Rider Magazine’s 2016 Motorcycle of the Year

MOTY_logo

Despite a shaky global economy, for the 2016 model year the world’s motorcycle manufacturers added more than 70 new models to the U.S. market. Very few were dropped, too, creating an unparalleled selection of new bikes from which to choose. Retro machines that are ripe for customization are trending this year, followed quite closely by bikes with rugged adventure styling and features. Several existing models were joined by or replaced with upgraded siblings that fill gaps in feature sets, too, like the now truly dirt-worthy Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro, a Yamaha FJR1300 sport tourer with a sixth gear and the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra with liquid cooling and a new, more functional sharknose fairing.

Picking one of these bikes for our top honor is never an easy task, and this year was the most difficult in a long time. As always, Rider chose the Motorcycle of the Year from the list of all new or significantly changed motorcycles designated as 2016 models, some of which are included in The Contenders section that starts to the right. The winner is the one motorcycle we think succeeds best at its intent and lengthens the list of history’s truly great motorcycles.

Manufacturer production and test bike availability varying as it often does, we may not have had the opportunity to ride every 2016 model before we needed to pick one as the MOTY in time for this issue. And though we may have actually ridden several early release 2017 models that might be available at your dealer before it’s time to select the MOTY—the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, Suzuki SV650 and Victory Octane, for example—since they’re not 2016 models they’re not eligible for this year’s award, though we will include them in next year’s considerations.

No matter who wins, there are lots of terrific new motorcycles out there, so let’s get out and ride! Congratulations to all of the manufacturers for bringing this year’s bonanza of bikes to market. Here are some of the top contenders, followed by Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year.

The Contenders

CaponordAprilia Caponord Rally

(June 2015)

Aprilia’s crossover 1200 V-twin gets all adventurey with a skid plate, brush guards, larger adjustable windscreen, 33-liter hard bags and spoked wheels, including a 19-inch front. Revised steering geometry ups its off-road worthiness, too.

 

S1000XRBMW S 1000 XR

(October 2015)

BMW’s answer to the Ducati Multistrada is this supersport-adventure tourer that’s ready for the track and the road, with an S 1000 R-based 160-horsepower in-line four, sit-up riding comfort and precise handling.

 

MultistradaDucati Multistrada 1200 Enduro

(June 2016)

Beefed up for adventure with a 7.9-gallon fuel tank, skid plate, spoked wheels (including a 19-inch front) and longer suspension travel, the 1,198cc Multistrada Enduro DVT V-twin is more capable off-road and for long distances.

 

Street-GlideHarley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra

(January 2016)

A favorite for long-distance touring thanks to its aerodynamic, frame-mounted “sharknose” fairing, the Road Glide Ultra benefits from Project Rushmore upgrades and precision liquid cooling in its Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 V-twin.

 

Africa_TwinHonda CRF1000L Africa Twin

(March 2016)

The Africa Twin is designed to be just as capable off the road as on it, hence the “CRF” designation from Honda’s dirt bikes. We’ve ridden the 998cc parallel twin with its long-travel suspension and 21-inch front wheel, and think Honda nailed it.

 

690DukeKTM 690 Duke

(March 2016)

For 2016, the lively 690 Duke single gets a big refresh, with a bigger, wider powerband, less vibration and better throttle response. Add that to a taut chassis, responsive suspension and upright seating, and the fun factor is through the roof.

 

GSX1000FSuzuki GSX-S1000/ABS/F 

(November 2015)

Suzuki’s new sportbike for grown-ups—in standard, ABS and fully faired versions—offers a 999cc in-line four with a broad spread of torque in an aluminum twin-spar frame, stylish minimalist bodywork and an upright, civilized riding position.

 

Tiger_ExplorerTriumph Tiger Explorers

(May 2016)

Three of Triumph’s next-gen 2016 Tiger Explorers focus on street riding (XR, XRx and XRt) and two are setup for off-road adventure (XCx and XCa). Each has a marvelous 1,215cc in-line triple at its heart and scads of comfort and performance.

 

FJR1300Yamaha FJR1300A/ES

(July 2016)

Fourteen years of refinement, a new sixth gear and assist-and-slipper clutch have led to a much better all-around FJR1300. The powerful 1,298cc in-line four is as smooth as ever, and the ES (electronic suspension) model gets LED cornering lights.

