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Head to head

Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Yamaha XSR900

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

The Triumph Bonneville T120 and Yamaha XSR900 are among the most cross-shopped modern classic bikes of 2026. The Yamaha XSR900 undercuts the Triumph Bonneville T120 by about $2,296, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha XSR900 leads on power with 117 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
Yamaha XSR900
8.4

Yamaha

Yamaha XSR900

The verdict

The Triumph Bonneville T120 edges it overall at 8.6/10, but the Yamaha XSR900 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Triumph Bonneville T120

78 hp.

Most exciting

Yamaha XSR900

117 hp and 0.61 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha XSR900

Our 8.4/10 at $10,599, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha XSR900

193 kg with an 810 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$10,599
KickTheStand score8.6 / 108.4 / 10
Performance
Engine1200cc twin890cc triple
Power78 hp117 hp
Torque105 Nm93 Nm
Power-to-weight0.33 hp/kg0.61 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm cartridge fork41mm KYB USD fork
Rear suspensionTwin shocksLink-type monoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, Brembo 2-pistonDual 298mm discs, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 255mm discSingle 245mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight236 kg193 kg
Seat height790 mm810 mm
Fuel capacity14.5 L14 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forcruising, touringsport, commuting, 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 Yamaha XSR900: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Yamaha XSR900?

The Yamaha XSR900 makes the most power at 117 hp and 93 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Yamaha XSR900?

The Yamaha XSR900 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $10,599.

Which is lighter, the Triumph Bonneville T120 or the Yamaha XSR900?

The Yamaha XSR900 is the lightest at 193 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 Yamaha XSR900?

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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