Should You Buy A Triumph Thruxton R Or Bonneville T120

Triumph Motorcycles has launched the 21st-century range of modern classic in India. Street Twin, Bonneville T120, and Thruxton R are all available in the country. In terms of pricing all three motorcycles are priced aggressively and in sync with its Indian competitors.

Most potential buyers will be confused between Triumph's Bonneville T120 and Thruxton R models. Both bikes share a common engine and a few other components. In terms of design philosophy and pricing both bikes are extremely different and unique.

Pricing

1. Bonneville T120 by Triumph Motorcycles costs Rs. 8.70 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi)
2. Thruxton R by Triumph Motorcycles costs Rs. 10.90 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi)

A good difference of Rs. 2.20 lakh exists between the Thruxton R and Bonneville T120. For this difference, the owners of Thruxton R will receive a host of features and benefits. The Bonneville T120 is a simpler and practical version of the Thruxton R in terms of equipment.

Features

2016 Thruxton R gets variable Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) from Triumph. Twin floating Brembo discs with Brembo monobloc callipers and master cylinder provide brake force up front. Showa USD (UpSide Down) forks are used in the front, while rear gets Ohlins rear suspension setup.

Thruxton R rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres for superior grip. The British-based manufacturer has equipped the bike with ride-by-wire system and a switchable traction control system. New torque assist clutch system will reduce riders getting fatigued by the clutch action.

Coming back to the Bonneville T120, Triumph has not excluded any of the majority of features. Apart from Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres, Showa USD forks, Ohlins rear suspension, and Brembo Brakes both bikes are identical. Truxton R gets an additional 'Sport' riding mode, which the Bonneville T120 misses out on.

Engine Specification

In terms of engine both Thruxton R and Bonneville T120 will be powered by a 1,200cc, parallel twin, liquid cooled engine. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed gearbox from Triumph Motorcycles. The engines in both motorcycles develop different performance owing to their individualistic characters.

Bonneville T120's engine produces 79bhp, along with 105Nm of peak torque. Thruxton R's engine, on the other hand, develops 96bhp, along with 112Nm of peak torque. Triumph has developed the Bonneville T120's engine for High Torque (HT) and the Thruxton R's engine for High Performance (HP).

Riding

The Thruxton R has a proper race bike like feel with clip-on handlebars and a crouched riding position. Bonneville T120 is more like a cruiser and has an upright seating position that inspires to crunch more miles.

Bonneville T120 from Triumph is a motorcycle that can be used for city rides as well as long rides. The Thruxton R is more of a Cafe Racer motorcycle and in our opinion will be fun around a track as well.

Verdict

Both motorcycles serve different purposes and will attract riders of all age and riding skills. In our opinion, the Thruxton R will attract riders who want a retro looking motorcycle that can keep them entertained on the occasional weekend rides.

The Bonneville T120 on the other could attract a more mature clientele towards it. Riders looking for a motorcycle that can be ridden every day as well as for long trips across the country. Bonneville T120 by Triumph Motorcycles can also be used as an excellent touring motorcycle.

It is our opinion that the Thruxton R is excellent value for money for the equipment it comes with. Bonneville T120 is not bad either and is bang for buck motorcycle from Triumph. Both motorcycles will suit different breed of riders and we think younger buyers will prefer the Thruxton will the slightly more mature audience would prefer the Bonneville T120.