 

And the winner is…

Triumph Bonneville T120

(June 2016)

T120-Standard-static-right

Righteously Retro, Thoroughly Modern

Once owner John Bloor had re-established Triumph Motorcycles in Hinckley, England as a mainstream motorcycle manufacturer with its range of 3- and 4-cylinder sport and touring models, it was high time for a modern interpretation of the iconic Bonneville twin for which the original Meriden works was famous. The new Bonnevilles debuted in 2000 and immediately became Triumph’s best-selling model family. In the ensuing 15 years, the T100’s 865cc air/oil cooled parallel twin was adopted for the entire lineup, and the range grew to include the Thruxton café racer, high-piped Scrambler and the America and Speedmaster cruisers with their rumbly 270-degree crankshafts.

T120In recent years, Triumph has made gains with its exciting three cylinders like the Street Triple, Tiger 800 and Tiger Explorer. The first-gen Bonnevilles have held up well, but by today’s retro/café/custom standards the busy 360-crank twin lacks that desirable low- and midrange torquey character, and it doesn’t make quite enough power to compete outside its genre. With new Euro 4 regulations coming for 2016 requiring fewer emissions, a durability test and ABS as standard, in 2012 Triumph decided to completely redesign the line of twins, and you see two of the stunning results before you, the Bonneville T120, Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year, and its functionally identical, menacingly dark T120 Black sibling.

Now even more evocative of the original, Triumph’s engineers spent three years getting the T120 styling (and that of its Bonneville Thruxton/R and smaller 900cc Street Twin siblings) just right, more faithfully echoing the swinging ’60s in the T120, from its sculpted tank to the bench saddle, spoked wheels and throttle bodies reminiscent of Amal Monobloc carburetors. One might think that was an easy task given Triumph had the original to copy. But to bring the Bonnie up to date Triumph had to squeeze a larger, High Torque 1,200cc engine with liquid cooling and a 270-degree crank into the same dimensions as before, and add ride-by-wire with riding modes, ABS and switchable traction control to the list of existing modern features…none of which can really be on display. At the same time it managed to give the bike better handling, more manageability, better fuel economy and more power and authentic rumble in the low- and midrange where it belongs. While the Meriden Bonneville was the superbike of the ’60s, the modern Bonnies are roadsters built for practicality and performance with timeless style. The T120 accomplishes its mission precisely.

A-T120-standard-front-34Congratulations to Triumph for the Bonneville T120, Rider’s 2016 Motorcycle of the Year!

42 COMMENTS

  1. I don’t own one, it’s not necessarily my kind of bike, however, I think the award WAS thoroughly deserved. In fact, a couple months ago I actually recommended to a friend that they should definitely check this bike out for themselves as a top consideration.

  2. Why mention a “shaky world economy” at all? It isn’t even true. There are *some* countries having varying degrees of economic trouble (from near collapse to simple economic stupidity–I’m looking at you, England and Wales).

    If it were true, then clearly, with “…more than 70 new models to the U.S. market. Very few were dropped, too,…” the US does NOT have a shaky economy by any means. Simple fact: the US stock market is UP nearly FIFTY PERCENT since the Recession (suck it, haters of President Obama! A “poor domestic economy” is just a lie that you’ve made up with no basis in reality).

    Yes, there IS a very real issue of growing income-disparity in the US and increasing marginalization of the once great middle class, but overall, spending money here in the US is in abundance.

    • I don’t know where you are in your life, but as a retired senior, I wish I had had a choice to NOT put money into Soc Sec and done with it as I saw fit. Since that didn’t happen, I’m left with a fixed monthly sum and only miniscule increases for cost of living during Obama’s reign. EVERYONE who hammers seniors about SS, IT’S MONEY WE WERE FORCED TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT. We’re not getting anything free, we’re getting what we put in. And all of those people who DIDN’T live long enough to receive any benefits, where’d that money go?? Luckily, we have pensions to help and union medical, but we WORKED FOR THAT TOO. Believe me it’s tough when everything goes up but you income.

      • So you didn’t also save some $$ for retirement? Now you’re complaining because the relatively small amount you put in is coming back to save your butt. That’s amazing, you ingrate.

        • That isn’t fair. For all we know, he lost his job and pension and investments/savings in the Recession. This happened to a lot of good people but hit older people, closer/close to retirement particularly hard. Or has suffered from a catastrophically expensive medical problem that wasn’t covered by insurance. Or any number of other things that weren’t “user error.” I thought about making your comment when i replied earlier, but it just isn’t fair (or nice) to the the guy, especially because we don’t know exactly how he got into his current financial situation.

