Motorcycle specifications Triumph1200 BONNEVILLE T 120 2018 Bonneville returns to performance

Triumph understood a long time ago that for a brand, cultivating its history could forge a craze. Vintage has been fashionable for some time, while the English brand has been offering a revival, the Bonneville, an emblem of its past, for the past 15 years. From the first 800 Bonnie in 2001 to the latest 865 cm3 models(T 100, Thruxton, America, Speedmaster, Scrambler, special series...), this motorcycle has a very traditional and timeless appeal for enthusiasts and neophytes alike. Its main drawback was the limited performance of its parallel-twin engine. Because sometimes, charm isn't enough. You want response, strength, something that lifts your heart when you turn the handle. Now, with its new, beefy 1200 cm3 engine block, the Bonneville T 120 can deliver muscle and sensations of a higher caliber.

why T 120? To pay tribute to the 1959 model, capable at the time of 120 mph (193 km/h). Not bad for a 47-hp twin, revving a 4-speed gearbox. More than half a century later, the time has come for the Bonneville to once again show off its strength, watts and, above all, ribcage-shaking torque.
That's the mission of the all-new 1200 cm3. The engine is designed to offer plenty of fat and substance, without over-revving. With its classic finned design, it's modern in style, and will surprise many with its technology. It's not immediately obvious, but the large radiator betrays water cooling. This is unprecedented on a Bonneville, and is a guarantee of power, reliability and compliance with standards. 8 valves in the cylinder head ensure that the engine breathes at 270° for character (previously 360°). A new 6-speed gearbox makes its appearance, as does Ride-by-Wire throttle control. And now, smiles and palpitations can get excited: this new block develops over 10 mkg of torque - 10.7 mkg to be precise, at just 3100 rpm. A striking difference from the 865 cm3. This represents a gain of 54%, and a new way of looking at the road in a Bonneville. Power output, a more relative notion on this kind of machine, stands at 80 hp. A custom output, but already enough to meet the demands of the road with gusto.

This ultra-classic British machine has decided to go beyond being an icon of old-fashioned values. Fuel injection and oil leak eradication are no longer enough. The Bonneville 1200 T 120 is now all about electronics escaped from the racetrack. Now you can drive a Triumph Classic with a choice of two fuel injection maps, Road or Rain, and traction control assistance. There's even an anti-bribbling clutch for added comfort and to calm torque feedback. ABS is fitted as standard, as is immobilizer with coded key. And as an option, you can add cruise control.
Need a little extra comfort? 3-level heated grips are standard, as is an under-seat USB socket for recharging your smartphone and other knick-knacks. Dashboard functions can be controlled from the handlebars, and the seat promises greater comfort. The riding position should please everyone, with the natural, relaxed attitude typical of this type of machine. The center stand will be appreciated for regular servicing.
Need a neo impression in this retro? Take a closer look at the headlights. Their function is now performed by LEDs; the front uses them for a daytime visual signature. And although the speedometer has retained its vintage shape, the interior is a blend of the sobritish and the modern. Gone are the roller trips, replaced by small digital windows displaying driving mode, gear engaged, double trip, clock, total mileage, ABS and traction control deactivation, service indicator and fuel information (average and instantaneous consumption, level and range). The elegant calligraphy of the meters is also noteworthy, with the added bonus of dual speed indications in miles and km/h.

and yet, it's hard to see that so much has changed on this Bonneville. Put an 865 and a 1200 in the same yard and it's hard to tell one from the other at first glance. With a little more observation, you can see that the T 120 is more plush, more premium, more majestic. This also comes from the details that run through the machine. The bronze badges on the brushed aluminum crankcases, the chrome parts, the serious front end with its two brake discs. And then there are those charming little moments, like the spoked rims, the sausage pots (with their deeper sound), the long, flat seat, the hand-painted piping, and to flatter the bobos and swageurs, the injection system is still camouflaged by an imitation carburetor.

More power, more pretension, more technique... you need a new chassis to handle it all. The double tubular steel cradle style remains, but Triumph adapts it to the new constraints and modifies the suspension to improve handling. With its dual front discs and ABS, the 1200 Bonneville should offer much better deceleration.

in addition to the host of accessories that Triumph has planned to customize the Bonneville, it is possible to opt for the Prestige "inspiration" kit. It can be used as a basis for your own customization, or can be fitted as a complete package. Offering a higher level of finish and a "Heritage" theme, this kit consists of an authentic 4-stripe chrome tank badge, a black knurled and stitched seat, black LED turn signals with transparent cabochons, a black "M", a black "M" and a black "M". LED turn signals with clear caps, Vance & Hines chrome mufflers, black grips, as well as a chain guard, clutch and alternator covers and chrome throttle body covers.

Recall campaign:
In March 2019, Triumph launched a major recall campaign for its Bonnevilles and Street models manufactured between August 11, 2015 and January 13, 2019.

The Bonneville T100, T120, Street Twin, Street Cup and Street Scrambler (a total of 68,686 bikes worldwide) have been asked to stop by the dealership due to a "clutch cable" problem that could lead to a loss of power.which could come into contact with and damage the main wiring harness", with the risk of lighting and blinker malfunction and loss of power.

Serial number ranges of affected models

e5*168/2013*00009*00
e5*168/2013*00011*00
e5*168/2013*00012*00
e11*168/2013*00260*00
e5*168/2013*00003*00
e9*168/2013*11259*00

Specifically concerned:

bonneville T100 and Bonneville T100 Black from 2017 to 2019
bonneville T120 and Bonneville T120 Black from 2016 to 2019
street Cup years 2017 and 2018
street Scrambler vintage 2017 and 2018
street Twin from 2016 to 2018

Owners of affected machines have been contacted by the manufacturer in order to carry out the repair free of charge. To check whether your bike is affected by this recall, go here and enter its serial number. No information on the number of French motorcycles affected is given.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos