FEATURE - 2026 Triumph Bonneville T100 and T120
Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Triumph
When Triumph announced a model blitz late last year, consisting of 29 new or updated motorcycles to be introduced in a six-month period, it generated a lot of attention. It also generated some concern that beloved models, like the Bonneville, may be discontinued or altered to the point that they lost their inherent appeal. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened. The Bonneville T100 and T120 range for 2026 remain true to what’s made the model the king of Triumph’s Modern Classics lineup – with some welcome and practical additions.
Modern History
Under Triumph’s Hinckley era, the new Bonneville has been around since late-2001. The powerplant has changed over the years, with the original 790cc parallel twin joined by an 865cc version from 2005 that became the sole engine choice by 2007.
Carburettors were replaced with electronic fuel injection from 2008, but the bigger change came in 2016 when a 1200cc engine was introduced, along with a revival of the ‘T120’ moniker that was applied to the original Bonneville from the Meriden era. A year later, the Bonneville 900 that was a ‘900’ in name only gained a true 900cc engine, identified as the ‘T100’. This two-tier hierarchy continues to define the Bonneville lineup to this day.
New for 2026
For 2026, Triumph has left the Bonneville largely as is, with the T100, T120 and T120 Black retaining their familiar 900cc and 1200cc parallel twin engines. To get the most out of these powerplants, lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control has been introduced across the range.
All MY26 Bonnevilles also get an LED headlight (finally) with an LED DRL, plus a USB-C socket as standard, positioned under the gauges.
The T100 now comes with selectable riding modes that were previously limited to the T120, with Cruise Control available as an accessory. All other changes for 2026 are cosmetic, including new colour schemes and a new ‘Bonneville’ graphic for the sidecovers.
While it’s natural to assume a 25th Anniversary Bonneville of some sort may land this year, that hasn’t happened – yet. Triumph has certainly expanded the Bonneville platform over the years, adding variants like the Speedmaster, Thruxton, Scrambler, Bobber and Speed Twin, but they haven’t flogged milestone anniversaries the way other manufacturers have. That being said, a ‘Silver Anniversary’ Bonnie sounds like a nice thing, should it come to fruition.
2026 Bonneville T100
For newcomers to the Triumph marque, the Bonneville T100 is the perfect introduction. Triumph’s own data reveals that, too, with most T100 purchasers being first-time Triumph buyers. A third of T100 buyers are choosing it as their first post-LAMS (or equivalent) unrestricted bike, too. Around a quarter of T100 buyers are returning riders, which explains the steadfast retention of classic Bonneville styling – those coming back to motorcycling after years (or decades) away are drawn to bikes they remember from their youth.
The introduction of lean-sensitive Optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control will be welcomed by the new-to-Triumph rider, as will the riding modes. Selectable ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ options that adjust throttle response and ABS intervention should further improve rider confidence.
The new USB-C port allows your phone to be charged on the go, or a GPS device to be added, with the LED lighting providing superior illumination – and identification by other road users – compared to the previous halogen headlight.
Carryover features on the 2026 Bonneville T100 include the tubular steel cradle frame and steel swingarm, KYB suspension and single disc (310mm front and 255mm rear) braking package with Nissin calipers. Spoked rims – 18-inch front and 17-inch rear – are shod with 100/90-18 and 150/70-R17 tyres.
The Bonneville T100’s 900cc SOHC liquid-cooled engine produces 47.8kW at 7,000rpm and 80Nm at 3,750rpm, with electronic throttle control. The five-speed transmission features a slip-assist clutch, with chain final drive. Fuel capacity is 14.5 litres, wet weight 228kg and seat height 790mm.
In addition to Stone Grey (standard colour), new colours for 2026 are Jet Black/Diablo Red, and Snowdonia White/Sapphire Black, each with stylish gold coachlines. Black mudguards are common to all paint choices, with the other new-for-2026 addition being gold Bonneville decals on the black sidecovers.
2026 Bonneville T120
While the Bonneville T100 is the introduction to Triumph for many, the T120 is what those buyers often upgrade to. With more performance and more features, the T120 is a natural progression. It’s also the Bonnie that many riders make their own by adding cosmetic and practical bolt-on parts from Triumph’s genuine accessories range.
For all its improvements over the T100, the T120 retains classic, instantly identifiable styling that’s unchanged for the 2026 model. That includes wire spoke wheels, analogue gauges (with LCD inserts), a classic Triumph tank badge, fork gaiters and knee rubbers on the fuel tank.
Along with Optimised Cornering ABS, Cruise Control is now standard on the Bonneville T120. Other spec upgrades include the aforementioned LED headlight and DRL, and the USB-C socket. Like the T100, upright ergonomics on the T120 include easy-to-reach handlebars and pegs for a comfortable ride.
Carryover mechanical features include the T120’s signature 1200cc parallel twin, producing 58.8kW and 105Nm. The electronic throttle, multi-point EFI, 10:1 compression and a 2-into-2 exhaust system are all unchanged for 2026. A slip/assist clutch, six-speed transmission and chain final drive complete the drivetrain.
Frame, wheels and KYB suspension (including rear preload adjustment) are the same as the T100, but where the T120 differs is in its upgrade to dual 310mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers. The larger powerplant means the T120 is slightly heavier at 233kg wet, with fuel capacity of 14.5 litres and a 790mm seat height.
