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Head to head

Triumph Bonneville T120 vs KTM 990 Duke

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

Triumph Bonneville T120 and KTM 990 Duke: 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 KTM 990 Duke leads on power with 123 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
KTM 990 Duke
8.3

KTM

KTM 990 Duke

The verdict

The Triumph Bonneville T120 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the KTM 990 Duke wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Triumph Bonneville T120

78 hp.

Most exciting

KTM 990 Duke

123 hp and 0.65 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

KTM 990 Duke

188 kg with an 825 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$12,499
KickTheStand score8.6 / 108.3 / 10
Performance
Engine1200cc twin947cc twin
Power78 hp123 hp
Torque105 Nm103 Nm
Power-to-weight0.33 hp/kg0.65 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm cartridge fork43mm WP Apex USD fork
Rear suspensionTwin shocksWP Apex monoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, Brembo 2-pistonDual 300mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 255mm discSingle 240mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight236 kg188 kg
Seat height790 mm825 mm
Fuel capacity14.5 L14.8 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicNaked
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcruising, touringsport, track, commuting

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 KTM 990 Duke: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the KTM 990 Duke?

The KTM 990 Duke makes the most power at 123 hp and 103 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the KTM 990 Duke?

The KTM 990 Duke is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $12,499.

Which is lighter, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the KTM 990 Duke?

The KTM 990 Duke is the lightest at 188 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 KTM 990 Duke?

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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