In 2021, Triumph refreshed its extensive line of Bonneville motorcycles with a new T120 platform. All previous versions of the renowned T120 and T120 Black have been improved, but the most current ones are the quickest and most agile because of their lighter components, improved Bonneville engine, and tweaked chassis. The electronics have also been given the treatment of the buff-hammer, with the addition of new standard features and enhancements to the Riding Modes function. They live up to their historic heritage thanks to a blend of modern performance and control and classic British charm. Find the full review of the 2022 Triumph T120 / T120 Black Modern Classic Motorcycle with its specifications and price.
2022 Triumph T120 / T120 Black Modern Classic Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Design
Triumph’s Bonneville line has always had an allure, and I’m relieved to learn that the company has kept the tried-and-true design that is maybe the British equivalent to the ubiquitous UJMs of the 1960s and 1970s. The new T120 is so obviously related to the old T120 that it would be easy to confuse the two if you didn’t know better. The factory has my undying praise since it attempts to evoke an earlier era.
In the regular version, the forks, fender, triple tree, the headlight can, and dual instrument housings are initially rendered deep black. As a nod to classic home job customs, the base model’s frame, side covers, rear fender, and swing arm are all painted black. The “Black” variant, except for the seat cover, has a near-triple monochrome treatment.
The 2021 T120’s laced wheels, in conjunction with its bulging fork gaiters and strut-style front fender, help it seem authentically vintage. The 3.8-gallon petrol tank’s profile is reminiscent of a classic teardrop, and the knee pads tucked into the tank’s dip at the rear are straight out of an antique. The two-up bench seat’s phantom tuck-and-roll pillion space is similarly fictional.
The engine’s parallel-twin design, vertical position, and throttle bodies that mimic mechanical-slide carburetors from the period give it an overall retro vibe.
Chassis
Instead of using the drivetrain as a structural component, the T120 and T120 Black tubular steel double-downtube/double-cradle frame supports it. Wire wheels with new, lighter aluminum rims round out the chassis, bringing the total weight down by 15.4 pounds, or approximately 520 pounds (dry).
Lighter wheels provide the ride with greater nimbleness since they produce less gyroscopic force. The compact 57.1-inch wheelbase, the moderate 25.5-inch rake angle, and the quick 4.1-inch trail results in nimble handling.
The front wheel of the connected set has an 18-inch rim with a 100/90 hoop, while the back wheel has a 17-inch rim with a large, wide contact area tire measuring 150/70. Oh, and if you aren’t very tall, the standard seat height of 31.1 inches can put you in an uncomfortable position, having to stand on the tips of your toes. For the RWU, the standard front forks feature 41 mm inner fork tubes and fixed damping/preload settings. Only the rear shocks, which must have a variable spring-preload adjustment, may alter the ride quality.
The 310 mm front discs are hit by dual, twin-piston Brembo calipers, while the 255 mm rear disc is clamped by a two-piston Nissin anchor; ABS is standard equipment.
Drivetrain
The engine in the T120 and T120 Black comes from a line of Bonneville mills and is as recognizable a part of the brand as the V-Twin in a Harley or the Boxer in a BMW, adding a ton of nostalgia and yumminess to the bikes. The outside may seem old, but the interior is thoroughly up to date. Compared to previous 180-out engines, the 270-degree difference between the first and second power pulses in an idle situation results in a noticeable lope. It’s a whole new sound. Although the liquid is used to cool the machine, the cooling fins on the jugs remain for redundancy and cosmetic purposes.
For simplicity and lightness, a single overhead cam controls the timing of both sets of four valves. The engine is fed by throttle bodies that look like traditional carburetors but are owned by electronic fuel injection. The 1,200 cc, slightly over square Bonneville mill has an ideal compression ratio of 10 to 1, which means it can operate smoothly on regular gas. The engine’s bore and stroke measure 97.6 and 80 millimeters, respectively. A slipper-type clutch distributes power from the engine to the six-speed transmission with a light clutch pull and some anti-hop protection at the rear wheel.
You inquire as to the nature of this strength. The manufacturer claims the engine can attain a top speed of about 120 mph with its final drive ratio of 79 horsepower at 6,550 rpm and 77.4 lb-ft of torque at a low 3,500 rpm. Throttle control is first provided by a ride-by-wire method. Power delivery may be tailored to the conditions by toggling between two riding modes (Road and Rain) and a traction-control feature that provides some anti-spinout safety.
2022 Triumph T120 / T120 Black Modern Classic Motorcycle – Price
This year’s color palettes are affordable and sophisticated. The starting price is $12,050 for the Jet Black trim, which includes a black roof, black mirrors, and blackout windows. If you want to add a splash of color to the tank without breaking the bank, you may choose between Cobalt Blue over Silver Ice and Cordovan Red over Silver Ice. The T120 Black is available for $12,050 in Jet Black or $12,550 in a two-tone black-on-black-on-black finish. The pricing is the same as that of the base version. Get it?
Triumph T120 / T120 Black vs. Harley-Davidson Iron 1200
Here’s another well-known machine that uses similar components. The K Model from 1952 served as inspiration for this. It wasn’t until 1986, when the Shovelhead period Iron head Sportster engines were replaced that the development of the engine that drives the Iron 1200 could begin. For a classic look similar to that of the Bonnie, the H-D mill keeps its air-cooling system and external-pushrod valve train.
The two are equally effective. The Sporty has 73 pound-feet of torque, while the Trumpet has 77.4 pounds of grunt; this is a marginal differential that would be hard to detect on the antiquated heinie-dyno. The Sport’s 547-pound dry weight easily outguns the T120’s 520-pound shipment weight.
On the other hand, H-electronics D’s section is experiencing some severe difficulties. H-D is experimenting with such technology on some of its top-tier bikes, but it will be some time before it finds its way down to the modest Sportster line, which is why the Iron 1200 doesn’t react to the traction control or riding modes that Triumph provides. The H-ABS D’s insurance is also $795 more than the standard policy.
There is a surcharge at the cash register to compensate for the lack of electronic payment options. The base model, Iron 1200, costs $9,999, but you can get a lot more for your money by adding custom touches.
2022 Triumph T120 / T120 Black Modern Classic Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine & Drivetrain:
Engine: | Liquid-cooled, eight-valve, SOHC, 270-degree crank angle parallel twin |
Displacement: | 1,200cc |
Bore x Stroke: | 97.6mm x 80mm |
Compression: | 10.0:1 |
Max Power EC: | 79 hp at 6,550 rpm |
Max Torque EC: | 77.4 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm |
System: | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
Exhaust: | Chromed 2-into-2 exhaust system featuring twin chrome silencers |
Final Drive: | Chain |
Clutch: | Wet, multi-plate torque assist clutch |
Gearbox: | 6-speed |
Chassis:
Frame: | Tubular steel, including twin cradles |
Swingarm: | Twin-sided fabrication |
Front Suspension: | Ø41 mm cartridge forks |
Rear Suspension: | Twin RSU’s, with pre-load adjustment |
Rake: | 25.5º |
Trail: | 4.1 in (105.2 mm) |
Front Wheel: | Aluminum rimmed 32 spoke 2.75 inches x 18 inches |
Rear Wheel: | Aluminum rimmed 32 spoke, 4.25 inches x 17 inches |
Front Tire: | 100/90-18 |
Rear Tire: | 150/70 R17 |
Front Brakes: | Dual 310mm discs, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper, ABS |
Rear Brakes: | Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS |
Dimensions & Capacities:
Width Handlebars: | 30.7 in (780 mm) |
Height Without Mirror: | 43.7 in (1,100 mm) |
Seat Height: | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 57.1 in (1,450 mm) |
Tank Capacity: | 3.8 gal (14.5 liters) |
Wet Weight: | 520 lb (236 kg) |
Details:
Instrument Display and Functions: | Twin dial analog speedometer and tachometer with LCD multi-functional displays |
Color: | Jet Black, Cordovan Red/Silver Ice, Cobalt Blue/Silver Ice (T120 Black: Jet Black, Matt Jet Black/Matt Graphite) |