          • He used the word “reign” as a pejorative so there for the comment about being an ingrate should stand. He’s one of those folks who believes the current POTUS is the causal of his ills when he’s obviously old enough to retire so there for HE should have lived what we today call history. Maybe he was blind though many of these years and just didn’t pay attention. This we don’t know. But based on his use of language we know that he’s very biased.

          • Anybody know what this intellectual just said? He ain’t bad mouthin my brand of cicle is he?
            I’m proud of my 65 POTUS. STILL RUNS GOOD.

          • Can we all just talk about bike? Really now we’re at POTUS????For crying out loud…..don’t make me finish this….. BIKES folks BIKES!!!!!!

      • As a fellow senior SS recipient, thank you for your input. $20,000+ motorcycles are but reading material for me. It would really be nice to afford a nice new (or late model used) motorcycle. This year’s choice of Motorcycle of the Year..flipping GREAT pick. Good looking pair of wheels. Womens legs, and motorcycle wheels…good things come pairs.

        • While I’m not in your particular financial situation (SS), I am currently at very low income level and have never enjoyed more than a moderate level of income at best (sub-$50k/year). So, yeah, when I read the magazines/websites, ALL new bikes, (even a Grom or Z125) are out of my price range. That said, there are always SPECTACULAR used bike deals if you are patient about finding a bike that fits whatever discretionary funds you have to purchase one.

          I’ve had my bike for over 15 years. I bought it one-year used with less than 5K miles on the clock for 50% of it’s original MSRP. The previous owner had already purchased the completely new “replacement” model and was motivated (wealthy enough?) to sell it for much less than the street value at the time. I do see other great deals when I have browsed online. Of course, the larger the area you live in, the more likely that you can find a great deal close enough to buy the bike AFTER seeing it (and not sight-unseen and having it shipped to you where you may find that you did or did not get what you thought you had bargained for).

          Personally, while I would love to be able to afford something much newer (with bits that aren’t all 15 years old–decay happens and parts replacements become necessary), but there are few if any bikes available (even with so many models available new and used) that are nearly as versatile, fuel efficient, have the distance range and comfort as my bike.

    • Good God!! Stick to the relevant discussion! This is a MOTORCYCLE thread, not a sounding board for your flippin’ political/economic misunderstanding .

      • I agree. This a great(the best) motorcycle mag..For me, the Triumph Bonnie. was the perfect choice for moty.I ride a2010 Triumph T.bird and, a 2014 America LT. I just came back from a 6015.8 mile ride to the west coast on my America.Best ride I ever had.Ileft the politics at home.Let,s do the same here if we can.Nothing better than a good burger and a cherry coke to make a ride complete.With some good friends along to boot.Thanks RIDER ,that,s the best motorcycle made(to me anyway) so keep up the good work.

    • The POINT was to point out that the article lead off with something that is objectively false. This particular falsehood, especially regarding OUR USA economy, gets repeated so often that people think it’s true without ever examining what the facts are.

      To mtuttle, I don’t care what appears in a single Bloomberg article. Bloomberg’s entire raison d’etre is to provide INVESTMENT advice. And, as I ALREADY SAID (in case you can’t read very well), yes, some countries are having problems. But even looking at that vertical graph in the Bloomberg article, there are only a few countries shown that are PREDICTED (i.e. projected, i.e. NOT FACT) to have negative GDP growth. And, they are NOT the USA. Again, the whole purpose of the article is to provide information for market investors.

      To F.E. Kennedy: not to minimize your real concerns or place blame on anybody for your individual financial circumstances, WHAT THE HELL DOES SOCIAL SECURITY HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT I WROTE? And I did talk about income disparity and the shrinking of the middle class.

      To BP: Yeah, BRO, I ride–for over 30 years. I was out today in full ATGATT today in 95+ F temperatures riding around, too. I’ve raced AFM, WSMC, Formula USA, AMA and even at a World Superbike round (though not IN the WSBK races). I’ve ridden over 700 miles in a day, multiple times (no record for sure, but a hell of a lot more than an occasional Sunday morning rider), I’ve gone 170mph on a bike, I’ve won a sanctioned drag race, I’ve been to the BUB Salt Lake Flats Speed Trials. What are your effin’ creds? You got some clapped-out POS you think is the sh!t, do some sick wheelies, compare “chicken strips” with your buds ‘cuz that’s how you know who’s the best rider, think those illegal riders in NYC are cool for messin’ with people and the cops? Ride in shorts and a t-shirt? Give women rides (assuming you know what they are and have some unexplainable attraction to at least one of them) but don’t have a spare helmet for them and don’t let them wear yours? To you? STFU!

