Triumph T100 - Honest 5000km Owners Review
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- Опубликовано: 6 дек 2023
- Join me as I go through the pro's and cons of the Triumph Bonneville T100, and what it's like to own long term, as a daily commuter as well as a weekend pleasure machine! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the South Island of New Zealand while you're at it.
Please check out my Instagram channel @_wesleyjames_
Filming and editing: Yours truly @_wesleyjames_ and @shotbysieska
0:24 - Why the Bonneville?
1:18 - Triumph... Cool Brand
2:16 - Performance & Specs
4:04 - Usage
5:05 - Off Road
5:36 - What I love
8:25 - What I don't love
10:32 - Conclusion
12:19 - Final Summary
Locations:
Christchurch, NZ
Sumner, NZ
Arthurs Pass, NZ
Castle Hill, NZ
I am 70 years old and have owned many motorcycles through out the years.Mostly Japanese brands, but my last four were Harley Davidsons, I will never own another Harley, they ride like an old dump truck.
I've been looking at three differant bikes, the Kawasaki Vulcan S, The Royal ENfield Super Meteor 650, and the Triumph T100 Bonneville. I think I'm going to go with the Bonneville.
Ride safe and enjoy every journey.
Hi Gene, interesting stuff, I've always been tempted by a Harley myself, but am an Anglophile as heart so went with the Triumph. I think out of those 3 options, I would definitely choose the T100 myself.
@@wesleyjames. Thanks, I probably will go with the T100.
Hi mate the hp rating fir your bike seams a bit low for a 900 I gave the early Hinkley Bonnie and it's rated at 61hp
The initial 2018 & 2019 had 54bhp I believe, which was upped to 64 in the newer models@@packrat61
My story mirrors yours I can't get over my love of my thruxton premium quality and a fountain of youth.
Albeit have a road king that is a road sofa for the long distance. Riding season is here in the Irish hills Michigan.
New Zealand and biking, it's a whole new perspective. It's very rare to see biking videos coming from the Kiwi land. Very well made video, kudos! The T100 is a complete bike, on the other hand the T120 is just perfect. Wish you good luck Wesley.
Hopefully there'll be more for you soon, thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the review
I’ve recently traded my FJR1300 for a T100 and I love it! The FJR was a fantastic tourer and very quick but every time I’m on the T100 I just smile and enjoy, like I did when I first started riding as a kid on old trail bikes-it’s just fun!!
It's all about the smiles! Welcome to the T100 club, you won't regret it
Great first foray into RUclips mate, very well put together review 👏🏻 Looking forward to more.
Thanks for watching Matt, I've got a few more planned up my sleeve. Catch ya soon
Thanks for the video fella, am eyeing off a T100 and really appreciated the review. It's one to work up to for myself. One day. Also the rides you're going on look incredible! I'm so jealous man, you live in paradise!
Glad you enjoyed it bud, you can't go wrong with a T100! Yes, N.Z is very picturesque, where are you based?
@wesleyjames. I live in Melbourne Australia, just next door haha
@@andrewzavrou9963 Easy skip over. You should rent a bike and go riding for a week over here, you'll love it
Mate this is the best review I’ve seen so far thanks for sharing big love from Brisbane Qld.
Thanks for the big love mate!, Stay tuned for more content in the near future
Great, slick, honest review and absolutely STUNNING photography and scenery!
Great review cuz 👌🏻
Thanks so much, keep your eyes peeled for more of this soon!
Rear shocks? I went Hagon standard road shocks, but they do stuff with adjustable damping as well. I found the shocks to be a good improvement which doesn't bottom out. i am going to get the front fork springs and oil conversion kit next payday. I have the 2013 version with the 865cc engine, so not sure how that compares, but Hagon definately do stuff for the newer Bonneville range, including the T100. You can call them up or go online and they basically make them specifically for your weight + two up conditions. If you use the C spanner that comes with the shocks as advised it seems a lot better over 95% of the bumps. I think the fork springs should help too. T120 with Marzochis and Brembo brakes can't be bad! Scrambler would also be a good choice!
