Triumph Bonneville T120 Black Review: It's Fantastic!

Рет қаралды 9,510

Күн бұрын

The Bonneville T120 is a great bike!
[Visit my new motorcycle-centered second channel at / @bugmotochannel
]
I haven’t ridden a motorcycle in almost 20 years (I’ve been riding a 2023 Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport since July). So I hitched a ride from home to travel 300 miles away, buy a Triumph Bonneville T120 Black and ride it back to Portland. In the Winter. On the interstate.
I'll do my initial review of the 2017 Triumph Bonneville, tell you what I like, what I really like, and what I love, and show you that this bike is totally approachable even for a rusty dummy like me. Spoiler alert: It’s pretty different than my Vespa.
Filmed on my 2017 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK.
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Tech Notes (current as of Feb 2024):
I shoot these videos mainly on DJI equipment:
• DJI Osmo Action 4 cameras
• DJI Osmo Pocket 3
• DJI Mic 2 (used with Pocket 3 and in-helmet with Action 4)
• Sony ZV-1
• Fuji X100f for stills
All video is edited in Davinci Resolve Studio on a Mac Book Pro
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00:00 First Day Rest Stop on New-To-Me Bonneville! (Friday)
00:25 OMG! Back in Portland (Saturday)
02:41 How it began (Friday)
07:53 Back to the Future (Saturday)
10:35 On the Road Again (Friday)
20:34 Back to Life, Back to Reality (Saturday)

Пікірлер: 103

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

I've spun off a motorcycle-only channel! Check it out: www.youtube.com/@bugmotochannel

@johnsampey344 4 ай бұрын

I have the GTS 250 ie & an XRV 750 Africa Twin. As you say, they're two totally different riding experiences & I Love them both.

@user-hc5ef7kk8s 5 ай бұрын

I had to stop the video and subscribe. Not having gotten my T120 yet, and having the looked at all the reviews, yours is easily the funniest, most enjoyable - and informative - review ever. Funny you mentioned Lake Woebegon - after 5minutes, I was like, hmmm if Garrison Keillor microdosed on speed and bought a T120...thank you!

@ScooterintheSticks 6 ай бұрын

That's a real motorcycle. A beautiful motorcycle. The Bonneville has long been on mind and before I get too old to do anything about it I may still buy one. Congratulations on bringing one into your life. Your description of the machine and the ride was outstanding. And 75mph at 42F is cruel. Glad you had that leather jacket, insulated gloves, and heated grips! And I have to add, your helmet and sound recording system is downright excellent. So quiet compared to what I record. Pretty amazing.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thank you! That's a wireless lav (DJI Mic 2 that came with the DJI Pocket 3) tucked under my chin. I'm shocked at how well it does. Requires a little noise reduction in post, but it works really well.

@johnmartin7158 5 ай бұрын

New generation doesn’t come with heated grips. I own a T120. I also own a Yamaha XMax scooter. Cheers.

@hulkhatepunybanner 6 ай бұрын

*Some days you're a Mod and some days you're a Rocker.*

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

And some days I just sleep in...

@Scootphoria 6 ай бұрын

Huge increase over the Vespa. Been there. Loved it when I was there. Wish you the same fun/smiles as I had. Looking forward to the videos.

@damanSV650 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations. Enjoy the new ride.

@jrobrides1340 6 ай бұрын

I was laughing throughout the video. One because you’re funny. Two because last Friday I did the same thing. Rode 400 miles round trip in freezing weather to buy a black Bonneville t100. Fell in love with it on the way back. Enjoy your new bike.

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

Really? That's so great! They're great bikes.

@natejurgensen 2 ай бұрын

As a fellow Portland rider, (and you probably already know this)...But you'll find some of the most quintessential riding in the West Hills. Cornell to Thompson to Skyline to Germantown to Kaiser and back. Every time I ride out there I feel like I'm in a motorcycle commercial. Excellent video by the way. I have a similar story. Got my 2018 up in Snohomish, WA a year and a half ago. But I brought it back in a van. I concur that you are a madman for riding that I-5 stretch. And in January no less! Glad you made it. Happy Riding. Fellow T120's. See ya out there.