      To John: I think I explained what my point was pretty well in my original post. And if you think I’m wrong? Prove it. Like the RIDER article states, more than 70 new models with few dropped. That wouldn’t happen if the USA economy wasn’t doing well enough that a LOT of people are buying bikes. And, no, because of the Recession, there was not a sustained boom (or at all) of motorcycle sales. At best, we’re still approaching the pre-Recession level of annual new bike sales. So, yeah, it’s relevant.

      • They’re buying motorcycles because they can’t afford cars. Real unemployment at 10%, Debt hit 19 trillion and a third of the middle class has been wiped out. The stock market has been riding a bubble but like all investors, we go where we can hopefully get a return higher than my 1% Money Market at the bank. Doesn’t mean the economy is doing well, just taking a higher level of risk for a better return. The stock market has never been a true indicator of a good economy. That’s a false narrative. Remember the Dot.com bubble? Obama is one of 4 Presidents who had the slowest recovery after a recession of all presidents and a revised Fed report of a projected 1.9% growth clearly tells us this economy is not doing well. As a partner in a firm that works with displaced executives and professionals, our expectation is that their compensation requirements will not be met in the forseable future. Expect 1/3 less.
        As to the topic at hand, I’m disappointed in the choice for 2016.

        • No. Like I said, new bike sales (last I researched) aren’t even quite at the pre-Recession annual level.

          As for the actual article, and Rider’s choice of M/C of the Year, well, isn’t that why there is more than one motorcycle being sold in the US? And evidence that we all have our own opinions about what elements are needed to claim something as M/C OTY? I’m not nostalgic and don’t have any particular love for “retro-styled” (though thoroughly modern) motorcycles so I, too, would not have chosen the Triumph. IMHO, it’s just a positive evolution of an existing motorcycle that doesn’t break any new technical ground, spark massive sales or the imagination, or blow away the competition in any one (or several) genres of bikes (in this case, retros and naked bikes in general). But that’s only my opinion and some agree with it and others don’t. Still, M/C of the year is always great for generating readers and comments.

          And your other “facts”? You need to do some research. National unemployment is much less than 10%. True–the stock market level is not a “true” indicator of the overall health of the economy. But it is based on investor (over)confidence and IS an indicator that people are investing, that there are a lot of people with “spare” money to risk in the market.

          Growth rate? That’s no longer a viable comparison to, say, post-WWII US growth rates. Why? Because it’s 2016 and it is absurd to assume that the US or overall world GDP growth rates can continue at those prior levels of “health.” You can’t have unlimited growth (adjusting for inflation, yes?)–that just makes everything a long-term Ponzi scheme. For instance, while technological progress continues apace, there hasn’t been a new category of consumer product since personal computers (including variations like laptops, 2-in-1, tablets). Most people–even in third-world countries–own a TV and cellphone and an ever-growing number at least have access to a computer (computer cafe, library, school, etc), some of which “need” has been filled in with smartphone internet access. So sales rates of all consumer products can’t continue to endlessly have ever-increasing per capita percentages, even with broken/obsolete product replacement sales and sales of the latest stuff to early tech adopters, wealthy people or others buying “new” much more frequently than the public at large (no different than it has always been).

          Also, the current stock market level is not attributable to a mere dot.com bubble (and there have been TWO, not one, of those). That is not anywhere near a real analysis of the situation.

          Again, I repeat for the third time, yes, there is a very real income disparity/loss of the middle class here in the US so I am NOT saying everything is coming up roses for everybody in the country (or the world).

  3. Seriously? With all the superior bikes to be had, you picked a cafe racer with an antique looks, moderate power and okay handling. Triumph must be a major advertiser.

    • Superior for what? There is no bike that’s superior to all other bikes. There might be a best for a particular purpose, say top speed, best cornering, smoothest ride, most available accessories etc., but no bike will be superior for every person, not even superior for a majority… If you can make a bike that is a great match for even 2% of the population, you’d have a huge winner.
      I give the magazine kudos for picking a GOOD bike for having overall merit in many different aspects of what is important to many people. Those who value looks (even over function) can be happy, those who value price, those who value some aspects of modern electronics… The bike probably doesn’t represent the best of any single thing that is important to anyone, but it seems to be well balanced, doing well in all areas.

