VOL. 53 ISSUE 14 APRIL 12, 2016 P97
delivering relaxed and effortless
but decidedly muscular forward
progress thanks to the extra
cubes. Triumph's iconic Bonnev-
ille model finally goes large!
The retro-looking twin clocks
each have a digital panel whose
info can be scrolled through via
the button on the left handlebar
with I-for Info on it, and one on
the right with an M-for-Mode on
the right bar. The I-button ac-
cesses current and average fuel
consumption, range to empty
and a gear indicator, while the
M-button is the entry card to the
new maxi-Bonneville's very non-
vintage era electronics package.
The T120 has ABS as standard
(as required for Euro 4) along
with TC, both single-stage and
switchable, and offers two riding
modes via the Keihin ECU, Road
and Rain. Rain mode offers the
same peak power but delivers
less torque in response to a
given throttle input, so has a less
aggressive throttle response in
the lower gears, good for damp
roads even with the TC, as well
as riding in city streets and/or
in slow-moving traffic. In Road
mode the drive still comes in
light, denoting the presence of
Triumph's so-called "slip assist"
design, which is their version
of a slipper clutch, though with
more engine braking left in than
is normal with one of those.
Also worth noting is the very
comfortable but quite upright
riding position—call it a real world
stance—complete with rubber
knee pads on the side of the
traditional-shaped fuel tank that
you do find yourself using to
get a purchase to aid chang-
ing direction. However, the low
footrests that are positioned a
little further forward of the seat
have hero tabs on them which
grind on the tarmac at only
moderate angles of lean which
the Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp
tires specifically designed for the
T120 are well capable of reach-
smoothly but even more strongly
as you roll the throttle open, and
switching modes on the move is
a simple business—just close the
throttle, press that button and
then pull in the clutch to confirm
the swap. Worth noting you must
also pull in the clutch to start
the T120, even in neutral, and
the clutch action is extremely
ing. They do inhibit turn speed
if you decide you'd like to attack
a sinuous stretch of curves in
something approaching anger.
Get ready for your feet to be
bounced up and down on the
folding footrests when that hap-
pens—and it will to riders of even
relatively little experience—to a
background soundtrack of metal
(Right) The new
motor is said
to deliver 79
horsepower.
(Far right) More
padding equals
more comfort.