Thanks for the tips bud
Great first effort Wes. I’m a Cantab living in Perth WA. Loving my T100.
Thanks, tune in for more Cantabrian scenes in the future :)
Amazing review, nice bike, beautiful scenes, NZ is breathtaking, music also helps.
Keep the good work ;-)
Thanks, Glad you enjoyed is Kresimir
Great video !
Just coming back from a 2 weeks trip in NZ (South Island) and I fell in love with the amazing scenic countryside 🤩
And the T100 is a great bike 👍
Glad to hear you enjoyed your time here! Were you riding?
Nice work, Wes. Well thought out vid and visually appealing just like your Insta. Looking forward to more.
Thanks Matt, glad you liked it. Now to release more... haha
@@wesleyjames. that’s always the challenge!
mate, I'm in Melbourne, Australia.. I had a T120 that came with the same shitty suspension. I upgraded both front forks and rear shocks and it made such a big difference. Have a look at YSS suspension for the rear and the TEC progressive springs (this is cheap as and makes a big diff) for the front. Those mods are not too expensive
Thanks for the suggestions mate, and for watching! I'll likely do the suspension upgrades when I eventually upgrade to a T120, as that's my ultimate goal 😁
Lovely informative and warm video mate! Thank you for your openness and correct expressions in your experience. I have a 2022 gold line edition T120, it is just beautiful to look at, ride and own! It is a romantic bike but strong and resilient and powerful at the same time. Suspension wise : yes you are right about it. I immediately changed the front to progressive springs and the tyres! With the correct air pressure it has become a very different bike. Factory tyres (phantom pirelli) were horrible and dangerous. Rear suspension: I am ok with them, as the seat is fantastic I guess, it absorbs the bumps to a certain degree. Keep reviewing please, you are good 👍. 👏🏻
Thanks mate, the T120 gold line is a beautiful machine. I've had them in my sights since they were first announced. Interesting insight into the Pirelli phantom's, and it seems the suspension is an irk for a lot of riders. I've seen T120's with 100k+ on the clock and they really are resilient. Often look new still.
Hi Wes. You've made the best review, I've seen on youtube of a Triumph T100.
And I think l've seen them all! Filmed on South Island I think, what a beautiful country. Your video inspires me to buy another bike (I sold my 2008 Street triple during Covid thinking my biking days were over!) and to cross the ditch and visit God's own. Thinking of T100 or Speed Twin 900.
Cheers for the video, Rog in Victoria, Oz.
Hi Roger, thanks for the kind words! I'd go the T100 over the Speed twin but that's just me. I'll have another video dropping soon comparing the T100 to the Interceptor, stay tuned!
Beautiful scenery and those roads looked fab!
I'm spoilt for choice with scenery down here at the bottom of the earth!
Nice review , saw similar come up on trade me couple months ag , didnt last long , this or t120 would be my next bike , just got 350 signals this year as my first bike .
T100 has a great sound , enjoy your rides around the mainland ,
Hi Ian, thanks for the comment, the 350 signals is a fun little bike and great for urban commuting, as well as fuel efficiency! I'll let you know if I sell my T100, you can have first dibs!
awesome production quality man
Cheers!
Great review , I liked the video images and your commentary, as a 6'2 guy its interesting to hear what you think of its size. I am looking at a few bikes of this size because I love the style and every time I just wish the bikes were a bit bigger ( or more than a bit would be ok too). The Street Twin is cheaper here second hand but looks even smaller somehow ( just a feeling) and only 1 clock, T100 very much top of my budget here in Europe where prices are insane due to crazy taxes. Also looking at the Yamaha XSR700 ( also superb engine like the Bonneville) and Kawasaki Z650RS and Royal Enfield Shotgun 650. But that Bonneville dash, and overall fit and finish, it looks so sumptuous.
I would try save and get the T100, it'll be worth the wait! The dash is a thing of beauty :)
Great riding country by the looks… Yes even dealers will recommend upgrading the shocks, especially if you want to take a passenger on a regular basis. I have the new Speed Twin 900 which has the same engine. I’ve had two T120s, and BMW 1200s. It depends what type of riding you want to do. Good video thanks. 🇬🇧
Nice, I love the 900cc engine. Not sure I really need more, butI just like the look of the 1200 series. Agreed, I'm pretty spoilt with my backyard here in the South Island of N.Z.