  4. I was going to say “LET THE WHINING BEGIN!” BUT I SEE THEY STARTED WITHOUT MY OFFICIAL OK. Imagine that. Congratulations triumph on making a much more desirable Bonnie line. Should bring in a lot of new people.

  5. You guys do a great service to us road riders in exposing the pros n cons for the new ones ! It keeps us older riders up to speed ,with
    Developments and improovments!
    I often wonder why the Harley riders , mostly looks P,O.d it must be the excess noise or vibration , or maybe both! Anyway
    Thanks for a great publication

  6. Yes I can understand the final choice for the MOTY, Triumph has done great job resurrecting the Bonneville. I have a ’13 SE in my stable and must say I like the T120 better dangit! I personally would have gone more towards the Ultra Road Glide, but cannot fault your logic to go with Triumph!

  7. Nice to see the big brother of my T100 is appreciated. Only caveat is I wouldn’t give up my Forest Green/New England White model. I love tooling around on my Bonnie.

  8. Fifteen years ago I got back into motorcycling after a 27 year hiatus. The bike that got me back into it was the 2001 Kawasaki W650, with positive reviews in both Rider Magazine and a comparative review between the W650, the 2001 Bonneville and a 1967 Bonneville in Motorcycle Consumer News. In the MCN review they heartily endorsed the W650 over the old Bonnie and the “disappointing” new Bonnie. I went out and compared for myself, and it was no contest at all: the Kawasaki was by far the better Bonnie than the new Bonnie made by the new Triumph company.
    I enjoyed my W650 for 15 years and had no thought of ever selling it. Until the new Bonnies came out. Lots of research and then a test ride, and I was blown away.
    I traded in my W650 for a gorgeous Cinder Red T120; this bike is light years beyond my Kawasaki. Triumph got the Bonnie right this time. Just an awesome machine. Love all over again!

  9. I think it was a very good choice. It has been written widely that Triumph makes some of the best handling and performance bikes made. Personally, I have never rode a Triumph. However, I have talked to people who have and they have nothing but good things to say about Triumph’s. I plan on test riding a few Triumph’s prior to buying my next bike. This proves that great motorcycles don’t have to physically large or over 1500 ccs to be great bikes. I believe that bikes between 650-1000 ccs are the most enjoyable bikes to ride in most every way.

  10. With all the beauty and open air to breathe on the front side, why spend time blowing out the bad political air on the back nine? Beautiful Bonnie and a work of timeless art. Congratulations to Triumph. It was just a matter of time before they got it right. This time they really nailed it. It is a quick ride back to the 60’s and much more beyond the memory. I think you did a great job reviewing and selecting your MOTY!

  11. I would have gone with the Honda AT as it is new (ok to these shores) and fills a nitch that may just become the new standard. Love the retro but……….. it’s an old design with new tech…..in other words somebody just nailed two thing together that have never been nailed together before and as such somebody will buy it. Heck I would love one but the world of two wheels is not going to go all retro. Now ADV will be far more impacted by the Honda AT….so in my world it should have won….but there is space for both in my garage but not enough $ for either at the moment…but that is why God made lottery tickets 🙂

  12. I’m sure this is a fine bike but not of interest to me. I’m sure the demographics show that adventure riding is the hot market but being retired I fine magazines spend way to much time on this portion. This would not have been my first choice and in fact my choice did not make the top ten.

  13. Wait a minute…. Hold on one cotton pickin’ second here…. Of all the bikes in production around the world, Rider narrows it down to 4 Adventure, 2 Sport-Touring, 2 Sport, 1 Cruiser and 1…Cafe/Scrambler/Putt-Putt……. aaaaannndddd you guys pick the the little puddle jumper? Becauuuuuuse why again? A far better pick would have been the Harley Davidson Roadster. It’s nimble, fast, fun and looks great. Oh, but wait… it wasn’t on the list. Silly me.

