Thanks for the great review. These issues and Triumph's handling of them have convinced me to hold off for another year or so till some of the problems have been addressed.

Thank you for that honest and thorough review!

After all the years that Triumph have been building the Hinckley Bonnevilles , this bike should be perfect . I'll be hanging on to my Suzuki Intruder 1500 for quite some time , as i believe it's a much better bike in every way , especially with it's shaft - drive , excellent handling ( for a cruiser ) , reliability , and fuel consumption . Have owned 2 Bonnie's , so i do know what i'm talking about .

Hi Stuart. Thank you for your review. As a direct result of watching many of your videos I have today ordered a brand new t120 in gloss black, just like yours. I've also ordered the cruise control as I fully agree with your comments about this being a great safety feature. Will be picking up my new bike in June 2018 and will be watching your video again on detailing so I can protect it from day one. Thank you again for all of your videos I have just subscribed so I can watch any new ones that you post. Nick

Very good review/ update ,well done and thanks for posting.I am approaching 61 years of age and as a kid I used to buy MCN and it seemed full of pictures and stories about the Bonnie,I think these new ones look fabulous.I would quite like one of these new ones.I worked in the car industry for decades and when it comes to admitting faults manufacturers usually deny everything until forced to admit. £10000 for me is a lot of money.Your review has made think do I want one that much

Thanks for your honest review. I am test riding the t120 in the morning and I will listen for the freight train noise when I come to a stop sign. I love the looks of this bike and I hope I am not disappointed with the test ride. I am from Atlanta and your accent is awesome! Keep up the good reviews.

Just found this review as I love the look of the Bonnie. Great review Stuart, thanks for doing such an excellent job and for pointing out the good points and the not so good. Listening to you, I think I will have to get my finger out and get one this year!

Thanks! I've picked up all your reviews on the 2016 T120. Loving the clarity, thoroughness and honesty. I've even bought a Lomo dry bag based on one of your other reviews. Plan to exchange my Sprint ST 1050 for the T120 at the end of this year. Hoping Triumph address the issues you raise. But will be getting one regardless. Keep up the good work. Further updates welcome.

At last an honest straightforward reviewer, answering all the questions a rider needs to know. Great review, thank you, subscribed 👍

thx for the review Stuart! I just bought mine and can't say enough about how much I love it. I found your insights very helpful while researching bikes. ride safe and enjoy!

Thanks so much for the video. I have been looking at the Bonniville and I happy to have seen this. I will still probably still get one but I know what I need to look for

Now THAT was a great review! I feel like I've finally been let in on the whole truth. The lack of quality control unfortunately brings back old memories which is quite a shame since these new Bonnevilles are otherwise so very appealing. You'd think they'd have learned better from the past.

Stuart another great video thank you for taking the time to do this I wonder if you’ve got an update on the brakes and the water ingress into the clocks and headlamp thank you

I've seen many of your reviews, but I really enjoyed this one... Thank You Stuart!

Appreciate the honest review, the wiring loom reminds me of the British Leyland of old

Hi Stuart My T120 is having the first 10000 mile service on the 4 March 2019. Is it time to replace the chain? My engineering skills are limited to turning the key and starting the bike. Thanks. Dave D

Thank you for sharing. It helped me greatly in my decision to buy a T120. Delivery is next Monday, I can't wait !

Most honest and brilliant bike review I have ever had the pleasure of watching

Thanks for the great review! There are a lot of professional reviews that just read the manual and call it all good after a few hours of perfect weather riding at the launch event. Surprisingly difficult to get detailed information short of trolling model specific forums, so I appreciate it.

Terrific review! Thanks for the information...thinking of a purchase soon and these are good things to know in advance.

Thanks for excellent reviews Stuart. Love watching your channel! I'm totally hooked on the T120 and looking to get one in the spring. I am planning to use it for commute a couple days of the week. But approx 20 minutes of the roas to work is a 70 mph speed limit highway. Do you think that would be ok with the T120 in terms of wind and comfort at higher speeds?

I have a 2017 T120 and am nothing but impressed. No front brake squeal and no water in the instruments, just a sweet bike.

These intrigue me. I have a 2010 bought new and I've done some work to it. The motor is opened up and running as it should. Your review of the new engine reminds me of my impressions of the old lump in stock form. Anyway, they did a fantastic job with the looks of the new liquid cooled twin. It's definitely classic looking. Good honest review. I'll note that I have had only one issue with my last generation Bonnie: weeping oil from a couple gaskets. It's not terrible and owning several old machines, it's no big deal at all, but it's something you notice on a new machine.

Excellent review. Thank you. I was thinking about getting one, not so much now.

