Triumph T120 Four things I don't like about the T120 even though she is perfect
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- Опубликовано: 26 май 2024
- There are always little things that wind us up. I look at the Triumph T120 and give an owners review of the four things I would like to change on the T120. Something to consider if you are thinking about buying the perfect bike.
Развлечения
Interesting points. #1) For my part, I prefer the clean lines of the bike uncluttered. I had the bag rails with a nice set of waxed canvas bags and a custom phone mount from spare scooter windshield hardware holding it in the "perfect" location (like a dashboard extension). It was all very clean and color matched to the bike, but it all got removed for aesthetics. I feel much better now. #2) I installed an STS auto cancelling system. That ended the sharp button issue. #3) There's no such thing as a persistent cruise control system. You have to turn it on to use it. On a motorcycle, that also guarantees a reset every time you turn the electronics off. It's effectively a "building code" for motor vehicles. See my other comment below regarding your experiences with cars. Sometimes I wish I had cruise control on my T but in New England the roads and traffic don't present a lot of safe opportunities for that. #4) I totally agree. That's why I added my own uninterrupted water-protected USB port and mounted it inside the headlight bracket where it will reach a mounted phone with a 9inch(20ish cm) cord. When not in use noone knows it's there. When I go into "touring mode" and mount the bags & phone, it serves perfectly without interruption at service breaks. ... P.S., It always rains now everywhere, except in the places it never rains where it should. That's what happens when you pump so much energy into the atmosphere the permafrost evaporates. Science isn't a "belief", it's a dependable method of determining facts. Belief is the purview of religion, and people are getting duped.
great review David 👍
I agree with all the points you made. I find the windscreen brackets obstructing the clocks to be problematic. You forgot to show us your top box setup. Thank you for the excellent video Richard. I look forward to the uploads of the Austrian tour videos. Enjoy!
That's interesting you agree, others do not 😄. Setup on the top box and Lomo pannier comes next week. Looking forward to the trip and the countdown has defo started 😬
Those brackets for the screen look like they are mounted incorrectly. I think they probably need swapping over, so they angle around the clocks. I could easily be wrong, but my screen on BSA uses similar brackets (Puig Screen). They do not obscure the clocks.
Hey Bill, getting lots of comments on the same. I'll reach out to Stuart and confirm the fit.
@@bankruptpensioner there is no way they will be made to block the clocks and should be the other way if they are meant for the bike. RTFM as they say, sure it will show the other way around. 😊
First thing I noticed do not like them covering the clocks.
I expect the majority of riders would agree with you on most points. I'm probably the odd exception because....1. I like an uncluttered handlebar. 2. I don't find the indicator button sharp. 3. I dislike the cruise control, but for a different reason. I am 'old school' and find it disconcerting when the bike has control of the throttle. I like to be the only one controlling that throttle. 4. I prefer the usb under the seat for two reasons. a] see answer 1. b] I use a beeline sat nav on the handlebar clamp, and keep my mobile phone inside my jacket pocket, but like to be able to keep it charged on longer journeys. So a lead under the seat trails less than one on the bars. Looking forward to vicariously enjoying your upcoming trip to Austria, best wishes.
Hi Steve, great points especially on the usb lead in the pocket. I shall try that approach and hopefully not forget that the lead goes in my pocket when getting off the bike 😆. Struggling to remember a lot of things nowadays 😆
Hi Richard, great video. I never use cruise controls on any of my vehicles as I don't agree with them or like them but that's only my opinion and personal preferences. I don't like the bracket positions of your screen. I didn't have a usb on my Speedmaster but added one I bought from Halfords to my bike. I don't have a problem with your political comments nor when Stuart does it either. Ride safe!
Hi Richard
I agree with your comments on the usb it definitely should be somewhere on the handlebars!!
The sound quality is very good a bit better 😊
I know you’ve fitted the large windshield but they aren’t my cup of tea they spoil the look of the clocks and the bike but it serves a purpose for you that’s the main thing 😊😊
I can’t comment on the cruise control tho it’s probably just to initiate it upon the ignition being switched on… tho I get your comments of course 😊
The bike is gorgeous it is 😊😊
All the best phil
Cheers Phil, and good to hear from you 😄
I have a 2023 T120 and a 2016 Tiger 800 XRT. I would take the Tiger on a trip like this. It is brutal to see your T120 with the windshield and top case.