New colours for the 2026 Bonneville T120 include Stone Grey (standard colour), Aluminium Silver/Cranberry Red, and Aegean Blue/New England White. The two-tone options reverse the feature colour placement – lower for Cranberry Red and upper for Aegean Blue – with a black coachline common to both. The sidecovers gain new silver Bonneville decals, with the frame and other tinware finished in black, regardless of paint choice.
2026 Bonneville T120 Black
The standard Bonneville T120 is far from an antique, but those vintage looks aren’t to everyone’s taste, hence the T120 Black. Part of the Bonneville range since 2016, the T120 Black reflects the worldwide preference, especially among younger riders, for motorcycles that eschew chrome and bright metal for a darker, more modern and urban look.
Triumph says that T120 Black buyers are often coming from competitor brands, which isn’t a huge surprise, but the fact this variant outsells the standard T120 is. Being such a winning formula, not much has been changed for the 2026 version.
The new Bonneville T120 Black gains the same Optimised Cornering ABS and Cruise Control as the standard T120, along with the LED headlight/DRL and USB-C socket. The Black runs the same 1200cc parallel twin with the same peak outputs of 58.8kW at 6,550rpm and 105Nm at 3,500rpm. A slip/assist clutch and six-speed transmission are the same as the T120, too.
Frame, wheels and KYB suspension components (including rear preload adjustment) are shared with the T120, as are the twin front discs with Brembo calipers. Fuel capacity, weight and seat height are also the same as the standard T120.
The blackout treatment that defines this model includes the engine and exhaust, as well as the indicator shells and rims for the 18/17-inch spoked wheel combo. Brightwork is limited to fasteners and faux carby covers on the engine, plus the heel guards and rear shocks.
Paint options for the 2026 Bonneville T120 Black are Jet Black (standard colour) and new Matt Ice. The former has a high gloss finish, with matte for the latter that includes a black forward section on the tank, split by dual coachlines. Rubber knee pads on the fuel tank are common to both options, along with the new-look silver Bonneville decal on the sidecovers. The T120 Black’s further point of difference over the standard T120 is its brown seat.
Available Now
Rollout of the broader 2026 Triumph Bonneville family began in December, with the T100 and T120 reaching Australian dealerships in January.
2026 Bonneville T100 (standard colour) - $18,990 ride away
2026 Bonneville T100 (two-tone colour) - $19,890 ride away
2026 Bonneville T120 (standard colour) - $22,450 ride away
2026 Bonneville T120 (two-tone colour) - $23,350 ride away
2026 Bonneville T120 Black (standard colour) - $22,450 ride away
2026 Bonneville T100 Black (two-tone colour) - $23,350 ride away
All models are backed by a two-year, unlimited km warranty, with 12 month/16,000km service intervals. See your Triumph dealer for current pricing, special offers and further details
2026 Bonneville T100/T120 – basic specs
Bonneville T100
Engine: 900cc SOHC parallel twin
Cooling: Liquid
Compression: 11:1
Max Power: 47.8kW @ 7,000rpm
Max Torque: 80Nm @ 3,750rpm
Clutch: Wet, multiplate w/slip and assist
Transmission: 5-speed
Frame: Tubular steel, cradle-type
Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Twin coilover shocks w/preload adjustability
Front Wheel: 18-inch wire spoke
Rear Wheel: 17-inch wire spoke
Front Brake: 310mm disc w/Nissin 2-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 255mm disc w/Nissin 2-piston caliper
Instruments: Twin analogue gauges w/LCD inserts
Fuel Capacity: 14.5lt
Seat Height: 790mm
Wet Weight: 228kg
Colours: Stone Grey, Jet Black/Diablo Red, Snowdonia White/Sapphire Black
Bonneville T120
Engine: 1200cc SOHC parallel twin
Cooling: Liquid
Compression: 10:1
Max Power: 58.8kW @ 6,550rpm
Max Torque: 105Nm @ 3,500rpm
Clutch: Wet, multiplate w/slip and assist
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Tubular steel, cradle-type
Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Twin coilover shocks w/preload adjustability
Front Wheel: 18-inch wire spoke
Rear Wheel: 17-inch wire spoke
Front Brake: Dual 310mm disc w/Brembo 2-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 255mm disc w/Nissin 2-piston caliper
Instruments: Twin analogue gauges w/LCD inserts
Fuel Capacity: 14.5lt
Seat Height: 790mm
Wet Weight: 233kg
Colours: Stone Grey, Cranberry Red, Aegean Blue
Bonneville T120 Black
Engine: 1200cc SOHC parallel twin
Cooling: Liquid
Compression: 10:1
Max Power: 58.8kW @ 6,550rpm
Max Torque: 105Nm @ 3,500rpm
Clutch: Wet, multiplate w/slip and assist
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Tubular steel, cradle-type
Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Twin coilover shocks w/preload adjustability
Front Wheel: 18-inch wire spoke
Rear Wheel: 17-inch wire spoke
Front Brake: Dual 310mm disc w/Brembo 2-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 255mm disc w/Nissin 2-piston caliper
Instruments: Twin analogue gauges w/LCD inserts
Fuel Capacity: 14.5lt
Seat Height: 790mm
Wet Weight: 233kg
Colours: Jet Black, Matt Ice
