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Head to head

Yamaha XSR900 vs Triumph Bonneville T120

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

The Yamaha XSR900 and Triumph Bonneville T120 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.

Yamaha XSR900
8.4

Yamaha

Yamaha XSR900
Triumph Bonneville T120
Our pick
8.6

Triumph

Triumph Bonneville T120

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$10,599$12,895
KickTheStand score8.4 / 108.6 / 10
Performance
Engine890cc triple1200cc twin
Power117 hp78 hp
Torque93 Nm105 Nm
Power-to-weight0.61 hp/kg0.33 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm KYB USD fork41mm cartridge fork
Rear suspensionLink-type monoshockTwin shocks
Front brakesDual 298mm discs, radial 4-pistonDual 310mm discs, Brembo 2-piston
Rear brakesSingle 245mm discSingle 255mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight193 kg236 kg
Seat height810 mm790 mm
Fuel capacity14 L14.5 L
Suitability
ClassModern ClassicModern Classic
A2 licenceNoNo
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best forsport, commuting, cruisingcruising, touring

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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Yamaha XSR900 vs Triumph Bonneville T120: your questions answered

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

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

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

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

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

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 Yamaha XSR900 or the Triumph Bonneville T120?

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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