Triumph T120 Arrives. Which Bike would you Go For? Royal Enfield Classic 350, BMW R 18 or Bonneville
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- The new Triumph Bonneville T120 Black arrives! What a beauty! It joins the other two Modern Classic motorbikes in the lineup; the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and my BMW R 18 Cruiser motorcycle.
Coming very soon is a full review on the Triumph T120 Black AND the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
I have also found out some very useful updated information on importing a motorcycle/vehicle into Spain (or any EU country as far as I know), post Brexit, that is a must know for anyone thinking of moving there! relating to import duty and tax.
Also in this video I talk about a couple of comments from subscribers and something really amusing as to why one subscriber unsubscribed! You wont believe it!
Good RUclips channel for T120 and reviews @MOTOUK1
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I have the enfield. I was on the fence for all the reasons people talk about, mainly lack of hp. I went for it and it's stopped me constantly looking at bikes on bike trader 🤣 absolutely adore the thing to the point I'm not bothered about anything else. It gets smoother and better once run in. I fitted the free flow exhaust from hitchcocks which makes it sound wonderful. It's super comfy, really well balanced, easy to manouvre, easy to work on, I've toured on it. It does over 100mpg, consistently. And it will cruise at 65-70mph. And it will still do 100mpg. And it's half the price of triumphs. I did fancy a bonnie myself but now i see no point. I'm more than happy with my 350.
Very accurate assessment as I passed 500 miles on my classic earlier today!
T120 all day. Has the classic look you love. Great for toodling around back roads and capable of getting on a motorway if you absolutely need to. Great build quality, reliable and holds its value.
On the 'out of breath' issue, I would strongly recommend - if you haven't done so already - seeing your family physician and getting a complete physical examination, especially as regards possible serious health issues that can express themselves symptomatically through breathlessness - such as cardio and pulmonary issues and cancer, among many others. You should not so easily be getting out of breath. Ask me how I know. I didn't follow my own advice and I paid dearly for it.
Nah, he's just excited about bikes 😊
Has he had the vaxx?
My halcyon green classic 350 is an absolute gentle ride; I’m never in a hurry, and I arrive in a shine of chrome…
halcyon green is gorgeous. :-)
I love classic and T120. And i will pick both If I can 😊😊😊.
I had a T120 Black when they came out first in late 2016. It was nice but mine had build quality issues which spoilt it, hopefully all sorted now some 7 years later. However it’s a very different (smaller) ride than the R18 and feels it. I have an R18 and understand exactly why you love yours. Pleased to hear you can take it with you, you may have the ‘Holy Grail’ on your hands…..something we are all looking for and rarely find…….a keeper.
The Royal Enfield Classic steals my heart ❤️ for me it seems to be just perfect, to cruise with it...
For the countryside roads, and enjoying the scenery, then it's got to be the Classic 350.
Thanks for the mention Brother 👊 you have a lot of bikes there to use 😂 hope you like the Bonny 👍 we look forward to this years adventures and will then have a reason to come to Spain more so you can show me some good Spanish roads 👍
The t120 was the most adequate bike I've ever ridden. It has a modest charm.
I’ve joined you guys from the beginning! The T120 is where it’s at. It’s a forever bike. I’ve had mine for 3 years and road all over America. It does it all and thrills everytime. Ditch the pipes and go with Remus and your dreams will come true.
Ol' Man, if someone un-subbed because you had your cap on backwards, they probably take themselves way too seriously or are probably just projecting their own insecurities onto other people (The "I need to look as manly and grown up as possible kind of stuck up person"). I think your son and you make great videos! Cap on backwards or not! haha
The Triumph T120 is better than the RE in every way. I owned a 2022 T 120 Black Goldline and loved it. I was honestly heartbroken when I traded mine, the fit, finish, 1200cc HT engine and available options is superb. Here in the States I travel highways 90% of the time so I opted for a 2022 HD FXLRS a muscle cruiser with a more comfortable stance. If I lived in Europe or more specifically in the country, I would choose the T 120 for what it was designed to be, an all around great bike.
owner of a t120 black goldline here and i ride at SEA, can attest the t120's value is in it's versatility. if i were to get another bike, i'd still keep the T120, it's just too convenient to have around.
Love them all. Enfield for me., in splendifourous green 💚
Plus point for wearing your hat back to front is that it keeps the sun off the back of your neck. Keep the BMW, it’s beautiful. No need to change the exhaust.
Can’t believe how much nicer the classic 350 looks when compared with the triumph.