@notbenh 6 ай бұрын

Congrats! awesome bike, glad the weather behaved, just more proof that it was meant to be.

@lowellmartindale8970 6 ай бұрын

Dude… happy you are enjoying it!

@ingoweisspfennig680 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations on your Triumph. 5 years ago I sold my beautiful 2014 Vespa GTS 300 Super and bought a new Triumph T120 black. Same as yours. I absolutely love it to this day. Puts a smile on my face every single time I ride it. But recently I really started missing my Vespa. So 2 weeks ago I came back full circle and bought a 2023 VESPA GTS Super Sport in orange. My Bonnie isn’t going anywhere. I love them both. Enjoy your rides. Love you videos 👍🏼

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! That's fantastic. I do love the orange GTS so much. Do you have a new NEW T120? Like 2023 or 24? If so I have a couple of questions, like, do you find the foot brake has a lot of travel before it engages? Wondering if mine is just old and needs adjustment... Also, I was certain the T120 came with daytime running lights stock, but mine doesn't have the button. However, it appears it actually has the light in the headlight. Very weird. Do you have what appears to be the LED lights, but no button?

@ingoweisspfennig680 6 ай бұрын

@@bugscooterslooks like my reply from earlier disappeared … let’s try again. I bought my Triumph T120 new Dec 2018. It has daylight running lights. They are turning on when you turn the ignition on. No option to turn them off (Australian rules). It sounds like your rear break needs adjusting. I recently had my break pads and break fluid replaced. Not much travel in the foot break.

@johnmartin7158 5 ай бұрын

@@bugscootersYes big time, so I’ve got my foot brake adjusted. Back brake on the T120 ain’t the best, but it’s better than nothing.

@willtaoui 14 күн бұрын

I love your content, genuine and passionate

@thebuyerboy Ай бұрын

I love your videos. You review in a refreshing and human way. Makes a lovely change. I also love my T120 chrome!!

@mathteacherwinston 3 ай бұрын

One of the best narrated and entertaining review of a motorcycle I have come across.

@bugscooters 3 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for that!

@samuelfink4799 4 ай бұрын

I've been wrestling with what I want for over a year, love all the Classic looking Triumphs as well as the Vespas and your channel is not helping my dilemma, I'd like to have both like you.

@scottroberts4551 3 ай бұрын

Congrats. I got my T120 almost 4 years ago... Have done a lot of customizing, great bike, plenty of power, cool style.

@mikerider58 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful motorcycle and well done 👏 for getting up and going after your dreams. Love and Best Wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪 MikeRider

@alanmckee1498 4 ай бұрын

Good choice, I have a 2018 T120 and love it also. The only problem I have is every time I stop somebody tells me how much they love my bike. Enjoy every ride from a friend from the north. 👍

@bugscooters 4 ай бұрын

Ha! That happened to me yesterday when I was stopped at a stop light. I got it on camera!

@stimsonromano2258 Ай бұрын

Awesome review mate big love from Australia

@nikitis13 6 ай бұрын

I did that same years ago Bug😄... Caught an interstate flight 700 miles away, bought a 2013 Harley Sportster Seventy-Two 1200. Rode it home over two days. Reflections off the chrome mini ape bars, big metal flake gold peanut tank sparkling in the sun, the burble of the V&H shotguns on 80 and flashbacks of "EasyRider" from the shadows cast on the ground ... Total bliss 🧘🏻 😎 ✌

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

That sounds like heaven!

@nikitis13 6 ай бұрын

You'll love the Triumph's versatility and smoothness. Good choice. Go Triumph's!✊😁@@bugscooters

@NoFrictionZone 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations bug!

@iggyzorro2406 6 ай бұрын

best of luck with the new wheels. very. nice.

