03-15-2016, 07:03 PM
A comprehensive 5 page test in this weeks MCN gives the new Triumph a good but not great review. Lots of comparisons are made between the T120 and the Truxton (tested last week) and Triumph might be wishing they had launched these two bike in reverse order. The T120 comes across as a competent cruiser with a couple of minor flaws whereas the Truxton appeared excellent in all departments. The main gripes with the T120 are: 18" front wheel (style over substance) with poor tyre selection which makes streering less positive, a sharp front brake caused by braided hoses and poor pad selection and a basic suspension setup. The bike still gets a 4 star rating and is presented as an excellent cruising/weekend bike but the problem is all in the name. Back in the 60's (and yes, I was riding Bonnies then) this bike was the ultimate cafe racer which was the benchmark for all sporty bikes. It got its name as a record breaker at Bonneville and therefore carries tremendous pedigree. It seems Triumph have now aimed this bike at people like me (much older and slower) but I think this is a mistake. I want to remember the Bonnie as it was or see its character carried forward for today's sporty riders and I'll move on to other bikes more suited to my riding style. I remember a driving holiday I had in the US back in the 90's when I treated myself to a Ford Mustang hire car and the feeling of disappointment I experienced at the 'old man' performance, an iconic name tarnished by a marketing department.