Triumph, of course 👍👍 Styling, riding, engine, customization, simply the best 👍👍
I bought this exact t120 a week ago and I absolutely love it. I came from a 2015 Yamaha Stryker. And this weekend for Father’s Day my dad has a 2016 HD fat boy lo, and a 2022 HD ultra limited that I picked up and detailed/cleaned for him as a little Father’s Day gift while he was up north and I have to say the t120 rides better then all three. It’s just a great smooth and simple ride. And if anyone knows the Detroit metro Michigan roads are absolute trash so that says something.
Nice video!
Slightly biased as I have a T120 and a Scrambler XE, but they were purchased after 10 years of owning exclusively Harleys from a '95 FXDL to a '21 Lowrider S.
Honestly never been happier with a bike than I am with the Triumphs!
The classic 350 is a much more entertaining ride and beautifully stunning and even cheaper. It's a win win.
The T120 will give you more flexibility if it’s a main bike, if you had a 2nd the RE😊 cheers from Oz old chap 🇦🇺🤗
Great news about keeping the R18, i have seen R18s customised on german websites similar to what Thunderbike does with HDs and it takes them to another level.
I used to have the T120 Black. Such a beautiful bike but also the most impractical one I ever had with tubed tires and the chain hidden away that you need to remove the silencers for almost every proper maintenance job…
Enfield hands down for me
Glad you can keep your beloved bike 😊
All are great but I Love the T120!
Saw your earlier video in which you were thinking about going on different curved roads in spain. For that I'd say keep the R18 aside, the 350 engine might not do the work but you'll never get stuck cuz it's best under low RPM but overall the T120 is the best thing looks beautiful with morden and classy looks. I'm a young teenager but unlike most who love fast and speedy bikes I absolutely love these kind of bikes which gives the feel of the era to explore and experience which you weren't born in.
With all that being said. Ride safe sir, hope you have a great journey 🙏
I'm assuming this is your home that you're always filming at. It is unbelievable beautiful.
The Bonnie T120 and that classic 350 are the two best looking bikes by far
I’ve been living in the south of Spain now for 16 years. I ride a 1981 R65 which I have owned forever and a 2022 Himalayan. My advice is bring the BM with you and get something else when you get here. Good luck with the move
T120 for sure!! A bit more oomf than the RE.
I had a 2010 Triumph America. I had to let it go because of a serious back injury - the cruiser feet forward riding position isn't good for lower backs. But that air/oil cooled 865 engine was lovely and I still think that model was the most beautiful. A proper rugged modern retro too, better engineered than the new Bonnevilles.
I'm sorry to hear about your back injury. I recently injured my tail bone. And I can honestly say that it is the most excruciating pain I have ever felt. I'm heart broken because I just bought a Trident 660 a few months ago. And I like working out too. And don't know if I will be able to do either of those activities for a long while. I can barely sit without feeling pain.
@@nerychristian massive sympathy. I could barely move for four months and not much more than shuffle about for longer than that. But a succession of great physios guiding me through exercise regimes that started very slight, but got slowly more demanding, in tune with my body , plus a lot of hard work over three years and I was able to return to biking. An adventure bike for the upright riding position suited me. I can still only do short journeys and I have to wear a back brace, but I can ride. Likewise, with adaptations, I can work limited hours. I can't lift heavy objects and can't sit for long periods, but I can walk as much as I like; swimming is good too. The harder challenge has been keeping my mind on track. It pays to accept help in that respect. Physically I'm as healed as I'll ever be and can do most things with care. I can only wish you luck, encourage you to be patient and be gentle with yourself and the people who care about you. Play the long game....
@@Nick_R_ Thanks for the kind words and support. I will try to be patient and take it easy for a couple weeks, and hopefully I will see a decrease in pain. Yesterday the doctor gave me an injection with pain medicine near the tail bone. It did provide temporary relief. But when I woke up this morning the pain returned. They did X-rays and found that nothing is broken. Thankfully. But based on what I have read about bruised tail bones, it can take weeks for the pain to lessen. Maybe even longer. What kind of exercises do you recommend?
It's interesting that I find Triumph Americana to be just marketing gimmicky bike that tried to be cruiser which really could not pull it off and result was uninspired bike that was nether a cruiser or standard.
@@rubo1964 On the other hand I absolutely loved it, except for the riding position after my injury. But the same is true for my position on so many other bikes. I loved the engine, the manufacturing quality, the laid back modern retro schtick, the style, the colours, the Triumph identity (my gran worked for them in Meriden) & the simplicity. The standard Bonnevilles have all that too and much better handling, but were too small for me, still are.
