Is the Triumph T120 a Good Beginner Bike?
With a relaxed riding position, comfortable seat, heated grips as standard, center stand and passenger grab rail the Bonneville T120 is fully equipped for maximum riding comfort and real world practicality. While it’s the biggest Bonnie in the lineup, it’s still approachable for a novice rider and with its old-school retro charm, it's sure to turn heads on the road.
Tips for Picking Your First Motorcycle
Especially as a newbie rider there are some important considerations when shopping for a new motorcycle. The weight of a bike impacts its performance and maneuverability; a lighter weight bike is generally recommended for beginners because they’re easier to balance and maneuver on and off the road. While it’s tempting to look for a bike with the most powerful engine, as a beginner, you may want to consider a bike that will produce consistent and reliable mid to low range power and torque.
There are more and more styles of bikes these days, so it’s important to understand the different styles and choose one that meets your needs and consideration as a novice rider. Seat positioning is important- higher seat positioning gives you more control over your bike and your balance, while a lower seat allows for a more comfortable ride. If you’re going to use your bike primarily for commuting or cruising the highway, you may like a lower seat, which allows you to sit more upright and “feel” the ride.
While it may sound corny, choose a bike that you love! Choosing a bike based solely on its specs or its price may result in you wanting a new one pretty quick, but if you choose carefully, not only can the right bike facilitate an easier learning experience, but it will become a piece of your life that you’ll never forget.
The Bonneville T120 Vintage Looks and Modern Technology
The Triumph T120 is a practical bike, perfect for everyday commuting thanks to its comfortable and natural riding position and respectable fuel consumption. Born of the original Bonneville style, it carries a look that is classic and timeless. The 1200cc twin-parallel high torque engine has plenty of power, and the seat is mid-range, meaning you get a good balance between control and a relaxed riding position.
Shedding weight always improves handling, and the Bonneville T120s have dropped a whopping 15.5 pounds. Nissin calipers have been replaced with more potent 2-piston Brembo calipers, adding more grip so an untrained rider has a better brake application, and safety is kicked up a notch with Triumph’s latest generation of ABS and switchable traction control.
When it comes to styling, all of the Bonnie hallmarks are there: a sculpted fuel tank with knee pads, a bench seat, chrome finishes and peashooter exhaust. The modern T120 packs a surprising number of modern amenities including LED daytime running lights, heated grips, a USB charging port, and an immobilizer. For riders looking for more, Triumph offers over 160 additional accessories in its catalog. And once you get the hang of it, the T120 is a great bike for carrying another passenger, too.
Ready to give it a ride? Schedule a test ride today! And we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have, especially if this is your first time purchasing a motorcycle.