Hi Harold, I agree, the Tiger is made for long tours however, I have just returned from Austria on the T120 and it was great fun. I do tend to agree with you on the screen and the top box. Brutal........is a great adjective for this enhancement 😆. However I needed this for the Austria trip. Now, based on your comment, and now the trip is complete (videos in the future), I think she needs to be returned to her former original glory 😆. I shall be doing this over the coming days 👍thanks Harold 👍
Now then, every car I've ever had . Cruise needs to be switched on. Then set. So two presses.
I've always thought it was so that it prevented someone from operating cruise control accidentally.
(With one push.)
With the result that the vehicle" could" run away with you.?? Unexpectedly.
Makes sense to me Mate.
My Kia is exactly the same.
2 pushes on, then set.
I'm a bit surprised your surprised🤔
Have a great trip to Austria👍
Hi Keith, that's really interesting as all my cars have never had two clicks to set the cruise, only one. Audi, Skoda, Merc, they have the stalk and I just press the button and cruise happens. And I am looking back over the past 20 years. I even went out in the car last night just to check i am not imagining it. Sure enough, one action and the car cruises. Looking forward to buying you coffee when I get back from Austria 👍
@@bankruptpensioner Wonderful, looking forward to it.
I'm a bit confused, honest.
Maybe it's me driving cars from the middle ages🤔
Ah well, I'm happy to say I'm wrong then.
Ride safe, have a great time👍
@@shottostravels Hi Keith, it's not necessarily wrong but does seem strange how my car and cars of the past have one click to cruise. Maybe it is me and my choice of cars 😆.
@@bankruptpensioner Sorry, but you're wrong. What you've been doing is leaving the twist knob/switch to turn on the cruise system in the "ON" position the whole time. You can make the argument that they could have chosen a different switch mechanism to turn on the cruise system (as a fellow programmer, I would have too), but they can't just allow the system to be triggered accidentally, so it needs a system switch.
@@davichk Hi David, no, I'm not wrong (and great to hear from a fellow programmer). On the T120, there is no twist button or rocker button. It is a simple push button. First push activates the cruise system. The second push of the same button puts the bike in cruise mode therefore maintaining the speed at which the bike was performing at the time the button was pressed (the second press). It is a very simple, but highly effective cruise control solution. As a UI, there is no need for the first button push which activates the cruise system. A first push of the button should simply put the bike in cruise. All my cars present and past have a one push solution. This includes Audi A6, Audi A3, Mercedes E250, Skoda Rapid, Skoda Fabia, and current car, Mercedes E220. All of these have a one push solution. The point is, why does the T120 need to be activated prior to proper use? One could say that this is a health and safety issue. Regardless of Darwin's law of natural selection, if this is driven by H&S, why does my current car only require one action to get the car to cruise? Just a thought 👍
I agree with you on the USB socket , I wouldn't find an issue with the cruise control with 2 presses if I'm honest , Never had an issue with the indicator switch on the 2018 model unless they have changed it now ? and I agree with the other comments about the screen brackets too , but after all this you are 100% correct the T120 is an amazing machine , great looks, great performance and great fun , safe travels Rich , keep up the good work on the channel
Great video as I was keen to see how the screen worked. It would be good if you could take it on the motorway to see how it preforms. As mentioned above about the brackets obstructing your view of the clocks, can they not be angled outwards.
Hi Thomas, I was about to do a motorway test but I have run into a small problem with the mounting bracket. That's been fixed and should be ready thursday. Stuart, who kindly donated the screen has stated that I have put them on incorrectly. I did try a few ways - on the proviso that I can quickly remove and attach the screen when I get to Austria. I will have a chat with Stuart to see if their is a better way of connecting up and will show this in a future video 👍.
Every bike I've had with cruise has had a 2 stage switch on, my Yaris also has it.
