Overview
The **Triumph Bonneville T120 Black** is the darker, more sophisticated sibling of the classic Bonneville T120, combining retro British charm with modern performance and technology. It stands out as one of the most elegant motorcycles in Triumph’s Modern Classics lineup, appealing to riders who love timeless design but demand refined power, comfort, and reliability. As the name suggests, the T120 Black takes the iconic Bonneville silhouette and gives it a bold, stealthy personality with blacked-out finishes on the engine, exhaust, wheels, and mirrors, creating a striking visual statement that blends vintage heritage with modern attitude.
At the heart of the T120 Black lies a **1,200cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine** producing **80 PS at 6,550 rpm and 105 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm**. This high-torque motor is designed for effortless power delivery, offering smooth acceleration and excellent mid-range performance. The 270-degree crank ensures a distinctive exhaust note and balanced feel, making every ride engaging yet relaxing. The five-speed gearbox is tuned for smooth shifts, and Triumph’s **ride-by-wire throttle system** ensures precise control across different riding conditions. The T120 Black feels at home both cruising on highways and navigating through urban traffic, offering a refined blend of power and composure that’s typical of Triumph engineering.
In terms of design, the T120 Black is pure classic artistry. It retains the signature Bonneville styling — a sculpted fuel tank with knee pads, twin-pod analogue instruments, round LED headlamp, and wire-spoked wheels — but replaces all bright chrome elements with deep black finishes. This minimalistic yet bold design gives the motorcycle a premium, understated look that appeals to riders who prefer elegance over flash. The attention to detail is impeccable, from the brushed aluminum side panels to the stitched seat and neatly integrated modern components that don’t compromise the classic appeal.
Modern technology seamlessly integrates into this classic framework. The T120 Black comes equipped with **dual riding modes (Rain and Road)**, **switchable traction control**, **dual-channel ABS**, **cruise control**, and **LED lighting**, offering a perfect balance between safety and sophistication. These features make the bike not just a nostalgic throwback but also a practical, capable modern-day roadster. The **twin-pod instrument cluster** maintains a vintage feel while providing useful digital readouts like fuel range, gear position, and trip details.
Comfort and ride quality are standout aspects of the T120 Black. With a **low 790mm seat height**, a neutral riding position, and wide handlebars, it accommodates a wide range of riders comfortably. The **41mm front forks and twin rear shock absorbers** are tuned for balanced comfort and control, absorbing bumps effectively while maintaining composure on uneven roads. The lighter wheels improve agility, and the **Brembo front brakes** offer confident stopping power.
Overall, the **Triumph Bonneville T120 Black** is a motorcycle that beautifully bridges the gap between past and present. It’s not about aggressive speed or sharp cornering — it’s about enjoying the pure, soulful experience of motorcycling with elegance and poise. It’s ideal for riders who appreciate craftsmanship, smooth performance, and timeless design. With its premium build, torquey engine, and modern features wrapped in classic style, the T120 Black remains one of the most desirable modern classics on the road today.
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK Variants & Price
| Variant Name | Ex-Showroom Price | Action |
|---|---|---|
|
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK BLACK
|
₹1,235,000 |
Get On-Road Price |
Technical Specifications
| Engine Type | SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin |
| Displacement | 1200 cc |
| Max Power | 80 PS / 78.9 bhp (58.8 kW) @ 6550 rpm |
| Max Torque | 105 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | Ø41mm cartridge forks |
| Rear Suspension | Twin RSU’s, with pre-load adjustment |
| Front Brake | Twin 310mm discs, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper, ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2 piston floating caliper, ABS |
| ABS | Dual channel |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 R17 |
| Kerb Weight | 236 kg kg |
| Seat Height (Standard) | 790 mm mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 L |
| Wheel Type | Alloy |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless |
| Headlight | DRLs LED |
| ABS | Dual channel |
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 BLACK Pros & Cons
- Torquey, refined engine: The 1,200 cc parallel twin delivers strong mid-range torque and smooth power delivery, making the bike easy to ride and relaxed in every-day use.
- Excellent build quality & classic styling: With its retro aesthetics (spoke wheels, twin-pod instruments, brushed metal finishes) combined with modern touches, it stands out and carries good craftsmanship.
- Good ergonomics for many riders: Its relatively low seat height (~790 mm) and relaxed upright riding posture make it accessible and comfortable for commuting or relaxed rides.
- Modern features despite classic looks: It includes ride-by-wire throttle, dual riding modes, switchable traction control, ABS, and USB charging point — all unintrusive yet present.
- Weight and low-speed handling: The T120 is comparatively heavy and some riders find it less nimble in slow manoeuvres or tight traffic.
- Engine heat and comfort concerns in traffic: In stop-and-go city conditions, the engine and radiator heat can become noticeable and reduce comfort.
- Not a high-end sport performer: While competent, it lacks the aggressive performance or sport-bike handling of more focused machines, which may disappoint those seeking sharp cornering thrills.
- Premium cost and ownership aspects: As a premium modern-classic, it comes with higher pricing and possibly higher maintenance/spare costs compared to more mainstream bikes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the engine specification of the Bonneville T120 Black?
It features a 1,200 cc liquid-cooled, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank, delivering around 80 PS at 6,550 rpm and 105 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
What is the seat height and wet weight of the T120 Black?
The seat height is approximately 790 mm and the wet weight is around 236 kg.
What is the fuel tank capacity and expected mileage of the T120 Black?
The tank capacity is 14.5 litres, and official fuel consumption is listed as about 4.7 L/100km (~21 km/l) though real-world mileage may vary.
What features and rider aids are included on the T120 Black?
Key features include LED lighting, twin-pod analogue instruments with LCD display, ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, ABS, two riding modes (Road & Rain), and cruise control.
What is the ex-showroom price of the T120 Black in India (recent model)?
The 2023 edition of the T120 Black has a starting ex-showroom price of approximately ₹ 11.09 lakh for the Jet Black colour, and about ₹ 11.39 lakh for the Sapphire Black/Matt Sapphire Black variant.
What wheels and suspension does the T120 Black come with?
The bike uses 18″ front and 17″ rear wire-spoked wheels. Suspension is 41 mm cartridge front forks and twin RSU rear shocks with preload adjustment. Brakes include twin 310 mm front discs (with Brembo 2-piston floating calipers) and 255 mm rear disc.
Is the T120 Black suitable for both city rides and longer road trips?
Yes — thanks to its torquey engine, comfortable ergonomics, manageable seat height, and modern features (such as cruise control and two riding modes) it’s well-suited for both everyday use and relaxed longer rides.
What are the major differences between the T120 Black edition and the standard T120?
The Black edition retains the same mechanical and specification elements as the standard T120, but offers a darker styling theme (blacked-out engine covers, black rims, black exhaust, dark trims) and sometimes exclusive colour options and finishes.