I
n truth, there's always only been
one.
The big daddy T120 is the pick
of the Bonneville bunch, not so much
for the engine, or the chassis, or the
ergos, or the electronics, but for a
mash-up of all of them. It's a classy,
classic ride in the truest sense.
At the core of the $13,995 T120
remains the 1200cc parallel-twin mo-
tor that, if you haven't already figured
out by now, I absolutely adore. It's
a powerplant that delivers plenty of
smooth, usable torque and possesses
a thoroughly engaging character.
In the latest version, Triumph has
fine-tuned the engine mapping and
throttle response, giving the motor
a more linear delivery, particularly at
lower revs. The refinement makes
low-speed riding between traffic lights
a breeze, but there's lots of perfor-
mance on hand for when you're ready
to open the gas on the freeway. The
exhaust note, too, is rich and evoca-
tive and just adds to the T120's clas-
sic appeal.
Again, like the rest of the bikes on
test here, the 2026 T120 gets lean-
sensitive ABS and traction control
comes standard, and Road and Rain
ride modes give you a couple of op-
tions for the throttle, even if the wet
mode is too soft for my taste.
The chassis and suspension have
remained largely unchanged for 2026,
which is just as well because there
wasn't much wrong with them in the
first place. The T120's handling feels
just as composed as before, with the
KYB suspension soaking up imper-
fections while providing a planted, bal-
anced feel through sweeping curves
and tighter turns alike.
The T120's claimed weight of 513
pounds is well balanced, and while
it remains a larger motorcycle with
substantial presence, its manners are
predictable and intuitive.
P108
RIDE REVIEW I 2026 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE RANGE
BONNEVILLE
That's more like it! The T120 is the ultimate Bonnie.