FAULTS
The brushed engine cases polish up with wear and need oiling and scrubbing to keep in decent nick.
The end cans need to come off to adjust chain
Chain 4equires oiling every 200 miles
Headlight is halogen not LED
The wheels are not tubeless
The rear shocks are not adjustable enough for rider pillion and luggage
The rear brake caliper is at the bottom and catches a lot of crud
The extras that it needs from the start, fender extender and radiator guard, heated grips
But I do love my bike and have covered 6000 miles in 18 months and it has been filthy but is polished within an inch of its life
Hi Wayne, interesting comments based on your experience. I am going to keep a note of this as mine gets aged. Your advice is very welcome. I think I will need to order some stuff on your list👍
@@bankruptpensioner Also think about dresser bars to protect the tank
All my cars cruise controls work exactly like that. You first must push a button to activate the cruise circuitry and then when you reach your speed you must push it again. What's the problem. What cars do you drive? All my Toyotas require two pushes, my Ford F150, same thing, my Oldsmobile Cutlass, again, two pushes of a button. I do agree about the USB socket being under the seat. Why, oh why did they do that. Also, while we are on things we don't like about the T150, there is ONE single allen key as your tool kit! Seriously? And there is absolutely no room under the seat for an after market tool kit, or behind the side covers! Love the bike, hate that there is no tool kit. My two cents worth.
Some seriously 1st world problems here. You haven't got room for all your electric gagetry, which you apparently can't do without. One of the switches might give you a sore finger on your delicate hands... and heaven forbid, you have to press a button twice in your cruise control to initiate it... seriously!
The only thing i agree with is the USB socket, although to be fair Triumph do offer a handlebsr mounted option. Let's hope you get to Austria with needing any treatment on that sore finger.
Hi Gareth, you are right, it is first world 😆. But it is just thought provoking that's all. Things to consider when purchasing the perfect bike 😆
My cruise control in my Toyota car first press activates the cruise control and on the second press confirms my speed,After this it’s only a resume one press.on this type of bike the handle bars are narrow and if you clutter the bars with sat navigation it’s looks messy. USB under the seat probably to protect your phone from moisture. You can tour on any bike but this bike will be a compromise it’s looks fabulous with no screen on a several tours of Tasmania when they do road repairs they leave gravel on the road which is lose and my Honda cb500x was all over the place I can only image with road tyres it would be awful. My wife likes the tiger I like the scrambler triumph makes some great motorcycles.
great summary and I agree with you ❤
Nice video, great sound but number 4 was the only worthwhile point. Enjoy the bike and your trip to Austria.
Hi Splodge, thanks for the confirmation of the audio 👍, I am trying to get things better and better for you and all. Mmmm....the USB is a bit of a bummer 😆. Can't wait to get off with the T120 to Austria, should be a great laugh with Mark and Charlie 😆
As for the indicators converted my T120 to Smart turn self cancelling bit of a job to do but well worth it
thats a good idea James, how and what was the cost?
@@bankruptpensioner. Bought mine online directly from. ST2 system round about £70 but it’s a bit of a job to do on the T120 as you have to make up a longer extension lead there is instructions on line for the T120 , I find it was worthwhile as I could not see the flasher warning light in bright sunlight
@@jamesharris9163 Thanks for the info James, I am going to have a look at this 👍
I owned a 2022 T120...put about 7000 miles on it before trading in it. 1) maintaining chain drive is a real pain, 2) no self-cancelling turn signals (Come on Triumph, it's the 2020's), 3) there's not a comfortable seat for touring, the comfort seat is a waste of money, 4) handlebars need to be pulled back for better comfort. Otherwise, it handled well.
Hi Hal, yes, the chain could be a bit of a bummer to adjust. I suspect the muffler will need to be removed however, I will try it with the muffler on just to see. My Tiger 900 had cancelling indicators of which I thought the system was quite poor. Triumph should take note from Harley as they seem to have really cracked the situ on when indicators should cancel. But you are right, auto cancel would be a good thing 👍. Interesting on the seat. I did 2700 miles over 12 days and found the seat very good - as good as the Tiger. Different bums I suspect 😆. Not tried the comfort seat but I have heard that the difference between the standard is not that great.
