2018 T120 Used... Potential Problems?

[MikeG]

I'm considering a used T120 that seems a good deal, but I've been reading about the gear box problem and a few others such as squealing brakes and wiring. It's not at a dealer's but not a Triumph dealer and they don't know the history of the bike which has about 15K kms on it but looks practically new. Were the above issues fixed in the 2018 model, and if not, what are the costs to have them fixed? If reasonable, this may be the bike for me.

 

[MikeG]

Meant to say it's at a dealer - but not a Triumph dealer.

 

[shanered6]

Hi there , if you like the bike test ride it and if your happy ... buy it !
I find the internet is always full of the negatives and some of these issues that happen are 1 in 500 machines , and can happen to any make or model of bike especially if the bike has not been looked after properly .
Condition is the key thing if the bike is clean and tidy then generally its been looked after , and if there is anything wrong you will find it on the test ride .

good luck

 

[MikeG]

Hi there , if you like the bike test ride it and if your happy ... buy it !
I find the internet is always full of the negatives and some of these issues that happen are 1 in 500 machines , and can happen to any make or model of bike especially if the bike has not been looked after properly .
Condition is the key thing if the bike is clean and tidy then generally its been looked after , and if there is anything wrong you will find it on the test ride .

good luck

Of course. I would love to test ride it! However, won't be doing a test ride for a few months with 3 feet of snow on the ground. And from what I understand about the gear box problem, it could happen at any time and I have no way of knowing if this bike has had the problem, or if it has, was it fixed. I don't believe it's something that would appear in a short test ride. Therefore the question about cost if anyone has had this done. Cosmetically, the bike looks in great shape.

 

[shanered6]

From what i uderstand it is not a gearbox problem but the gear selector ring problem , which makes it difficult to change down gear .
But out of warranty its not expensive to fix and if you do a bit your self it can be done in the shed at home .

Hope that helps .

 

[MikeG]

From what i uderstand it is not a gearbox problem but the gear selector ring problem , which makes it difficult to change down gear .
But out of warranty its not expensive to fix and if you do a bit your self it can be done in the shed at home .

Hope that helps .

Thanks! That’s what I needed to know. The bike show is next weekend in Toronto, so I hope to see both the T120 and Speedmaster there to make a direct comparison. Deciding factor will be how it ”fits” me. I’ve sat on each at separate times but not together. Thanks again.

 

[Qship]

The squealing brakes were on the '16 MY IIRC. Newer ones have a rubber damper ring behind the rotor to stop this.
Can always run it on the center stand and go up and down the gears to check the shifting

 

[sikatri]

Learn to to do on your own and buy that Triumph if you like it.

 

[Scramboy]

The earlier models without the dampener ring on the spokes were noisy as already stated, plus I only read about a handful of bikes with gear selector issues, possibly due to clutch less changes maybe.
I ly issue I felt I had with my bike 2020 model was the recall for the cable tidy and the rattle from cold start up.
It's even on my Scrambler 1200! Which my dealer is trying to investigate.

 

[bigdavewhit]

I had all the same concerns when I got my 2016 T120. As already said the gearbox issue is a selector fault and should it be needed there is a £70 upgrade selector assembly and a utube video of the replacement. As for brake squeal mine will do it just as it comes to a halt on rare occasions but it’s hardly worth a mention. Since I’ve had my T120 all I’ve needed to do is polish the chrome. The best bike I’ve ever owned.

 

[Elliot]

Gear selector problems at length covered in other forum thread
( https://www.other forum/threads/t120-gearbox-issues.966051/ ) - possible causes left side drop onto gear pedal, clutchless gear changes, or unknown. This was a modification recommended - fitting a delrin plastic spacer between gear pedal and engine case, so in the event of a drop, avoids stressing the selector shaft/ring. Triumph modified the selector ring - replacement kit part number T1191968. I have had no problem in 18000miles with my T120 2019 model. Love the look , and chose over the speed twin version ( which reminded me of the street triple) as more relaxed riding position

 

[Alocke54]

I'm considering a used T120 that seems a good deal, but I've been reading about the gear box problem and a few others such as squealing brakes and wiring. It's not at a dealer's but not a Triumph dealer and they don't know the history of the bike which has about 15K kms on it but looks practically new. Were the above issues fixed in the 2018 model, and if not, what are the costs to have them fixed? If reasonable, this may be the bike for me.

I bought a 2016 Bonneville from a dealer that took in on trade and assured me it was pristine. It had only 2800 miles and seemed great. But when it had shifting issues (reluctant to downshift), took it to the dealer and it had been dropped on the left side (unbeknown to me or the dearler) and the shifter had to be replaced…about £400 ($300). The dealer did reimburse me £224 as a goodwill gesture. I blamed the previous (or devious) owner. But probably 95% of used bike buyers get a great deal on a used bike.

 

[nickjaxe]

I bought a 2016 Bonneville from a dealer that took in on trade and assured me it was pristine. It had only 2800 miles and seemed great. But when it had shifting issues (reluctant to downshift), took it to the dealer and it had been dropped on the left side (unbeknown to me or the dearler) and the shifter had to be replaced…about £400 ($300). The dealer did reimburse me £224 as a goodwill gesture. I blamed the previous (or devious) owner. But probably 95% of used bike buyers get a great deal on a used bike.

Not sure I could buy a used bike without a test ride.

From what I know about gearbox prob as other say....seems to be bikes that are dropped and the gear lever hits the ground.
If it did have a gear prob when you start riding it would the dealer stand by it....unless good with tools I would say leave to a dealer.

There was an issue with the wiring harness....no sure which year of bikes....triumph re-called for this prob I think.....So if a prob in future they should fix it.....

I have a T100 bought new....when I took it in for its first service....they did check for outstanding re-calls.

 

[Jayski]

Thanks! That’s what I needed to know. The bike show is next weekend in Toronto, so I hope to see both the T120 and Speedmaster there to make a direct comparison. Deciding factor will be how it ”fits” me. I’ve sat on each at separate times but not together. Thanks again.

I ride the T120, my buddy rides the speed master. Both are very comfortable, I’m 5’7” so the T120 fits me better than the forward controls of the speedmaster.