I have a 2017 T120 and a Classic 350 and feel very lucky to have both in my garage.
I like all of them! Like you, I grew up on dirt bikes, and now can’t grow to like any other ergonomics, so alas, I will admire your work, and ride my homely but lively Tiger 900.
Keep the R18… a beautiful work of art and already becoming a very sought after big cruiser…
Glad to here you're taking the massive boxer! On the two smaller classics, I'd pick the one that feels better putsing along on country roads. The RE is drawing my attention more lately. I need to add a good country road motorcycle, but I'm still keeping my faired unicycle :)
If we all liked the same bikes wouldn't riding be bloody boring?
Ride what you like not what is the fashion of the moment.
Adventure bikes are a perfect example imho.
Hardly any actually adventure anywhere .
Two wheeled Range Rovers Just my opinion, so whatever floats your boat is fine.
I love the looks of the T 120 I like the chrome magnesium better even though you don't have to polish it on this one.
You are a great guy in Spain you will be great and happy ... greetings from the south of Spain ..
I have a T120 myself. Love it, although it's a bit of a "jack of all trades, master of none" kind of bike. I plan to keep it forever. I'd keep the R18. The low-end torque and character of it makes it a keeper for me. Would love to have it myself. Maybe get a T120 as a second bike. I'm a bit skeptical on RE myself, we'll see what the future holds for them.
Stick with the theme of the one bike garage Tom... The R18 I hear from riders that have bought them is, they are a very slow burner. The more you apply them where you think it might be challenging, the more it impresses... It is German after all. They must have engineered a massive dose of pragmatic purpose into the design and geometry... See how you get on for a few good solid months riding it across the mountains, you might be pleasantly surprised at how well she boogies on those roads... When I bought my M8 FXBB I was prepared to trade off a whole lot of performance. Myy head had been conditioned to believe cruisers were big slow and just for show😄... I was wrong! Sure it's never going to eat up a modern day sports bike but I'm constantly grinning at how quickly these metal mammoths can be punted around a winding road... I think they actually enjoy flipping around side to side and braking hard (when the mood strikes)... There is no trade off for me now. I feel totally bonded with the Street Bob. So much so, that I use it just like I'd use any other sports naked or commuter scooter in the past🥰
I love the landscapes and the roads where you currently live... When you're in Spain, take a trip to Portugal, through the Douro region. I'm sure you'll like it!
Over the moon you’ve decided to keep the R18. Can’t wait for future adventures on it from Spain. I recall your beautiful bride was looking for a ride of her very own, the RE would be perfect for her and maybe, just maybe, she’d let you ride it occasionally. Sorted then!! Ciao and thanks for sharing.
Showing my age here, 66 next month, but I always loved the looks of the 1960's R E mk2 Interceptor 750, a great bike with a dynamically balanced crankshaft, a well nigh essential process for what were then 360 degree twins. I'm glad you can keep the Beemer but might you decide to get an actual classic too, such as the aforementioned Interceptor ? I wonder if the taxes you spoke of would still apply to a real oldie.
Keep the R18 and get a second bike in Spain. Love my R18 FE. I am also looking at the Triumph T120. So many bike choices out there.
I have a 2014 865 efi Bonneville and the air cooled engine was a significant consideration when I bought it. I wish it had a 6th speed/overdrive for the occasional freeway time. I may just put a 19 tooth front sprocket to help there. I am looking forward to following your move to Spain. I turn 50 this fall, and could pull my pension. Inflation is real in the USA right now, so options such as Spain, and Portugal are considerations. Great stuff as always.
When you decide to give one away, I'll take the RE. Thanks. I hate plastic and water tanks. And electronic gadgets
I'm sure that when you spun the camera the camera crew rotated behind you to stay out of shot :p Delighted you can take your bike with you. As good as a new bike would be the R18 would always be the one that got away. Looking forward to some ride videos from Spain.
If this was about having a one bike, out of RE and Triumph I would easily choose Triumph. As cool and classic as that Enfield is the lack of power will start to bug you at some point even if you aren't a speedfreak. But now that you can keep your R18 after all (which is a good thing, a cruiser is more your style IMHO) and we are talking about a second bike the choice is more complicated. That Enfield is definetly a nice, easy to drive bike to get in a pub for a single pint and spend some time in the town.
They are all nice and I am sure that I would enjoy them all but my personal preference would be the Royal Enfield.
The RE classic 350 is just a great bike. If you are keeping the BMW then the RE would make for the perfect 2nd bike.
