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Head to head

Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200

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

The Triumph Bonneville T120 and Triumph Speed Twin 1200 are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Triumph Bonneville T120 undercuts the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 by about $700, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 leads on power with 105 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
Triumph Speed Twin 1200
8.1

Triumph

Triumph Speed Twin 1200

The verdict

The Triumph Bonneville T120 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Triumph Speed Twin 1200 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Triumph Bonneville T120

78 hp.

Most exciting

Triumph Speed Twin 1200

105 hp and 0.49 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 Speed Twin 1200

216 kg with an 805 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$13,595
KickTheStand score8.6 / 108.1 / 10
Performance
Engine1200cc twin1200cc twin
Power78 hp105 hp
Torque105 Nm112 Nm
Power-to-weight0.33 hp/kg0.49 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm cartridge fork43mm Marzocchi USD fork
Rear suspensionTwin shocksTwin shocks
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, Brembo 2-pistonDual 320mm discs, Triumph 4-piston radial
Rear brakesSingle 255mm discSingle 220mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight236 kg216 kg
Seat height790 mm805 mm
Fuel capacity14.5 L14.5 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcruising, touringcommuting, sport, cruising

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 Triumph Speed Twin 1200: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Triumph Speed Twin 1200?

The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 makes the most power at 105 hp and 112 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Triumph Speed Twin 1200?

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

Which is lighter, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Triumph Speed Twin 1200?

The Triumph Speed Twin 1200 is the lightest at 216 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 Triumph Speed Twin 1200?

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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