Hi Richard. I dont disagree with any of your niggles but i do think you have gone out of your way to find something to talk about on this subject LOL. The cruise was just the same on your Tiger as it is on my Tiger and i soon found that it becomes so natural to switch the cruise on straight after ignition that it become a non issue to me. I have never had an issue with the indicator switch but granted it is self cancelling on the Tiger. Triumph dont consider the T120 to be an out out tourer although it is fabulously capable so therefore i think they concentrate on how it looks out of the factory Its also not their fault you are a vlogger so ordinarily i think you would alraedy have the quadlock where you have the camera on the mirror as i have on the tiger. The USB i agree is less useful under the seat and can only think they presume you are more likely to attach your phone there for more weather protection and security for an expensive item. Love your reviews on your new steed and i like you will probably end up on one after the Tiger.
Hi Dale, great points raised. It's all about continuous improvement I guess. These are really tiny niggles and something one gets used to. It's note worthy if anything. I found the cruise on my tiger great (as is the T120) but this extra click just seems bizarre. I think any bike can be a tourer and i do miss my Tiger but i am sure the T120 will do a splendid job. Not sure about the seat but thats for a future video and just over a week and I will find out 😆. It's all good entertainment but that said, Triumph as a whole, produce the most wonderful usable bikes on the road 👍..........and they are smothered in class 😆
Hi Richard, have a look at those brackets mate. Pretty sure they're the wrong way around. They didn't obscure the clocks like that when the screen was on mine 🤷♂
Hey Scott, I am having some work done on one of the mounts, the thread seems to have disintegrated however, no major problem. That should be resolved by thursday so all good for Austria still. Now, I did try a few configurations (with the need to remove the screen quickly) and this seemed to be the best approach however, when I get the part back on thursday, lets have a chat. I will give you a call 👍
I think you will find that Cruise Control works that way on all bikes and in most cars
Hi Murray, yes, a few have said that. However, strangely, the cars i have had over the past 20 years and including the current car, I just press once. I even had to go out last night and check it just to make sure I wasn't imagining it. Strange but true 😄
Good video and some interesting points. I am thinking of changing my bike this year and the T120 is one of the two I am looking at, the other being the updated V85 TT. The elephant in the room on the T120 is that it does not have tubeless tyres and this is a major drawback for touring. This is probably the result of Triumph striving hard to keep the classic look of the bike, aesthetically tubeless spoked wheels do not look as authentic. This desire for keeping the looks of the T120 probably accounts for a couple of your issues, clear handlebars and lack of easily accessible USB point.
Glad this video has helped you Jonathan. I have to admit the V85 is a great looking bike. No doubts. Whilst Italians are great at design, I have had some poor reliability experiences of Italian stuff however, times have changed. I am sure you will pick the right bike for you - and that is what is important 👍
You're lucky you have cruise control. My 2022 Thruxton doesn't have it available. My buddy has a Speed Twin 1200 and it's not available as well.
that is interesting 😥
The T120 is not for me l’am 65 years old and for me I have a triumph street triple RS which I tour on using soft luggage it’s light it’s fun and it’s modern in design. I have never liked twins I know the street triple is not for everyone but I love it
Ps I have been riding since I was 16 this bike will do everything I want I have done 8 hour days on this no problem
Hi Tony, your RS is a great bike, as most bikes from Triumph are. Every bike can be used for touring I guess and you have proved this on the RS. The triple on the RS reminds me of the old 2-strokes of the past and puts a smile on my face when I had a 675 whilst living in Qatar 😆
Hi hope your well the sound is a lot better can hear every word your saying but there is a bit of interference which I think is the turbulence caused by the screen and yes t120 is what I’m gonna look at take care ride safe and enjoy Switzerland
thanks for confirming the audio Nicholas 👍
My thoughts, I agree there isn't much room on the handlebars. The issue with the indicator switch is not something I've ever noticed I think you might have sensitive thumbs lol I'm more aggravated by the fact that it's hard to see the indicator idiot light on the dash. The cruise control thing I get where you're coming from but it is exactly the same as on my car where you press to arm the system and then press to set. I think they may well have done it to prevent people from pressing it accidentally and hitting the car infront of them (I know it seems stupid but remember what Einstein said "The only difference between genius and stupidity is that there are limits to genius). I do agree about the usb under the seat though because that is a stupid place to put it.