  14. To the staff of Rider: Maybe if you wrote about the economy with a sort of side mention of motorcycles, you would get more bike input 😉 And a side note for some of those talking economy….EVERYBODY’S income is “FIXED” until something acts on it (likes extra or better work)….and if your SS gets AUTOMATIC cost of living increases, I guess it’s not as fixed as you whine. SOOOO, let’s talk bikes, or if you chose to whine about SS, ‘fixed incomes” or try to be an economic pundit, you will be banished to riding 3 1/2 horse (wore out) Briggs powered mini bikes with training wheels for all of eternity 🙂

  15. I like Jon Lauderbaugh’s post. This was an article about motorcycles, not the economy. I have always liked Triumph’s and have owned two older Bonnevile’s. My only disappointment with the new one’s is no tubeless tires. I would gladly pay the difference needed to have them, spoked wheels of course.

  16. For the record the winner is a sweet looking machine, But alas, the retro experience is probably ruined by a lack of leaks and the fact that Lucas, Prince of Darkness, is also not in the experience…..and what is the fun in that? 😉

    • My new T120 IS indeed a sweet-looking machine, as was my W650. Looks matter to me! As to the leaks and Lucas “lighting” system neither one of them leaks a drop. And while the lights on the W650 were quite good, the lights on the new T120 are awesome.

      I understand Triumph is looking into offering a “vintage experience” kit for our new T120s: for an extra, oh, $150 you can get fake oil puddles to place under the engine, and a vibrator(!) under the seat will do a fair job of shaking the marrow out of ones bones like the Bonnies of old.

    • King of darkness was a 60 or 61 Norton with a 12 w headlite bulb in it. I didn’t know it was a 6 v. System till then.

      • If I had that ride, I would revert to when I was immortal…..with the upgrades to todays tech the bike would way more than exceed my abilities….I’ll watch from afar thank you.

  17. On the subject of Triumphs…..used to watch flat trackers at Vista raceway and Fredrick county fairgrounds in Maryland longer ago than I care to admit. There was one sly dog with black leathers with diamonds down the arms and legs….can’t remember his # but that guy and his Triumph could on a good day spank the Harleys like nobodies business. There was also a guy on with a Trident that you could hear above all the twins, rarely a winner but a front runner more often than not. The winner here (bike of the year) takes us back to a day when racers with the nuts to try something different could win. Today racing is too regulated, the little guy stands little chance against factory teams and the rules they force on the little guys throat. This bike represents a different time and mindset. I could look at her all day, but to own and ride her….I’d feel like a poser trying to relive a past I never had. She looks before my legal time, and is now not my favored ride (ADV). If I see you on her, I’ll smile, give you the deuce, and remember. But I still give my vote for the Honda AT for bike of the year. (maybe it has to be available for a year to win????) 🙂 To me it’s kind of a “you can never go home” type of thing. If you own and ride one, know that you bring back memories for a lot of us….enjoy!!!!!

  18. I don’t know much about the past, not interested in political or economic conversing. The Triumph brought me to this site. I really want to ride this Bonnie! It’s like the girl that makes you crazy but you can’t put your finger on why. A bike has to inspire and be sexy! IMHO this Bonnie is “tits”! I’m buying one.

    • Hah! Perfecto! This new Bonnie IS sexy ( several lady friends have said just that to me ) and a blast to ride. It is light years better than my old ride, the Bonneville lookalike Kawasaki W650. The power is awesome, it handles like a dream, and it just flat out looks great. Triumph hit it out of the park with this new Bonneville. And good luck with buying one: my local dealership sells them as soon as they get them in – oftentimes before they even hit the showroom floor!

  19. I have been riding for 49 years and have had a lot of motorcycles, street, off road and dual purpose. I recently bought a new T120 bonneville. After all these years of riding , I was becoming not interested in bikes. My wife wanted me to get this Bonneville because she knew that I wanted one many years ago. Had a Norton 850 Commando a few years ago but I wanted a reliable British bike with modern goodies. This T120 has renewed my interest in riding. It handles well( if you set preload to the middle position it doesn’t scrape pegs). Plenty of power, good looks and it’s a riot to ride. Good choice on Moty. Cycle world didn’t even give it an honorable mention. It may even be my favorite bike ever.

  20. I bought the 2005 T100 new; I’ve changed pipes,airbox,jetting,shocks,handlebars and more. at 35000 miles the engine is perfect with one valve adjustment at 30000. I live on a dirt road in New Mexico. I am very impressed with how strong and reliable my bike has been.
    This is my favorite bike of many bikes Nortons bsa bmw included.
    I am pleased to see the recognition and strong return of the bonneville.
    I would like one but I’m very attached to my 05 t100 and its comparative
    simplicity.

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