Great review!! Most reviewers provide a full review within 2 days of getting the bike but you on the other hand actually rode the bike for long time and provided a honest and professional review. I wanna ask if these problems are still present in newer models. Also if T100 is a better choice over T120 (no financial restrictions).

Hey Stu do you know if any of the problems that you mention where ever fixed on the 2018 models thanks Gio. looking at one now a 2018 very niccccccce ride.

Good honest review! If Triumph never fully sort their wiring problem or you aren't happy with their fix, keep aircraft fuel tank sealant in mind. The stuff may be the best sealant/formable gasket material/potting compound ever and lasts decades on jet fighters and nearly every other aircraft. Aircraft Spruce in CONUS stock it and I've no doubt aviation suppliers in the UK can get it for you. Every mechanic should buy a kit to play with. It's indifferent to gasoline, alcohol, diesel, jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, and has excellent wetting. I've also used it to pot old-style Amphenol plugs and it's better than potting compound. It seals ancient vertically split motorcycle crankcases too.

Oh, and I got my gauges replaced on my Thruxton R under warranty, and my replacements condensed up too! :-) The wiring loom was also replaced under warranty... They did that the same time as my decat... Also, my engine cases (brushed aluminium) pitted fairly badly, and they aren't covered under warranty. This is my only negative on the engine cases. My dealership had been excellent. Herts Triumph. But mainly it seems to be that Triumph claim that the dealers should tell customers all these details, but the dealers do not know this... Perhaps, better communication with your dealerships Triumph!! So expectations can be equal on all sides... Message ends...

I test rode one last week, along with the speed master..I've watched all of your reviews! Great stuff thank you. I have a serious concern here in Arizona, USA. It was 80F and oh my, the heat would be unbearable on a hotter day if stuck in traffic due to the fan kicking all that heat to your knees. As a daily commute on my Trophy SE, it too suffers from a high level of heat on my left foot. I'm going to be commuting on my trusty 09 Speed Triple yet again this year. I loved the ride of this Bonneville though, smooth, compliant and plenty of power. Thanks again for your reviews!!

Figured I'd go back and enjoy this review again while I'm waiting for warmer weather and to weather out the pandemic. I'll go polish my T-120 now, reflect, and smile about your review and other things.

Great and very useful review as I decide whether or not to buy a 2017 T120 with only 1,000 miles on it from a dealer at a very reasonable price. I do wonder now if it was traded due to brake squeal or gas leak...I did read in one of the reviews that one should replace stock sintered pads with "organic" pads. Does anyone have any experience with this?

nice video stuart! i got my t120 since mid 2016, and i guess i have to do a video review of my bonnie soon. I still think i made the right decision getting the T120 and not an other biker. still have so much love for it.

Outstanding review, ...totally dig it! Thanks for taking the time to put it out there :p

The girlfriend analogy is spot on! haha

Hi Stuart, what an absolutely brilliant video and owners review of the T120. As you say nothing is perfect and when we spend big chunks of money we expect to be heard, rather than waved away contemptuously. I loved my T100 and your review makes me wonder about having a T120. The comparison with the girlfriend was btw inspired !!!!

what is the difference between 2016 T120 vs 2019 T120? can someone give me some inputs.

Love the old girlfriend reference, lol.

I've got a t120 on order for collection in March, 2023, not long now, I fill my nights in by watching these videos on care and add ons stuart reviews for this model, I had a bmw f800st which was a fantastic bike, a bit clunky on the gear change, but never let me down, totally bulletproof. I think in life as I get older perfection is only a dream, the t120 looks gorgeous, I'm not perfect, I'm sure with stuarts advice me and the bonnie will be best of friends.

Great review - wonderfully honest. This model makes me long for the old Speed Twin we had 40 years ago, but I'd like a quiet front brake! I'm on a Speedmaster and besides only having 5 short gears, whines like a little girl when I tap off.... time for new pipes? Thanks!

The reliability compared with other bikes is pretty good and I’d say that Triumph’s quality control gets better and better. This review is now five years old so this was an early production bike - hopefully the issues have been ironed out on later models.

This is the best review I’ve seen. I found a gently used 2018 at a dealer near me yesterday and am buying it. Had gone into the dealer looking at a Husky Svartpilen 701 and saw that they had the Bonnie that they had just taken in. It’s in perfect shape. Stu, your review is great and is an eye opener as to what to expect. Some of the issues you pointed out are a little unnerving and I do hope they sorted them out by the 2018 model year. I guess I’ll have to see how it goes for me. I need a bike like this that still has some soul. I could go for a Japanese naked/standard or even modern retro but they just seem too bland. I love your final analogy comparing the Bonnie to an ex-girlfriend. Haha! Awesome.