Own a 2011 Bonneville 865. Done a few mods and upgrades to the suspension and remapped ecu. Its a gteat do everything bike. Done bit of touring and moto camping on it Great bike and loads of character. Looking to upgrade to a 1200 Bonneville next.
Good to hear, we're always looking for the next bike though haha
Snatchy throttle can be addressed by 1) throttle spacers, 2) booster plug. I have both on my Speed Twin and they do make a difference. Great review by the way👍
Thanks for the tips Clive, I'll have to look into it
Booster plug for sure .It really help for the low RPM snatchy throttle..
Riding in the UK I have twice been complimented on the bike that I was riding - both times I was on a Bonneville courtesy bike that I had whilst my Triumph Tiger was being serviced. People are impressed by the retro styling I guess!
I guess it's the reason I'm so drawn to them. I'd like to have one of each in my garage as there's so much untapped roads here in NZ that would be perfect for a Tiger
This is really cool! Thanks for sharing - I’m keen to know more about your triumph vs your interceptor, especially for smaller people 😂 I find the interceptor a bit big sometimes, especially in the city, but always assumed a triumph would be bigger!
I plan on doing a comparison video, but yes I think the Triumph might actually suit you better!
@thehaydays, I am not terribly short (1.73m) but have a quite short inseam and usually have a pillion passenger (making it more important to get both feet firmly planted). I also found the Interceptor (805mm) a bit high in some situations. I went to the Bonneville Speedmaster, which at 705 mm is soooo much easier. Cruisers generally are a lot lower of course but if they are not your thing then the Bonneville is still a good option as it’s about 15-20 mm lower than the Interceptor. Doesn’t sound like much but can make all the difference! And if you are interested in adventure bikes, Triumph does a lowered Tiger 900 (sadly discontinued next year).
I found I was too big on the Speedmaster, which kills me as I think they're the most beautiful bike out there! @@ambagsnz8280
Great Video !!
Thanks Rod!
Traveled in Europe with a T120 with the girlfriend on the back and managed to pack everything for 5 days. It did quite well and i'm on the heavier side..I would probably upgrade the shocks but that's all.
Good to know that would have been really fun, I've taken a couple passengers on the back of mine, and you can barely tell the difference. She pulls really well
Wow, nicely done 😃👌
Thanks man, appreciate it!
Awesome review! Quick question: where do you mount your action cam for the POV shots? Cheers
Thanks mate, I use the GoPro chest mount :)
Awesome bro 😊✌🏻
Cheers mate!
nice review. can't agree on the 5th gear being enough but other than that you nailed it.
Fair enough!
Greetings from Canada - just curious - where in New Zealand are you located. You mentioned Auckland a few times but it looks like some of the footage is from the south island. Been to NZ a few times - love the place. Just watched more of the video - Christchurch.
I moved to Christchurch 6 months ago, but have previously been riding in Auckland for the last few years. I'd love to do a Moto trip of Canada one day
nice video, is this bike good enough and usually commuting friendly also highway? for daily use and weekend touring?
Any way great video
Be safe & God bless
Yes sir, that's exactly what I use the bike for!
Nice informative video !!
Could you please confirm if the latest t100 has tubed or tubeless tyres?
I'm 90% sure it has tubed tyres unfortunately, sorry I forgot to mention!
@@wesleyjames. Thanks for replying ❤️❤️
The Triumph Fox shocks are great.
I'll check them out, thanks
Ohlins are better.
@@jjnewman65 Fox give around 50% improvement from OEM while the Ohlins add another 15% yet twice the price of the Fox. Fox all day long as you simply cannot notice that extra 15%, unless your big - two up and luggage, and even then its debatable -
nice video!
Thanks!
My wife loved hers and has since replaced it with a T120 for the extra oomph. She bought the optional centre stand which addresses at least one of your niggles. Nice video and you have some amazing scenery down there in NZ.
