By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic
Triumph Bonneville T120 (MY2025) vs BMW R nineT Pure (K22)
Triumph Bonneville T120 vs BMW R nineT Pure: style matters. So does everything underneath.
Turn the Triumph Bonneville T120 into a bend and it's in no hurry: the twin just thumps along, relaxed. The BMW R nineT Pure tips in neutral, and there's ground clearance to spare once it's settled on its line. It's begging for more corner speed.
So which one do you buy?
The R nineT Pure has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. The reason: lighter steering and a sportier chassis.
What makes each one tick
Bonneville T120
The Bonneville T120's 270-degree crank pulls from low revs, and it's hit peak torque by 3,500 rpm. A small roll of the throttle brings a smooth shove that doesn't need wringing out. The pipes sing on every upshift.
R nineT Pure
The R nineT Pure's air/oil-cooled boxer pulls with a punchy thrum, and there's no slack in the shaft drive. The brake lever bites hard on dual front discs that haul the bike down without drama. The thin seat doesn't stay kind past an hour or so. The chassis stays planted at pace.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Bonneville T120 has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The R nineT Pure has the lower wet weight: 489 lb (222 kg) vs 520 lb (236 kg).
- The R nineT Pure makes more peak power: 109 hp (80 kW) vs 79 hp (59 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
Nothing splits them on character, commuting, and running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Bonneville T120
What owners say
Strengths
- Smooth and torquey parallel twin
- Classic British styling with modern touches
- High-quality fit and finish
R nineT Pure
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful, high-quality brakes
- Timeless retro styling
- Charismatic air/oil-cooled boxer engine
Trade-offs
- Budget suspension limits ride quality
- Uncomfortable seat on long rides
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Bonneville T120 | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 520 lb (236 kg) | 489 lb (222 kg) |
| Bonneville T120 | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1200 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | Flat-twin (boxer) |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 79 hp (59 kW) | 109 hp (80 kW) |
| Torque | 77 lb-ft (105 Nm) | 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,500 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Bonneville T120 | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 50 mpg (US) / 4.7 L/100 km | 46 mpg (US) / 5.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Bonneville T120 | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Front brake | 310 mm | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 57.1 in (1450 mm) | 58.1 in (1476 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Bonneville T120 | R nineT Pure | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Standard | Option |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| USB Charging Port | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