Great videos! There are so many KZfaq'ers that don't talk about cleaning, maintenance, accessories and other extremely helpful bits of information. Someone with real experience. I hope to start riding again early next year and the Triumph T120 is at the top of my list. When I saw yours and the tasteful customization you've done, that put it #1 on my list. I like the suspension improvements you've done but not sure about exhaust. I'd feel guilty not riding with a catalytic. It's the ex-Californian in me. :-) Keep up the excellent work!

Hello brother, how are you, just wanted to know about T120 reviews on mountains I mean on turns and adequacy of ground clearance. And something about Tiger XRX when we compare both. An early reply would be highly appreciated.

would you say this bike is ideal to use for my motorcycle license ? asking as a beginner . i’m 5’10 & weigh 165 pounds . i really want to buy this bike but debating whether it’d be easy to maneuver in a slow steady pace

Thanks for posting this review. Great job!

Yeah, really enjoyed this review mate, very entertaining, what led me here was my Vespa of all things! It had some warranty work carried out on it by the dealers on Blackburn, who are also Triumph dealers, I can’t remember being so knocked out by the look of a bike since I was a teenager looking at the original 350 lcs! Just so beautiful, Definitely my next big bike I reckon, cheers

Good review. I've had my T120 black since April last year and use it every day, rain or shine as a commuter in London. Over 4K miles so far. I love it, and getting up for work is that much easier very day knowing I get to ride it to the office, but it does have some quirks: 1. Those squeaky brakes. I mean, you cruise up to the traffic lights, engine sounds great, looking good, then eeeeeeeeeeek. Kinda ruins the moment. 2. The black version holds up tho the elements much better than the chrome, but has deloped a few rust spots, particularly around the shocks and spokes. That said, mine lives outdoors under a cover all year and gets used in all weathers so it's to be expected. Recently treated the whole thing with ACF 50 and that seems to have made a big difference. I'd recommend it. 3. I've had a few electrical issues. Firstly the hazard lights only working on one side, water ingress setting the alarm off (admittedly after a visit to the local hand car wash, so probably my fault), rear brake sticking (light permanently on), product recall on fuel pump as mentioned in the review, and finally the issue they are now recalling where the throttle sticks due to expansion of the rubber when the heated grips are on. Sounds bad when you write it down, but the guys at Metropolis in Vauxhall have sorted all the problems our straight away without any issues. 4. Tubed tyres. I know the deal with spoked wheels but I've had 2 flats so far and they really ruin your day. Much easier to plug a tubeless tyre and get on the move again. I wish they'd do a deal with Alpina or someone and fit tubeless spoked rims as standard. It's supposed to be a modern bike after all. All this aside though. The bike just makes me happy. When you have a connection with a bike you can forgive a lot, and I wouldn't change it. Roll on the summer! Also, Stuart - does your fly screen make much of a difference at high speeds?

Glad my chum just put me onto your channel.......I like honest reviews it helps us all avoid heartbreak :-)

Great videos Stuart, very informative and helpful. I've only recently found them and started to watch them, as it's only in the last week or so that i've started to look at T120 reviews on etc, and am now considering buying one, and parting company with my trusty Bandit 1250S. Despite the few teething problems you've experienced, the T120 certainly seems to be quite an awesome modern classic. I had a Kawasaki W650 retro bike a while back which i really enjoyed, although i found it a bit small/cramped for my 6' tall frame, but the Bonneville seems to have alot more legroom. I wanted to ask you though (and apologies if you've already covered this elsewhere in another video), but what are your views on the practicality and relative robustness of modern 'tubed wheels/tyres' (such as used on the T120 and most other spoked wheel classics of course), in regard to using a bike like the T120 for longer trips/weekends/touring etc.

any vibrations on pegs or grips at highway speeds? wind buffer? thinking of getting one.

Stuart, once again I enjoyed your video and appreciate the candid honest review. Going about this a bit backwards as I have watched many videos with related products like the goggles you did. I had in my mind to own a Triumph for some time, maybe bit Un- American to say but not a Harley guy, not that there is anything wrong with being one. I passed on a 68 Bonnie some years ago with much regret, had a chuckle at your comparison to a old girlfriend, I have an ex that would substitute well though not sure I regret her the same, watch many reviews over past few years as Triumph has worked through its new lines of bikes, not had bike for some time and eager to get ridding again but want to make right choice. Iconic as they are I don't want to be swayed by the classic looks and desire of nostalgia. thanks again

A great review and I appreciate your mastery of poetic language.