Love all 3 of them
.i have a 1300 yamaha and a 1100 kawasaki but im ready to sell both becuse i really fancy a cruiser to slow me down a bit just to many speed cameras about for sport bikes now plus im 63 now and need more comfort now but watching ur videos has made me fancy a big cruiser .keep up brill vids sir
Royal Enfield 650 Meteor
I'm very happy for you that you can keep your R18 when you go to Spain. I know it is very difficult to sell a bike that one is fond of.
I am still saving money my self. But as a NON considdering a harley guy my self i love absolutely everything about the triumph. The torque,the comfort,the look.The only only lack i find on an already expensive bike is the chaon drive.
Non the less i am searching all manufacturers from the Us and Europe to Japan...There is no better bike !!!
I had a similar discussion to make last year I chose the t100 black as it has no cruise control and only one disc less to go wrong and is more like the old school style and a bit more thinking when riding it to get the most out of the engine 👍
T120 I had one in 1973 . But what i read about the Enfield's i don't think you can go wrong with either . If didn't quit riding i had my eye on a 2014 T-100 . In the end it is up to you . I like the second bike idea .
Think the only thing I'd sell my Classic for is a Triumph Bobber, but sadly a bit out of my price range at the moment! hard to beat the value for money the RE gives you.
I seen the performance pipes for the R18 I got to love the big bike stock pipes .
Thanks Ol' Man for another good review, keep 'em comin'
If those three bikes were my ONLY choices, and I had unlimited funds, I guess I would select the T120.
Of those three, the classic 350. I have a Triumph Thunderbird so the high capacity bike is covered. As an 'if you only had one bike' option, the T120 is the practical choice but I would probably still plump for the Enfield!
Great news on the R18. Will definitely keep tuning in, one of my “go to” biking channels on RUclips. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻😎
Awesome, thank you!
Hi, I have lived here in Menorca Spain for the last 17 years and the number plates on my old kwaka, suzuki and now hyosung cruiser look very similar in size the the UK rear plates. I will measure it tomorrow as the garage i have to keep it in is a bit of a walk away from my apartment which is not unusual here.
For my money the lThruxton R chrome, with the nosecone. Out of these three though maybe T120 but you're right that they've got room in their range for a more classice styled Bonnie
I have an old (2002) but faithul Harley Softail Deuce that I love to bits. I ride her everywhere in daily basis commuting and she is also my companion on short and long travels as well (just have to put a windshield and a pair of soft panniers and I'm good to go), so I do understand what is like to have a true connection with a motorcycle (actually, I guess most of your audience does too). I was worried that you would regret alot selling your mighty and beautiful BMW R18 so it's great news you can keep her in Spain!
Life is good my friend! 😊
And, if you can afford a second bike, allow me to give you an advice, buy something small in displacement, weight and wheelbase to play in the really narrow roads and even in some light dirt tracks.
Maybe a RE Classic equipped with a sump guard and some knobby tyres or a RE Himalyan. You gonna have loads of fun.
All the best from Brazil. ✌
TOM, I’m absolutely rapt you’re keeping your R18 brother!👊🏼 Yes, by all means add another bike to the stable if you’re able to. I also fully agree with you on the R18 exhaust btw. If anyone else has an issue, who cares?🥱 The only thing I don’t like on the Trumpy are the seemingly huge wave brake discs on the front.🤢Love your work & Darcy’s! 👏🏼👍🏼😎🇦🇺
It's a baseball cap and plenty of Americans wear it that way, even baseball players do in certain cases (the catcher).
I can't blame you for wanting better weather, but I'd have a hard time giving up that farm. It's beautiful.
It's amazing the wee classic is in this discussion. The other bikes are in a different league, but not better for the intended purpose. A different league price wise too. I'm very keen to hear your thoughts on the W800. To me it's a classic in it's own right. A british twin done right. imho.
You’re a big,powerful,well built guy. The R18 is made for people like you! It’s not really a poseur’s motorcycle. I kind of hate the idea of you moving to Spain! I associate you so much with Britain. Is this a permanent move? (I haven’t watched all your videos recently) Good luck either way.
Beats me why you want to leave such a beautiful place. I've always found the incessant sun and dry dusty nature of Spain a little oppressive after a month or so...but thats just me. Riding all year does have it's appeal!
The national park areas of Spain inland are more green with forests so more like Wales with warmer weather all year 👍🏼
Love the climate and countryside of SE England but do enjoy a two week holiday in Spain (but not in June- September)😊
For me would be the Enfield in terms of looks but I'd need to ride them all. I love how my Himalayan rides so am sure the classic is similar.
However early days maybe after this summer might change my mind.
