Triumph has spent nearly a decade refining the modern Bonneville formula, and the refreshed Triumph Bonneville T120 feels like the most complete version yet. This isn’t a motorcycle chasing trends or trying to be louder than it needs to be. Instead, the T120 doubles down on what it has always done well: classic looks, effortless torque, and a riding experience that feels reassuringly grown-up.
At the heart of the T120 is Triumph’s 1200cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank. On paper, 79 bhp doesn’t sound especially exciting in 2026, but numbers don’t tell the real story here. This engine is all about character and delivery. Peak torque of 77.5 ft-lb arrives low in the rev range, giving the bike a relaxed, muscular feel that suits everyday riding far more than chasing redlines. Around town, the T120 pulls cleanly from low speeds without fuss, and on open roads it delivers smooth, linear acceleration that feels unstrained even when fully loaded.
The liquid-cooled motor is impressively refined. There’s enough vibration to remind you you’re riding a twin, but never enough to become tiring. Triumph’s fueling is spot-on, and the gearbox works with a light, positive action that complements the engine’s easy-going nature. This is a bike you ride with, not one you wrestle.
Chassis-wise, the T120 sticks to tradition with a tubular steel frame and conventional suspension. The 41mm front forks aren’t adjustable, and the twin rear shocks only offer preload adjustment. That may sound basic, but the setup works. The ride is plush without feeling vague, soaking up poor road surfaces while remaining stable at speed. At 236 kg wet, the T120 isn’t light, but the weight is carried low, making it easy to manage once moving and surprisingly confidence-inspiring at slower speeds.
Braking comes from twin 310mm front discs with Brembo calipers and ABS, and performance is exactly what you’d hope for: strong, predictable, and easy to modulate. It’s not sportsbike-sharp, but it doesn’t need to be. The T120’s brakes match its personality—calm, controlled, and trustworthy.
Where the Bonneville really shines is in everyday usability. A 790mm seat height makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, comfort is excellent for long stints, and real-world fuel economy of around 60 mpg keeps running costs sensible. With a new price just under £12,000 and strong residuals, ownership feels like a safe bet rather than a leap of faith.
Against rivals like the BMW R nineT or Moto Guzzi V7, the T120 sits in a sweet spot. It’s less aggressive and more affordable than the BMW, and more refined and powerful than the Guzzi. It may not be the most exciting option on paper, but it’s arguably the most balanced.
My view is that the Bonneville T120 succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t pretend to be a performance naked or a cutting-edge tech showcase. Instead, it offers timeless design, a deeply satisfying engine, and a riding experience that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the road. In a world of increasingly frantic motorcycles, the T120’s calm confidence feels not old-fashioned—but refreshingly right.