@TheGubbist 6 ай бұрын

Yay, good for you!

@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations on the new ride 🎉... well at least you got a Triumph and with spoked wheels also .That was a quick purchase mate . Health to enjoy 🤗👍

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

I got the spoked wheels so I can put a playing card down there and make it sound like a motorcycle. Wait, what?

@bobjohnson1633 6 ай бұрын

Cheaper than an aftermarket exhaust. Same effect.

@AltitudeRider 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations! BSA Firebird Scrambler was my first British bike, wish I still owned it! They have an aura, just like our Vespas!

@twinphill900 6 ай бұрын

This is such a good video. You are a funny and entertaining storyteller. Enjoy the ride.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm really trying to work on the storytelling bit. I know, theoretically, how to do it, but I always find myself wandering off into space...

@racheltaylor6578 4 ай бұрын

I had one for two days and loved it.Way better than my Street Twin which I love as well.

@bugscooters 4 ай бұрын

Is there a story behind why you only had it for two days? Inquiring minds wanna know!

@teslageek9257 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations! A GTS and a T120 - nice. It will be interesting to see how you see things over time. Take the Triumph or the Vespa, hmm. My guess is you’ll favor one over the other and sell the neglected one eventually. Very different rides for sure. Both are great, good for you brother, enjoy the ride (meaning life👍).

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thank you! Ya know, I was kinda thinking the same thing, but after a day of having both, I really don't see getting rid of either. At least, not getting rid of one in favor of the other. I rode both today... The T120 for a cruise around the city with minimal stop and go, and the Vespa to hit the grocery store for fake beer. They both have a special place for me right now, and I'm fortunate to not have to choose. We'll see how the economy goes in 2024... :(

@paulbyrumii2155 6 ай бұрын

Good video bug, what an awesome motorcycle. Just love the videos you put out. And I love that motorcycle. Pizmo Paul.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thank you sir!

@bunnybunnybunny503 5 ай бұрын

Congratulations on the T120. Portland is a huge Triumph town. You should check out the Kootenay RAT Raid and of course our TRAP (Triumph Riders of Portland) folks. I rode to Pikes Peak with my Pop on his Victory, my buddy Ken on his T120, and I on my Guzzi. I'll be riding up the Kootenay Raid in July. It is a blast. Some of the best roads in the world. You have to have some choices in your garage for sure. I hope to see you out and about.

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

Oh sweet! I didn't know about the Kootenay RAT Raid. I'd love to be a part of that...

@Fourwedge 6 ай бұрын

Congrats on the new ride!

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! It's a whole new world...

@triumphthunderbird1 5 ай бұрын

Congratulations! Fantastic bike! Rode one for a week in Tenerife, cracking ride.

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

I really love it so far.

@kz1000st1 6 ай бұрын

Good choice.

@Royalrider777 3 ай бұрын

Very nice vid!

@bugscooters 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@adrianv6693 3 ай бұрын

Nice bike fella. At the age of 50, late 2020, I said goodbye to the big Japanese Sports Bikes, my last being a Kawasaki ZX14, and hello to my first Triumph. A new Triumph Rocket GT. What beautiful machines Triumph make. The T120 is a favourite. Gorgeous bikes. Enjoy. Stay safe. Adrian 🐻

@bugscooters 3 ай бұрын

How do you like the Rocket? It's an intriguing-looking bike.

@adrianv6693 3 ай бұрын

@bugpnw Love it. I have aptly named it 'Thumper'. It's been great. I have a little osteoporosis in my lower spine and hip, osteoarthritis and exposed nerve in neck and damaged knees. Sportbike riding posture triggered these. The cruiser riding posture on the GT doesn't. I can ride for hours and still have performance! I find it good on open road and commuting. A very smooth powerhouse. 🐻👍🏿

@bankruptpensioner 5 ай бұрын

Brilliant video 😂

@robgerety 6 ай бұрын

Sweet video. I pick up my new to me 2002 T100 on Friday and trailer it 300 miles home. I've wanted to own and ride a Bonneville since I was 16. The Bonneville is my idea of a beautiful motorcycle.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Agreed, and congrats! I took mine to the grocery store today just because. In the rain. Totally worth it!

