Triumph Bonneville T120 [2021-2022] Review: A Timeless Machine Reimagined

Introduction

The Triumph Bonneville T120 needs no introduction – it’s a living legend wrapped in modern engineering. For the 2021-2022 model years, this British icon receives subtle but impactful upgrades that elevate its classic charm to contemporary standards. As I swung a leg over the Jet Black variant, the air of nostalgia blended seamlessly with the promise of modern reliability. This isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a statement – one that whispers "café racer heritage" but shouts "21st-century sophistication" through its exhausts.

Design & Aesthetics

The T120’s design is a masterclass in balancing tradition and innovation. The 790mm (31.1") seat height welcomes riders of all statures, while the 236kg (520 lbs) weight feels surprisingly manageable once in motion. Chrome accents dominate the standard model, reflecting sunlight like a rolling jewelry box, while the Black and Gold Line editions offer moody, contemporary alternatives.

The 18-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels – now 7kg lighter thanks to aluminum rims – give the bike a tauter profile. Hand-painted gold linings on the Gold Line Edition and the 1959 Legends Custom’s guitar-inspired sunburst tank showcase Triumph’s commitment to artisanal details. It’s the kind of machine that draws crowds at red lights, with onlookers often mistaking it for a restored classic rather than a modern Euro 5-compliant workhorse.

Engine & Performance

At its heart lies the 1200cc parallel twin – a masterpiece of accessible torque. The 105Nm (77.4 lb-ft) peak arriving at just 3,500 rpm transforms city riding into a lazy ballet of short-shifting. I never needed to rev beyond 4,000 rpm in urban environments, the engine’s 270° crank delivering that characteristic British twin burble through twin chrome silencers.

The magic happens in the mid-range. Roll on the throttle at 80 km/h (50 mph) in sixth gear, and the Bonneville surges forward without downshifting, its 79 HP (59 kW) feeling more substantial than paper specs suggest. Liquid cooling keeps temperatures in check during summer traffic, while the ride-by-wire throttle responds with vintage-style immediacy rather than hyperbike sharpness.

Handling & Ride Experience

Triumph’s weight-saving measures shine here. The 1450mm (57.1") wheelbase and 25.5° rake create stability without sacrificing agility. Through mountain passes, the Kayaba 41mm forks and twin rear shocks (both offering 120mm/4.7" travel) handled mid-corner bumps with composure unexpected from a "retro" machine.

The upgraded Brembo front brakes – twin 310mm discs with 2-piston calipers – provide confident stopping power. ABS intervention is subtle, only noticeable during emergency stops on wet leaves. At highway speeds, the bike tracks true, though the upright riding position creates noticeable wind buffet above 130 km/h (80 mph). This is a machine that prefers sweeping B-roads to autobahn blasts.

Technology & Features

Triumph smartly hides modern tech beneath classic trappings. The twin dial dash houses an LCD displaying gear position, fuel economy (4.5L/100km or 52 mpg observed), and traction control status. Switchable riding modes (Rain/Road) subtly alter throttle response – useful when tackling damp cobblestones.

Cruise control activation via left-hand toggle feels intuitive, a boon for long motorway stretches. The under-seat USB port kept my phone charged, while the pre-wired heated grip circuit hints at the bike’s four-season capabilities. My only gripe? The turn signals require deliberate pressure – a small price for maintaining that classic switchgear aesthetic.

Competition

In the modern classic arena, the T120 faces intriguing rivals:

• Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone: Lighter at 189kg (417 lbs) but down 30Nm on torque. Its transverse V-twin character can’t match the Triumph’s refinement.
• Kawasaki W800: Air-cooled charm with period-correct vibrations. Lacks the T120’s tech suite and struggles above 110 km/h (68 mph).
• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Budget-friendly alternative with 80% of the Bonneville’s charm at 60% of the cost. Build quality and dealer network can’t match Triumph’s.
• Harley-Davidson Sportster S: More powerful but loses the classic aesthetic. Appeals to different sensibilities.

The T120’s ace is balance – it’s neither as raw as the Guzzi nor as sanitized as BMW’s R18. For riders wanting modern reliability with 1960s soul, it remains segment king.

Maintenance

Triumph’s 16,000 km (10,000 mi) service intervals are a boon for daily riders. Key considerations:

1. Chain Care: The X-ring final drive requires regular cleaning (every 500 km/300 mi). MOTOPARTS.store offers premium chain kits with alignment tools.
2. Oil Changes: Use JASO MA2-rated 10W-40/50. Requires 3.4L with filter – consider our synthetic bundle with OEM-spec NGK LMAR8A-9 plugs.
3. Brake Upgrades: Swapping to sintered pads (compatible with stock Brembo/Nissin calipers) enhances bite.
4. Winter Prep: Anti-corrosion spray for chrome parts is essential. Our detailing kit includes pH-neutral cleaners.
5. Suspension Tuning: Pre-load adjustment tools help optimize the twin shocks for loaded touring.

The liquid-cooled engine runs cleaner than air-cooled rivals, but regular coolant checks (1.6L capacity) prevent overheating. Valve checks at major services are easier than Ducati’s Desmo but pricier than Royal Enfield’s simple setup.

Customization Potential

With 116 official accessories, personalization is boundless:

• Performance: DNA air filters and Vance & Hines slip-ons boost mid-range urgency without compromising emissions.
• Comfort: Triumph’s quilted touring seat improves long-haul comfort over the stock ribbed unit.
• Aesthetics: Period-correct badges, bar-end mirrors, and brown leather grips enhance vintage appeal.
• Practicality: Our recommended 40L vintage-style panniers maintain the classic look while adding utility.

The aftermarket support eclipses niche competitors, making the T120 a canvas for individual expression.

Conclusion

The 2021-2022 Bonneville T120 isn’t about chasing specs – it’s about savoring journeys. From the moment you thumb the starter (no faux carburetors here – just crisp fuel injection), it delivers a riding experience that’s both visceral and refined. The updates – lighter wheels, cruise control, improved brakes – address previous-gen shortcomings without diluting its soul.

Is it perfect? Purists might crave more raw edge, while tech junkies could demand TFT displays. But as sunset painted the chrome in golden hues during my test ride, shifting through the buttery 6-speed gearbox, I realized: this is how modern classics should be – respectful of heritage, unafraid of progress, and above all, ridiculously fun to ride.

Whether you’re restoring a T120 to factory glory or transforming it into a café racer, MOTOPARTS.store has the expertise and components to make every ride uniquely yours. From period-correct bolts to performance upgrades, we keep the Bonneville spirit alive – one customized part at a time.

---

Specifications sheet

---