Great thoughts on this 👍
What's going on with the brackets for the windscreen with them going across the clocks?
If the brackets were swapped left to right so the bend goes the other way I think they would then clear the clocks. Would drive me potty having them obscured.
@@billellis6538 Drive me mad to bill!
Hi Mark, Stuart who donated them to me has said the same thing. I must have put them on the wrong way but they are working this way and do allow me to remove the screen very quickly. I will be consulting with Stuart to make sure this is the way.
Must say the front screen is perfect for that kind of bike.
reminds me of an old police bike from the 1960s 😆
Richard, I don't think the sound quality was that good in this video. It's sounds like you have a washing machine running in the background with nuts and bolts going round! That said, the video quality was quite good as is the screen. I like the fact that it can be removed with ease if need be. Catch up again soon and looking forward to the videos of the Austrian trip.
So, I am about to go create another video. I have reduced the gain on the mic so hopefully it will go in the right direction. The screen is great but I do need to do some position refinement over the next days to get rid of the buffeting. Hopefully, this will help further. Can't wait to head south on the T120, looking forward to the hills in Austria 😆
@@bankruptpensioner Brilliant, I am sure you will resolve it and the trip to Austria will be just fine. 🙂
Completely agree about the indicator button.who the hell sat in the design department and through i know let's put a point on the button.?
Hi Paul, there you go. Honda do a flat button and this just feels better. Not sure why Triumph went this way but it is what it is 👍
The odd thing is, the Speed Twin 1200 has the same button, but it is flatened off!
@@Foggy9520 Now that is interesting Foggy. I will have a look next week when I call into Triumph Staffordshire. 👍
Reminds me of Dire Straits. Warehouse workers with blown out discs in their back v. rock and roll guitar players complaining about a blister on their thumb making 10 times the money. My 2003 Honda S-2000 has the exact same two button press situation for cruise control on initial start up. Triumph sells an inexpensive accessory that allows you to put power to the cockpit area. It works really well. Should it be standard? Maybe. The handle bar real estate is limited, I agree. But, how to fix that? Why use a stand alone Tom Tom when you can use an iPhone Tom Tom app with all the other stuff the iPhone offers?
Good points. The TomTom I use is because I go where most riders do not and the TomTom always works. 😂
I think that with the amount of traffic in the UK today cruise control is a waste of time unless it’s the adaptive type,
I prefer the speed limiter which in my humble opinion is of far more use unfortunately it never seems to be available to motorcycles.
Valid point PeeTee, very valid. Hopefully, once in Europe, i will get to use the cruise a bit more consistently 👍
Btw, the bike is beautiful!
Thanks Kenn, she is 😆
It seems to me you're trying to make this bike into a tourer which it probably isn't.......my personal opinion is the big screen etc spoils the looks of the bike which is why triumph dont put one on as standard.....cannot figure out why you swopped from a tiger 900 as you said you didn't use it much !! didn't you put 8000 miles in 15 months? you were always telling your subscribers to try one 😊but its your decision at the end of the day....by the way you you tend to get buffeting even with the screen...from the sound point of view....have a great holiday.