@bobjohnson1633 6 ай бұрын

Just bring another person so you can drive the 300. With 2-3 rest breaks.

@bobjohnson1633 6 ай бұрын

Nice choice

@johnsampey344 4 ай бұрын

Brilliant ! 🎉😊

@wboeren1 6 ай бұрын

What a nice bike, i hope you enjoy it maximus.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@victorhawkins3461 6 ай бұрын

Well, Abe was nothing if not honest. Congrats, bug.! You got yourself a Triumph! I'm proud of ya. Also proud of ya 'cause you realized your turn signal was on at 2 min, 16 secs. The dent/white paint story tickled me 'cause I bought Anita O'Day -- my 300 GTS -- with a tablespoon-sized ding on her undercarriage...no paint damage...and they knocked off some decent $$$ for me. (She didn't smack a Tesla; her crate got shook up on the way from Italy.) Keep it 'tween the ditches, there, bug., and things should work out just fine. But if you don't post any Vespa videos, I'm comin' up there and get ya'! (Could I really ride from Palm Springs to Portland on a 300 GTS???)

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Hey! Thanks! I'm coming down to Palm Springs in a couple of weeks. Are there any Vespa rental places down there? I'm thinking of renting a scooter and doing a video while I'm around...

@victorhawkins3461 6 ай бұрын

@@bugscooters Ace Hotel used to rent scoots -- Genuine Buddy scoots, if I recall. I''ll check with Sam's Cycle Repair -- our local Vespa wrencher -- and see what he can tell me. Drop me a PM on MV and I'll pass on the results of my legwork. I've been in PSP for 18 years, so I oughta be able to find out SOMETHING!

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

@@victorhawkins3461 That's mighty kind of you. Thanks!!!

@MotorcycleFettlers 6 ай бұрын

I always enjoy your videos, mostly for your sense of humour. Keep it up. We're looking to improve our audio quality and was wondering what helmet camera you use and, in particular, how you do your audio? Also, what mirror mounts do you use for your Vespa?

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! I'm actually in the process of making a video on my updated setup, and I'm going to be giving away a spare DJI Mic that I have (it's a whole story why I only have one of the mics from the two-mic set...) but, my set-up right now is completely DJI. I have an Action 4 on my helmet (via a Chin Mounts mount, which is overpriced but works well), and an Action 4 mounted to my mirror or handlebar, depending on the bike. The mirror/handlebar mount is some cheap thing I got off Amazon but it works great ( amzn.to/48mANqH ). For off-bike stuff I have a DJI Pocket 3, and it's fantastic. It comes with a DJI Mic 2, which, through a firmware update, now links directly to the Action 4 on my helmet. It's perfect. My helmet (Shoei RF-1400) has this chin mesh thing, so I put the DJI Mic 2 on top of the mesh thing and use the magnet to secure it from under it. Kinda hard to explain but I'll show you in the video.

@MotorcycleFettlers 6 ай бұрын

@@bugscooters nice one!

@TheQ427 2 ай бұрын

Hilarious comment "Bonny 1 - Tesla 0" 😀Your vid may have started reconsidering my opinion about my T120 Black (well, grey tank and fenders but still called "black" 😀). Stay safe

@imconfusedoften 6 ай бұрын

I’ve owned several bike lots of times, but I always end up riding only one.

@dallasdandigitalproduction393 6 ай бұрын

Would be nice to let your audience hear the motor, esp. once you hit the ignition. Maybe get an external mic. Best sound ever imo.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

I'm 20 episodes into this thing, and each and every time I've forgotten to just stash a mic somewhere and mix that in to the video... I need a checklist.