Brilliant review! I'm still buying one! Thanks!

Great review and thank you for the honesty.

Good review. Ill look forward to the next.

Best review I've seen yet. Your narrating skills are stellar. Even though I'm from Alabama, I unnerstood ever thang you sed :)

Excellent review. I would have enjoyed it more and been able to understand your words better if the background music wouldn’t have been playing throughout the video.

I'm thinking about getting rid of my 2017 Moto Guzzi V7iii and getting a Bonneville next summer. I'd like to find a used 2017 with low miles, either a T100 or T120. Do you think it's worth spending the extra money on the T120? I bought the Moto Guzzi last year because I wanted a modern classic/retro bike and thought I'd be a different...everyone seems to have a Bonneville these days. : ) I like the V7 a lot but I'm still longing for a Triumph, and I'm starting to realize why there's so many Bonneville's on the road, because they're great bikes. I took a T100 for a test ride last summer and loved it.

anyone know if all the serious issues have been sorted out in current iterations ?

Thanks for this information... Really good! Is that the Tall Tinted Flyscreen and Waxed Cotton Pannier Black from the Triumph accossories??

This review: AMAZING. I was looking at one today to trade up from my Harley 883. I lost it at 9:27. Epic comparison.

good review. i've had mine for 12,000 miles now, never picked up the wheel squeak but i am in a hot dry climate. only problem ive had is when it gets around 35+ celcius outside, the idle can drop very low and on three occassions it cut out on me while sat at lights. Otherwise love my t120.

I would love one of these but as I ride all year round to commute I fear the UK winters roads would destroy it :(

I like the "makes you feel good to have it in your garage" comment. Ive had a bike or two that I didnt feel good about posessing hence they got moved on. Great review, cheers.

Well done. G8 report. Much appreciated. Thank you.

My amigo, thanks for the review, I like the looks of this bike, I still do not know if it the one for me, but this review helps a bit! Thanks from Mexico

Is there such a thing as rubber covers for the bottom of the center stand. It keeps sliding when I try to put bike up on asphalt driveway.

This winter has been a bitch, cheer up, spring will eventually show it's face. I like your candid assessment. I was a long-time BMW rider as well, but I do not regret switching to a Triumph. My riding needs changed much like yours (we've been riding about the same number of years and I suspect we are similar ages).

Thanks for an excellent review, wish more were as down to earth!

Which windshield is that on your motorcycle, ... is it effective on long highway tours (250-350km) Best regards from Germany, ... rheinlandtourer

Very good review, I have Seen all your videos, question, I have gotten approvel of wife to buy a mc. I am looking at Thriumph bonneville Bobber and this one T120, I dont CARE about small tank or exstra seat. What do you think... 😊

Stuart - First, I need to thank you. Last Friday I took delivery of a new 2018 T120 and if I could figure out how to share a photo with you via the comments, you'd see it's the U.S. version of your Bonnie. Thanks so much for all the insight and knowledge you share on your channel, you've been my source for all things T120 - down to my Burly bags and my Muc-Off power washer I received yesterday. One question I did have - I also purchased the Triumph brown "comfort" seat that you purchased and I'm having a tough time getting the seat pin to "lock" in the seat lock. I've had to weave the saddlebags under my frame/over the fender to get it to work but the seat still "pops" loose if I tug-up-on-it with any force. Any advice on getting a better fit with my seat lock? Thanks again and keep all the outstanding content and perspective coming!! -Rich

Great Review. Had my T120 a month . Only got 300 miles on it as the squeak when low speed braking is driving me mental . Feel like I'm on a rusty BMX. Was gonna get it looked at on the first service but worried it's a permanent feature . Could it me just new brakes settling in (I hope)

The analogy with the past girlfriend had me in stitches!! Inspired review overall and amazing video as always.

Webbed feet and halitosis …. Lmao, Hope your still enjoying the bike. I watched this because I wanted to get to the bottom of the issues around some of the earlier Bonnies and I’d like to say thanks for the honest review. I wonder if most if not all of the issues have now been engineered out in the newer editions!

Is there no fix for the brake noise? I did read about someone who shaved it down, but it didn't resolve it. But there has to be something that could be done right?

Hey mate have you made a video of fitting the triumph panniers I can’t find instruction vids anywhere on these bags and brackets I do know you said they are crap but not many options for panniers here in Western Australia 🇦🇺 kind regards Phil

8:28 Your badge is off center and my OCD is going nuts. This is unacceptable from the factory. I'm sorry to hear about your mishaps with the bike. Got the 2018 Bobber (non-Black) and I absolutely love it. Doesn't have any of the issues this bonnie has had. Glad you picked you one up! Been digging your Motone updates!