Hi Stuart, I am now convinced that virtually every bike can be toured upon. The big screen makes the bike look a little like a Police Bike from the 1960s 😆but the beauty of this screen is that is is quick release therefore, when I get to where I am going, I can take it off and come back to the original look. It is purely for practical reasons. I will always recommend the Tiger, it is a brilliant bike. The problem was with me, not the bike. I found handling the bike out of the garage to be an issue for me (getting older and war wounds of the past coming through). I found this problem meant the Tiger was not be used on a daily basis which is a great pity. Yes, in a year an a half, I put over 9k miles, but most of these trips were big miles which the Tiger is perfect for. I am now finding that the T120 is in and out of the garage no problem which is great for me. It will be an interesting ride to Austria in a weeks time on the T120. My only fear is the seat however, let's see how that goes. I do miss the Tiger but for me, at this moment of life, the T120 feels superb and the anxiety of dropping the bike appears to have disappeared to a greater of lesser degree. Can't wait to head south, hopefully, the weather will be on my side 😆
Unfortunately there is no perfect bike......they all have things we dislike, but I feel they are made for different purposes. I did a European trip on a triumph speedmaster some years ago.....big mistake...I sold it on my return. As you say you can make any bike a tourer.....Honda crf250 / Suzuki sv650......personally I couldn't do a European trip on either one. I hope you enjoy your trip to Austria I think it'll be a challenge for you on a retro motorcycle....the T120 is a fabulous bike but Austria is a long way....hope you prove me wrong. Take care
@@StuartRShaw-vy5tz One of my first euro tours was on an SV650 😆. Had a wonderful time but to be fair, I was a few years younger 😆. It is going to be interesting to ride that distance on the T120. My only fear is the saddle - but sure enough, I will find out quickly if that becomes an issue 😬
Got to say your getting very picky in your old age. Personally before taking delivery of my GoldStar last year i asked the dealer to take off that USB unit from the handlebars. To me it completely spoiled the classic looks of the bike.
Hi Ian, good to hear from you. I am getting picky 😆, but yes, the USB on the Gold Star does look different however, it's position is very functional. However, it does look a little in ones face. A good start for BSA to be fair and future editions may have more refinement. I still think the BSA is the most authentic retro available today. Lovely machine
Poor suspension, especially non progressive fork springs
Poor front mudguard and lack of rear support (it can oscillate and crack)
Chain drive
Foot pegs too far forward
Yes USB under the seat ooops, that's 5.....But just love riding it!
Great point!
@@bankruptpensioner Which one, lol!!?
What I hated about my T120 1/.Spokes and tyres with tubes. 2/. The need to remove the silencers to be able to adjust the rear chain. 3/.The fat speedo needle that obscures the indicator repeater at 30mph. 4/. Faffing about changing the headlight modes ( why not a three position switch like my V7) - 5/. Cheap suspension front and back that was initially jarring and poorly damped. 6/. Silly pretend carburettors. I sold it after a year of getting more and more bored with it . I liked the riding position, the bars the seat, the engine and the brakes but hated the style. In my car I have to turn cruise control on by pressing the "on" button and then press select to lock the speed so what's the difference?
Very valid points Dave, removal of the exhaust will be a pain in the butt. That's to come in a future frustration video 😆
Best to keep politics out of this, in fact I was going to click 'Subscribe' until I heard your opinions very early on. Shame, because I rather liked the relaxed, no-ego, style.
Nowt like politics 😆
You don't know why it's raining so much? Warmer air holds more water. It's called global warming climate change, this year exacerbated by the El Niño effect but will only get worse as we cross the 3rd of 5 tipping points. Brace yourself for 40° heatwaves in July/August..
Can’t wait for July / August in that case.
Hi Jeremy, 😆, yes, I understand meteorology 😆, good point. That one of the exams i took for my pilots license 😬😆. Just out of interest, there is a great channel called Astrum. They have just released the following video which is great. Take a look and give your thoughts 👍
ruclips.net/video/jN1y9kHTPSc/видео.htmlsi=S5vc-rif13tyjkXh
👍
@bankruptpensioner 2 HOURS of it - are you kidding? Increasingly hottest consecutive years and months globally on record, 10 hottest in the last 12. 'Nuff said.
@@AuxesisHyperbole666 Try to have a look at the video, it will give you a scientific view on the reasons why the climate changes on the planet as a whole, including current cyclical activity of the sun. I understand that it is 2 hours long, but there is some great unbiased info on why we are having changes to the climate 👍
Why do you repeat yourself twice?
Why do you repeat yourself twice?
@@cadillacsmith5339 Bad habit, nerves, not being easy to talk to ones self, self conscious, not sure Caddy 😆. I am learning and take your message in a positive light. I shall try harder harder harder 👍😆
please stop political opinions on bike content