@armedferret 6 ай бұрын

Atta feller! I'm moving halfway across the country in about 18 months and do *NOT* need to get a speed 400. But I find myself looking into it more and more. I need something to distract my ADHD hyperfixation and fast lol

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

OH DO IT!!!

@armedferret 6 ай бұрын

@@bugscooters you're gonna get me in so much trouble. good man. :D

@thebigoaktree8401 4 ай бұрын

What commentary! Hilarious and entertaining. I think my favorite is that you don’t talk with your hands while riding. Heated grips are the best …next to the heated seat! 😅

@bugscooters 4 ай бұрын

Talking with my hands runs in my family. I come from a long line of mimes.

@Jonathan-L 5 ай бұрын

If I owned a T120, I'd be tempted to fit a belt drive kit ... not cheap, but if the bike is going to be kept long term and ridden a lot, then I'd justify the cost.

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

Is that a thing? I've never heard of this as an option. Very interesting... I wonder if I could slap a shaft drive on it... :)

@iggyzorro2406 6 ай бұрын

I like kids. Especially with a little hollandaise sauce.

@user-lz7qk8li5f 2 ай бұрын

Hey how do you get that speedometer on phone that’s really cool

@Dr.ModNut 6 ай бұрын

Congratulations Mate! Which GPS/Speedometer application are you using? Cheers!

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

It's called Speedometer 55 GPS Speed & HUD... I have the paid version but the free version is great as well.

@Dr.ModNut 6 ай бұрын

@@bugscooters thank you!

@operator0 6 ай бұрын

That 60.1mpg that Triumph quotes is probably the UK mpg. UK gallons are slightly smaller than American gallons. If I ride my T120 judiciously, I can get 55+ American mpg. Mostly though, I am seeing low 50s. P.S. Cruise control was an option on that bike, and you can still have it retrofitted pretty easily. Any Triumph shop can do it in an hour or two. All the electronics are already there, you just need the switch cluster (about $450), and the ECU needs to be flashed so as to recognize the CC. I love CC on a bike, and will never buy another without it.

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

Interesting! I wonder if the switch cluster comes with the button for the daytime running lights…

@operator0 5 ай бұрын

@@bugscooters No it doesn't. The headlight for the 2021+ is different than the headlight for the older models. Still, you got the better year IMO. You got the heated grips and the center stand as standard equipment, while the 2021+ only gets the CC as standard. The heated grips and center stand are options on that bike. Also the 2021+ fenders are all painted black, no matter what color your tank is while the earlier models are color matched. Additionally, the catalytic converter is welded onto the exhaust on the 2021+ models, making a cat delete much more involved and expensive.

@LordJasonKing Ай бұрын

Is it true that in the US you don’t need a bike licence? From a Vespa to a T120. That’s some serious leap up.

@legroll 6 ай бұрын

How did I find this channel, and why did I subscribe? I dunno, but it's fun I guess. Very similar story, bought a scooter a couple months ago. Hadn't ridden a motorcycle in about 17 years. Now I'M getting the itch for a motorcycle. Maybe I should unsubscribe....sometime.

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

I unsubscribed and now I have more free time...

@jayb4972 6 ай бұрын

Me to. I bought a 2023 GTS a few months ago And definitely getting the edge to buy a triumph, either a T1 20 like yours BUG or a scrambler. I’m 191cms (6.3) hence thinking of the Scrambler. Love the channel, keep up the great work!!

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

@@jayb4972 I think the scrambler would be a real hoot to ride. Please purchase one and report back.

@legroll 6 ай бұрын

First!

@bugscooters 6 ай бұрын

This is my first "First!"

@marceloluz3446 11 күн бұрын

What the point of living if you cant fell alive?😊

@asacarrick1440 5 ай бұрын

Why is the colour of the bike so significant? We'll figure that out. It's pathetic. Even Triumph have a separate page in their catalogues for black bikes. Not everyone's cup of tea

@bugscooters 5 ай бұрын

That's why it's a separate page. Just rip it out.