with 47 TPI at the rear
3. 650 Triumph engine - Today's AMAL 930 standard
4. Hagon rear shocks
5. Twin front brake calipers preferably Brembo - Single rear Brembo caliper & rotor
6. Boyer Bransden electronic ignition
7. Flanged rims front and back with Avon new generation tires
8. A North American stock fuel tank from a 1966-67. Stay away from the European Bread Box style tank as they are known to crack on the bottom weld seams.
9. Corbin Gun Fighter Seat
10. Use stainless steel though out the build except for the engine and transmission
11. Stock front and rear fender
12. Paint Vivid black Frame, (fuel tank, front/rear fenders)with gold pin stripping.

An with that you will have a one of a kind awesome and one of the nicest ridding of all the Triumph's!

Had one close to this specification that now sits in Hong Kong!

 

[vinnyb]

Personally, If I was buying my T120 again, it would still be a 2016-2020 vintage. IF you think alloy rims are a good deal, just remember all the stuff Triumph took off. Center stand, grab rail, radiator guard, heated grips, to reduce cost - the question is where the alloy rims a cost reduction or an actual improvement.
Cruise control only needs a momentary contact switch and the correct ECU software. You need TuneEcu and a BAFX bluetooth OBD link, and a momentary contact switch to do it yourself. This post https://www.other forum/threads/i-enabled-cruise-control-for-9-on-my-t120.972886/#post-2004093047 IS a how to do it including how to download the correct ECU software for free.

And that is exactly my point. The way Triumph and to some extent the biking press talk about the update model, you would believe that the changes have totally transformed the way the bike rides. with lighter steering, better brakes and a more responsive engine but they wouldn't be the first manufacturer to totally overstate improvements that can barely be noticed in the real world. As I said in earlier posts, the kit that they have left off is all stuff that I would want to add to the new bike, £600 worth or thereabouts. My problem though, with buying used is that they seem to me, to be overpriced, 9 grand for a 5k mile, 4 year old bike that was only just over 10 new, seems too much, particularly when there are ex demo updates around for £10k albeit without all the kit. I've been looking on Autotrader for quite a while now and there are bikes that have been on for at least 6 weeks and not sold, so it's not like they're flying out the showrooms like the dealers would have you believe. Also, will the price of the older models fall quickly once the update model start to become available used, with all the kit? Which brings me back to my question, is the update so much better that the older model as the justify the extra cost? Sorry for rambling.

 

[vinnyb]

Vinny,

If I were to build another Meridian Triumph, this is my build list:
1. Early 1971/72 OIF frame
2. 5 Speed transmission Front Drive Sprocket being 21/22 TPI with 47 TPI at the rear
3. 650 Triumph engine - Today's AMAL 930 standard
4. Hagon rear shocks
5. Twin front brake calipers preferably Brembo - Single rear Brembo caliper & rotor
6. Boyer Bransden electronic ignition
7. Flanged rims front and back with Avon new generation tires
8. A North American stock fuel tank from a 1966-67. Stay away from the European Bread Box style tank as they are known to crack on the bottom weld seams.
9. Corbin Gun Fighter Seat
10. Use stainless steel though out the build except for the engine and transmission
11. Stock front and rear fender
12. Paint Vivid black Frame, (fuel tank, front/rear fenders)with gold pin stripping.

An with that you will have a one of a kind awesome and one of the nicest ridding of all the Triumph's!

Had one close to this specification that now sits in Hong Kong!

Very nice bike but I think I'll stick with Hinkley Bonnies thanks. I quite like my fillings where they are and being able to still feel your fingers when you arrive at your destination is also a bonus. Besides which, I've only got a metric tool kit.

 

[vinnyb]

This was mine.

Looks good, you obviously looked after it, but a new model with under 2,000 miles is less than £1,000 more from the same shop.
Go figure.

 

[Scramboy]

Looks good, you obviously looked after it, but a new model with under 2,000 miles is less than £1,000 more from the same shop.
Go figure.

Im not sure why that is, it's not my shop.
Go figure.

 

[vinnyb]

Im not sure why that is, it's not my shop.
Go figure.

Sorry Scramboy, I didn't mean any offense. I know you don't set the prices. I was just making a point. I notice it has a comfort seat, I think they look better than the standard are they a lot comfier?

 

[guscar65]

Hi all,
Having finally (almost) decided that I want a T120 as my next and hopefully forever bike. The next problem is which one to get. I don't even know yet whether I want black or bling. At the moment I am just trying to find out if any one one here has ridden both the '21 model and the earlier model and do you think that the '21's a huge improvement? I like the idea of having the centre stand, heated grips and grab rail as standard rather than expensive options. How much of the much publicised weight loss is just down to removing these parts? I know I really need to get a test ride on both but in the mean time I am just trying to get owner opinions. Thanks.

I have a 2018----and I can tell you that if the advertised improvements are as they say------then it is worthwhile (depending on your riding style) e.g . the 2018 has (as they all have) significant torque ----so IF you give it its head (4th is best) ---it does accelerate like stink! so overtakes on short straights /busy roads are fine -----BUT you need to think ahead !!! because when you give the grip a good twist ----the engine takes---well something like 500mlliseconds to actually get going ---response is slow ---the new one has lightened internals to improve this response and make it immediate (500millisecs) can be a long time when you want it to go NOW. Steering-----they have lightened the front wheel by making the rim out of alloy. Once again this will only matter if you want to push on----the 2018 takes perceptible pressure to get it into the turn---once set it is stable , but if you are faced with a series of bends in quick succession -----its hard work after a while, I can keep up with my riding buds on it ---but it is harder work than it need be----so the newer one should address this, ---Here is an observation gained over a fair few trips ---the 'leader' is a quick confident rider mounted on a Kawasaki SX1000----(140hp and 77 shoves of torque) ---he was amazed when my 80hp 120 was right with him on overtakes ----so its no laggard of course this applies only over a short range (40-80) but guess what , that's mostly where we ride!