There’s a selected consolation in climbing aboard a Bonneville T120. It’s a bit like catching The Nice Escape on telly on Christmas Day: you may not have requested for it, however as soon as it’s on, the whole lot feels precisely because it ought to.
And that, in some ways, sums up Triumph’s method to the 2026 replace.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – static
I’d ridden the T100 the day earlier than, and like that bike, the modifications right here aren’t precisely screaming for consideration. Roll away from the kerb and, for the primary hundred yards, there’s no apparent second of revelation. The primary 20 kilometres change into a quiet sport of The place’s Wally, trying to find tangible variations between this bike and the outgoing mannequin.
However that’s sort of the purpose. From the attain to the bars to the regular throb of the 1,200cc twin, the whole lot in regards to the ‘new’ £12,195 T120 feels reassuringly acquainted.
What’s new with the 2026 T120
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – Driving
Triumph’s headline updates for 2026 are largely digital, and all of them now come as commonplace. Lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and traction management are powered by an IMU, cruise management is not an elective further, and there’s a revised LED headlight with a brighter beam and a lovely DRL, nonetheless housed inside the similar traditional spherical shell.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – driving
There’s additionally a USB‑C charging socket neatly built-in into the cockpit, revised side-panel graphics with a round Bonneville motif, and a handful of recent hand-finished paint schemes that handle to look each recent and deeply conventional on the similar time. Much less visibly, the bike is now Euro 5+ compliant, and the underlying electronics have been up to date to help the brand new tech with out disturbing the modern-classic aesthetic.
Mechanically, although, not loads has modified — and Triumph is clearly snug with that.
What’s not new
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – particulars
The liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel twin carries over wholesale, with its 270-degree firing order, single overhead camshaft and eight valves. Energy and torque figures stay at 78.9bhp and 77.4lb ft, delivered by way of a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch however no quickshifter. The chassis is identical tubular metal setup, suspended by KYB forks and twin rear shocks, and slowed by twin entrance discs with Brembo calipers.
On paper, it’s enterprise as normal. On the street, it feels precisely that — and largely all the higher for it.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – static
Our route begins with a mixture of city visitors and freeway cruising, giving loads of time to reacquaint myself with the T120’s easy-going nature. One factor that stands out early is simply how at dwelling this bike feels in city settings. Regardless of sharing its engine platform with the Bobber and Speedmaster, which might really feel barely misplaced at low speeds, the T120’s standard driving place and well-balanced centre of gravity make it far much less demanding.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – element
The gearbox performs an enormous function in that. It has a comparatively lengthy throw on the lever, however every shift is clear, direct and accompanied by a satisfying mechanical ‘clunk’. The clutch lever is notably gentle for a 1,200cc machine, and when you belief the gearbox’s accuracy, clutchless upshifts come naturally.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – driving
I spend a good bit of time flicking between the driving modes, however for many conditions Highway mode is the place the T120 feels happiest. Throttle connection is clear and predictable, and whereas Rain mode would possibly really feel barely redundant on the smaller T100, it makes extra sense right here. With the additional torque on faucet, particularly when you’re driving two-up, the softened response may very well be genuinely helpful — and should assist keep away from the dreaded helmet conflict with a pillion.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – driving
As soon as the slower roads are behind us, we start to climb into the hills. The temperature rises relatively than falls, and ultimately we arrive at a stretch of asphalt that feels purpose-built for this bike: a ribbon of street snaking up a mountainside for seven or eight miles, going nowhere particularly. With the California Freeway Patrol preserving different visitors at bay, it turns into our playground. That is the place the T120 actually settles into its stride.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – driving
It turns with a stage of composure that some fashionable classics battle to match. The suspension feels taut with out ever being harsh, dealing neatly with floor imperfections whereas preserving the bike settled and predictable. Regardless of its 233kg moist weight, the T120 carries its mass properly, by no means feeling unwieldy or reluctant to vary route. It’s not easy, however you don’t must wrestle the factor by way of a set of bends as you do on some bikes
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – driving
The engine, although, stays the center of the expertise. Its supply of energy and torque is so easy and linear that you simply barely discover it tailing off in the direction of the highest finish. In actual fact, for the primary few spirited miles, the one actual cue to upshift is the rev-limiter stepping in unannounced.
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 – static
It’s not probably the most mischievous engine within the Bonneville household — that honour nonetheless belongs to the Bobber with its hot-rod tune — however it may be probably the most full. There’s urgency once you ask for it, refinement once you don’t, and loads of character all through, all accompanied by an exhaust observe that’s simply restrained sufficient to make you would like it wasn’t.
2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 Verdict
2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 with the brand new Bobber within the foreground
The 2026 Triumph Bonneville T120 is a lesson in restraint. Triumph hasn’t tried to reinvent a motorcycle that already is aware of precisely what it’s. As a substitute, it’s added genuinely helpful know-how, improved security methods and some considerate quality-of-life upgrades, all with out disturbing the calm, unhurried character that defines the T120.
Should you’re in search of fireworks, there are louder and livelier bikes within the Bonneville vary – try the Bobber for a extra raucous Bonneville expertise, and the Speedmaster for a extra snug one. However if you would like a contemporary traditional that feels completed, balanced and quietly succesful in nearly any scenario, the up to date T120 is the outdated pal you have to get reacquainted with.
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