So, you’re torn between Triumph’s Bonneville T100 and T120—two icons of retro-cool motorcycling. Both ooze classic style, but which one will drain your wallet faster? After digging into service manuals, owner experiences, and dealer receipts, here’s the unvarnished truth about maintenance costs, reliability, and hidden fees.
$1200 Valve Checks
Let’s start with the elephant in the garage: the dreaded 20,000-mile valve service. Both bikes use the same shim-over-bucket system, requiring a labor-intensive process of removing the fuel tank, cam cover, and potentially the camshafts. But here’s the kicker: dealers quote $800–$2,000 for this job, with T120 owners often paying 20% more due to its tighter engine tolerances.
Why the disparity?
- Labor rates vary wildly: California dealers charge up to $160/hour, while Texas independent shover around $100/hour.
- Rider horror story: “My T120’s 20k service cost $1,100—my buddy’s T100 was $750 at the same shop,” reports a Triumph owner.
DIY saves $$$: If you’re handy, you’ll spend $100–$300 on tools and shims. But most riders bite the bullet: “I’d rather pay than risk botching my engine,” admits a rider.
Brake Wars
The T120’s dual front Brembo brakes cost a lot of money. You’ll replace two sets of front pads, compared to the T100’s single set.
| T100 | T120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Pad Cost (OEM) | $53/set | $86/set |
| Replacement Frequency | 5k–20k miles | 5k–20k miles |
Aggressive riders face even steeper costs. One T120 owner burned through pads in 5,000 miles commuting in Chicago traffic. The fix? Many switch to EBC HH sintered pads ($48/set), which last longer but cost the same as OEM.
Triumph’s Bonneville T100
Coolant Confusion & Hidden Upsells
Both bikes share similar fluid costs, but dealers love bundling services:
- Coolant flush: $150–$300 (every 3 years)
- Brake fluid flush: $100–$200 (every 2 years)
Beware of the coolant compatibility trap: Newer models use orange D2053 OAT coolant, while older ones use green HD4X. Mix them, and you’ll cook your engine. “I learned the hard way after a $400 flush,” laments a Triumph T100 owner.
Read: What Makes Triumph Bonneville T100 the Most Reliable Choice
Fuel Efficiency
The T100’s 900cc engine sips fuel like a cafe racer nursing an espresso. Real-world data from Fuelly shows:
- T100: 50–68 MPG
- T120: 47–53 MPG
Over 12,000 miles, that’s $490/year in gas for the T120 vs. $420 for the T100 (at $3.50/gallon). For cross-country tourers, the T100’s frugality adds up fast.
Triumph’s Bonneville T120
Resale: T120 Holds Value Better (But Costs More to Lose)
Here’s the irony: The T120 depreciates slower (22% over 3 years vs. T100’s 28%), but its higher sticker price means bigger dollar losses.
| T100 | T120 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 MSRP | $10,995 | $12,395 |
| 3-Year Depreciation | ~$3,850 | ~$4,300 |
Why? The T120’s cruise control and heated grips attract premium buyers. However, CycleTrader data shows that used T100s sell faster in budget-friendly markets like Texas.
Reliability
Modern Bonnevilles are praised as “bulletproof,” but recent recalls sting:
- 2024 Alternator Wiring Recall: Impacts 8,801 units of T120/T100 models (fixed free at dealers).
- 2023 Brake Disc Recall: Specific T120s had faulty dampers—now resolved.
Forum sentiment stays sunny: “My 2022 T100 has 15k trouble-free miles,” brags a NewBonnevilleRiders member. However, Consumer Reports notes that Triumph still trails Honda in terms of long-term reliability.
Where the T120’s Costs Explode
Customizing? The T120 tempts you to spend more:
- Exhausts: A full 2-into-1 system + tune costs $1,500+
- Suspension: Öhlins shocks add $1,000+ and require pricier servicing.
Meanwhile, T100 riders keep it cheap with $300 bar−end mirrors and $50 vintage grips.
Who Wins the Cost War?
- Choose the T100 if: You’re budget-focused, commute daily, or love DIY fixes. It’s 19% cheaper to own over 5 years.
- Spring for the T120 if: You crave torque, tech, and two-up comfort. Just budget an extra $1,400/year for its luxe lifestyle.
As one mechanic wisely said, “The T100 is for riders who count pennies. The T120 is for riders who count smiles.”