Nice, I can see the natural progression to the T120. You don't really need it, but you do at the same time :D
Hi Wes,
What tyres are you running. I’m looking at changing them on my T100 for a more aggressive tread.
You are too tall for this bike. Get yourself a 1200xe. I’ve loved mine although I’m swapping it out for the new GS as I have some big tours lined up this year.
Hi mate, On the rear I have a Michelin Anakee tyre, and the front I have a Michelin Sirac. Yes I would love a 1200Xe, either that or a T120. I just need to start saving!
Are BSA motorcycles still being manufactured ? Many year's ago our family owned both Triumph and BSA .
Hi Nick, yes a couple years ago "BSA" (now an Indian run company) released a new Goldstar, currently only released in the UK & Europe as far as I know
@@wesleyjames. Appreciate it thx !
Nice bike! What kind of slipons do you have?
Thanks mate, they're the Predator Pro's from British customs
What exhausts are those? They look great.
Check out my custom part’s video for all my custom parts 😉😉
@@wesleyjames. Checked it. Thanks.
Got a green x comming
Congrats!
Tubed tyres are a deal breaker for me...if only Triumph would fit spoked but tubeless rims, like BMW or Suzuki. If you've ever had a roadside puncture on a big bike with tubed tyres, you'll understand.
I’ve been riding only tuned tyres on spike rims for over 25 years. I only got my first puncture last year. It wasn’t that bad.
Agreed, I had a nail go into my Interceptor tyre whilst riding on the motorway in Auckland. Not fun!
Great bike ...I've put 135K km on my 2017. I don't go for these black
" Druid Bikes " Nice video
That's nuts... how?! At the time of releasing this video I'm actually at 9K on the speedo, just done a few long rides, but don't tell anyone haha
Heya, Ive a 2017 too - yours has averaged over 20k a year. That's impressive both for durability of the engine/gearbox and rider miles. Gives me confidence in mine for longevity. Mines was black but its now pearl orange with the black engine - V nice.
I've seen a few guys custom spray their Blacked at T100's and T120's, it really makes the tank stand out. I'm tempted myself!
@@pod-puretone
I have one from 2018 different cam shaft tec bike parts motone x-pipe bash plate different bars flater bar end mirrors led turn signals free spirits fork mounted mini head lamp motone micro screen brass knuckle cylinder bolt caps roswell oil filler cap center stand pannier rails grab rail and rack different sprockets and chain changed at 25000 miles motone adjustable gear shifter British customs sleeper pro mufflers ....🎉 trip machine leather cable ties and grip wraps motone points and clutch plates ( blacked out union jacks) triumph king and queen seat.... I have an array of trip machine luggage for it and I forgot a motone aluminum solid piece gas cap (lathe spun)🎉 I have 31299 miles on it also changed original antifreeze....and had valve adjustment at 20000 miles. Hasn't missed a beat❤ a long motone aluminum front fender and a tanto flat chain guard....
Good stuff, that's a whole lot of custom parts. I've mainly got British customs parts and Triumph fitted to my bike. They're such great all round motorcycles, and you're right, they don't miss a beat! Stay tuned for a video in the near future showcasing my custom parts ;)
Five years running it and it keeps getting better....
Go and try a V7 850. It could be a good fit
I've always wanted to experience the 'shake' - will definitely try get my hands on one eventually. Thanks
I’m 6’2” and had a T100 and loved it. I found the riding position very comfortable. I test rode the V7 850. Was very impressed and yes the character with the “shake” is great but I found the bike felt a lot smaller than the Triumph and quite cramped.
Just an advice... don't try the scram1200xe coz you'll want to keep it for sure ;)
Cheers from a fellow Triumph rider
Now I need to try it even more!
Ground clearance of t100 is 130mm and ground clearance of Interceptor is 170mm, did you notice any disadvantage of having low ground clearance, you would on bad roads i guess, in india it would be easy to notice i guess, which is making me stay away from Bonneville. I have Interceptor but looking for t100 too.
Nope, I never noticed any ground clearance issues. Good luck with your search for a T100