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Head to head

Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Triumph Bonneville T120 and Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX: three different takes on what a great bike should be. They land within touching distance on price, so this comes down to character and fit. On paper the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX leads on power with 142 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Triumph Bonneville T120
Our pick
8.6

Triumph

Triumph Bonneville T120
Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX
8.1

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

The verdict

The Triumph Bonneville T120 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Triumph Bonneville T120

78 hp.

Most exciting

Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

142 hp and 0.60 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Triumph Bonneville T120

Our 8.6/10 at $12,895, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Triumph Bonneville T120

236 kg with an 790 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Triumph Bonneville T120

Our top score in this matchup at 8.6/10.

Price & rating
Price$12,895$13,099
KickTheStand score8.6 / 108.1 / 10
Performance
Engine1200cc twin1043cc four
Power78 hp142 hp
Torque105 Nm111 Nm
Power-to-weight0.33 hp/kg0.60 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm cartridge fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionTwin shocksHorizontal back-link monoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, Brembo 2-pistonDual 300mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 255mm discSingle 250mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight236 kg235 kg
Seat height790 mm835 mm
Fuel capacity14.5 L19 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicTouring
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcruising, touringtouring, commuting, sport

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX makes the most power at 142 hp and 111 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

The Triumph Bonneville T120 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $12,895.

Which is lighter, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is the lightest at 235 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX?

For a new rider we'd point to the Triumph Bonneville T120: 78 hp and 236 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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