Are you going to test the new Enfield 350? Because I have ordered one? I appreciate your reports.

Refreshing to read an honest review..... It's great to see Triumph as a success story in the 21st century.....in many ways a foil to Harley Davidson's monopoly of old world style bike fun in the US..... Problems like wiring and moisture influx seem strangely reminiscent of 50's and 60's original bikes I've often been tempted to purchase a Triumph in recent years (after a less than joyful experience with a Tiger 955 Trailie in early 00's). The alternatives seem to centre around the many bullet-proof Japanese bikes like Honda : undeniably reliable and in the case of the VFR 800, with character as well ; or perhaps a BMW like the Roadster, which has a longer lineage than the Bonneville..... So many 'concept' bikes around today.....we are spoilt for choice.....!!

A fair review. I'm looking forward to seeing what Triumph can deliver for cruiser riders. The Bobber is a nice start but isn't a particularly practical motorcycle.

Great honest review! Love the Westwood scenery too - all it needs is for the Burgess ice-cream van to be still open for business!

Stu.. How are you getting on with your T120 re the gearing, the noisy brakes and the water retention issues around the clocks and headlights? Close to buying one to go alongside my Z900RS.. Just a bit concerned these issues have not been addressed.. As you say its embarrassing when get the attention of the whole area when you stop. Would take me back my first car at 18yrs old...that was no stealth machine either..😁. Any information regarding the current status of your 'Bonny' would help.. Thanks for whatever you can tell me.. John.

I have 2800mi on my 2014 Triumph Scrambler... is it time to do a long term review on it? I did a wheelie video or two on it... my review? I like it, but I should ride it more. The upgrade to Öhlins suspension was absolutely necessary though.

Great honest review.. I am seriously thinking of buying a T120 next spring but finding it difficult to make my mind up between the Triumph or a HD Sportster 1200.. same bike I actually passed my bike test on years ago.. I keep hearing bad things about Triumphs and it is starting to put me off a bit.. I know the front end is a bit soft so may need to change the springs. But really shocked to hear what you have said about water getting into clocks and headlight unit and the fuel pump leak seems really bad but what is getting me is the lack of interest that Triumph is showing towards its costumers.. I'm hoping that since you made this video that Triumph have sorted all these problems out in the newer T120 machines.. Thanks again for the great review 👍 Ride safe 🏍

good honest review Stewart. like the conclusion shows you are not new to bikes. had many myself and can honestly say there are no perfect ones. gotta love em with their flows

How long do you leavbe your nattery on tender over the winter months of sitting still. I plug mine in at the first of each month and charge for 24 hours.

Interesting points I appreciate the honesty. Some people don't want to admit the flaws of a new model because they've spent too much money on it. Now that 2018 models are on sale I wonder if those have any changes. The brake calipers for the price of the bike should be Brembo, even a low end Brembo. I'll be back working at a Triumph dealer now so I can't wait to get some test rides in! Not sure if I'll buy one, but I do have a strong affinity for the brand. Cheers.

i am going to watch this again when i am sober. loved the way you talked about your ex......

Hi Have you found a a paddock stand which would support your T120 ? I have a T100 black and trying to read through all the twaddle online, I no longer no what anything is! You always talk sense, can you give any advise?

Hi Stuart, great review. Exactly like you said, differently than all the other first impression reviews. I'd like to know, do you still own that Bonnie and over all did Triumph remedy all the negative stuff you mentioned in the meantime? Cheers Marc

Great review Stuart! Pretty much consistent with my experience of ownership, apart from the dealer hassles. They really made a nice job of these bikes and I love mine.

Nice review and thanks for some wise words 👍

Really great review. Many thanks!

Thank you for the more detailed information about the bike, but I would like to ask about your final opinion about buying this bike. Actually I am from India, when we are comparing to royal bullet this is a perfect bike .

Do They have these issues on the newer models?

Stuart, great review and vid. I have had some of same problems as you but with an entirely different experience with my dealer. They accepted the faults, sorted them out with Triumph and quickly rectified them. All Triumph dealers are not the same, as a customer of over 12 years I have no hesitation in naming and recommending 3Cross Motorcycles near Wimborne Dorset. Triumph might wanting consider having another look at your dealers antics as well as sorting out the bikes. I echo your sentiments - don't let these things put you off, it is a fantastic bike and I am hanging on to mine.

Just watched this again. Great video.

Triumph bonny or Enfeild Conti for long term ownership?

I feel the same about my Street Twin, though I did 28 000 km with no trouble whatsoever…