Glad you don’t have to sell the R18, she’s a beaut.
Google tells me Spanish motorcycle plates are 220mm x 160mm
(8.7” x 6.3”)
PS : great result with the R18 import info 👍🏼
Congrats' for keeping your R18!
The W800 is air cooled. A great old school bike, 360 crank, peashooters. Wish it was carburettor fed though.
W650 then. Also has a kick-start.
Glad you are able to keep the R18.
Interesting information re taking your bike to Spain. We are thinking of moving there at retirement soon. Thing is I have a nice car and bike, which to choose!
I’m glad you can keep your R18. Not sure why people hate it. Although I do think Bmw should have offered a smaller version in the standard format like they use to. I like all the bikes you’re considering as a second, as well as W800. Hope you can get your hands on an Indian scout or chief dark horse. I’m sure you will like
I absolutely agree. A half R18 - a R9.
You should probably go for the RE looks better than the T120. You save some money too if you're planning on taking one to Spain.😊
Yeap! Keep the R18. Add another. I have a 2012 T100 and It has the full mudguards and is air cooled. funny enough it looks more like what the Enfield’s do now.
Well I love the R18, test rode one and almost bought one, but didn't like the small mudguards. Even worse mudguards on the Rocket. I ended up getting an Indian Springfield Classic with loads of lovely chrome and huge mudguards. I've owned five T140s and a 1973 Norton Commando, all of which had proper chrome mudguards. At 6' 2" tall I like the position of the foot pegs on the old classic Bonnies and Nortons. Similar to the R18, or possibly a tiny bit further forwards. Not sure why they started creeping further back on modern bikes.
Someone unsubscribed because of your hat on backwards 😂, their loss. Keep up the great videos.
Good video, Ol’ Man and very glad you are able to keep the R18 and avoid the import charges, since it is obviously your favourite bike. With regard to having a second bike in Spain, wouldn’t the easiest solution be to purchase it when you are there? Given the choice between the T120 and Classic 350, my preference would be the Classic350, but I have a bias toward all of the RE bikes. Cheers and safe riding, Dan 🏍✌️🇨🇦
I'm glad you're keeping the BMW.
It's the Bonnie for me all day long
take pride in what you ride is all i have to say about your BMW....everyone has their favorite ride...
Best of luck with your move, though you were in Spain already with the blue sky.
They're all nice!! Just boils down to personal choice/ preference (different strokes for different folks)
I'd take the t120 over any bike. They're so versatile and almost perfect for my needs
I would choose an R.E. Interceptor 650. It is for me, the ideal, air-cooled modern classic. I would have to change the exhaust system and upgrade the shocks though.
Triumph outgrew itself. A nice 650 air cooled Vintage Triumph would be nice. Presently, The Royal Enfield looks much better.
Same dilemma. I'm first on the list in my state for the "23" T120 DGR. But it won't arrive until September for a premium price! Or do I buy a leftover "22" RE Signal Classic 350 for a discounted price and get on with it?!
I'm an old man 😂 so hips no longer allow me to get my leg over the seat of my Tiger 800.
Now undecided between the Super Meteor 650 and the Classic Meteor 350. Dealer warned me the Classic good for 60mph and 70mph downhill with a following wind. Like the looks of both. Any suggestions. Printable ones only please 😊
I still think the Classic 350 is one of the best bikes out there 👍🏼
Glad you can keep your superb R18 👍
💯
What's not to like about the R18? Beautiful machine.
If you’re going on a long tour, the R18 is easier to maintain with shaft drive and hydraulic clutch. A more sporting tour, you’d take the T120, and if you’re on a budget, take the RE
I never really fell for Royal Endfield before, but it has been getting to me lately. Of these three, I would pick the Royal Endfield. I am looking forward to their Shotgun 650. Do you have any information on that bike?
No info I’m afraid
Good news on the R18!
I’m a t120 fan & did suggest it over the Enfield but side to side there ,the Enfield looks far better & I totally get what your saying about the classic look , the t 120 silver edition with tons of chrome would be a good comparison, is it not a metal mud guard on the front ? . Suprised me there. Saying all that the Enfield is excellent vfm. I do find triumphs on the expensive side , great channel old man . Keep it up.
Hi the number plates in Spain are the same size as the UK but look so much better because they are black on white. I always cut off the extra bit at the bottom that has the dealer name and number. For me the Royal enfield is the better bike but as you know it's about personal choice. Great video .
Thanks for answering my question about the size if the plate in Spain 🇪🇸 yes definitely nicer looking black on white 👍🏼