Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+) Maintenance Schedule

This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the Triumph Bonneville T120 motorcycle, an update to the 2016-2020 original Bonneville T120.

The Bonneville is a staple of the Triumph line and has been for many decades. The T120 is the modern incarnation of the classic Bonneville, with a high-torque liquid-cooled 1200cc engine.

Like its predecessor, the Triumph Bonneville T120 is a relaxed standard with a comfortable riding position. It has a character-filled 1198cc parallel twin that’s optimised for torque — in contrast with some of its sportier stablemates which have the same basic block but optimised for power.

While it sounds like not much more, the Bonneville T120 is a big step up from the 2021+ Triumph Bonneville T100.

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Triumph Bonneville T120 Service Intervals

Overall, similar to the previous gen, the Triumph Bonneville T120 has 10000 mile / 16000 km or annual service intervals.

At every service, change the engine oil and filter. Triumph also has a list of checks (for condition, lubrication etc.) to do on your motorcycle — see the schedule below.

The major valve service interval is every 20000 miles / 32000 km. At the same time, change the spark plugs.

Since the Triumph Bonneville T120 is liquid-cooled, you do need to periodically replace the coolant. And also keep the brake fluid fresh.

Otherwise, keep the chain lubed and clean, and generally keep the motorcycle in good order, and it should be good to go for a long time without major repairs — the 1200 engine is rock-solid reliable.

What you need to service a Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+)

The Bonneville T120 is an easy bike to work on — removing the tank is easy and there are only two cylinders to deal with.

You need the below parts to service your Bonneville T120.

TriumphPart spec — Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+)
OilTriumph recommends 10W/40 or 10W/50 semi or fully synthetic motorcycle engine oil that meets specification API SH (or higher) and JASO MA, such as Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 (fully synthetic) engine oil. You can also use another of similar spec too, like Motul 7100 10W-40.
Oil filterReplace the oil filter every time you change the oil. Use Triumph part number T1218001. You can also use HifloFiltro’s HF204RC.
Brake fluidUse Castrol DOT 4 for the brake fluid for the T120
CoolantTriumph uses Hybrid Organic Acid Technology coolant with a 50% ethylene glycol mix. Many Triumph owners use Valvoline Zerex G05.
Front brake padsThe part for the brakes are T2027535/T2027545 (for left/right respectively). A popular upgrade is EBC brake pads for better bite, less fade, and longer life. The part code for the Triumph Bonneville T120 is FA142HH.

See this image from the EBC brakes catalogue if you’re not sure.
EBC brakes Triumph 1200 motorcycles
These parts appear to be the same as the 2016-2020 T120 despite the change from Nissin to Brembo calipers.
Rear brake padsUse FA214/2HH (same for many Triumph motorcycles).
Spark plugsNGK code LMAR8A-9. Note they’re sold individually. Make sure they’re gapped to 0.9mm with an appropriate spark plug gap tool.
Air filterThe part number for the air filter is T2201057. You can also use K&N part TB-9016.
Cable maintenanceProtect All Cable Life is a good-quality cable maintenance product. You can also use engine oil (but it’s a bit messy)
Chain maintenanceA good kit to have on hand is the Motul chain care kit — including lubricant, cleaners, a brush, and so on.
Consumables for Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+)

Maintenance Schedule for Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+)

The following is the list of maintenance operations and to be done on this motorcycle with a distance or time interval — whichever comes earlier.

Maintenance of the Triumph Bonneville T120 follows the same pattern as many other Triumph motorcycles. The maintenance intervals are every 10 000 miles (16 000 km), and there’s a valve service every two services.

  • Part of the below table includes checks you should do every day. Do these as part of the annual check too.
  • The break-in service is omitted for simplicity. It is an oil + filter change and a check for leaks, cracks, and damage.
  • Keep repeating this maintenance schedule beyond the end of the indicated time/distance.
  • Items marked [D] are for those with dealer tools
Mi x 100010203040
Km x 100016324864Every
Lubrication
Engine – check for leaks Day
Engine oil – replaceYear
Engine oil filter – replaceYear
Fuel System and Engine Management
Fuel system – check for leaks
Air filter – replaceMore often if riding in dusty conditions
Fuel filter – replace
Spark plugs – renew
Cooling system
Cooling system – check for leaks Day
Cooling system – check coolant hoses for chafing/cracks/damage. Replace if necessary.
Coolant level – check/adjustDay
Coolant – replace (Zerex G05)3 years
Engine
Clutch cable – check function and adjust as necessary (lubricate as needed with Protect All Cable Life)Day
Clutch lever pivot – lubricateYear
Valve clearances – check
Camshaft timing – check/adjust
Wheels and Tires
Tire wear/tire damage – checkDay
Tire pressures – check/adjust Day
Wheels – inspect for damageDay
Wheel bearings – check for wear/smooth operationYear
Spokes – check for cracked/damaged spokes, and for tightness – adjust as necessaryDay
Steering and Suspension
Steering – check for free operationDay
Front and rear suspension – check for damage/leaks/smooth operationDay
Fork oil – replace
Headstock bearings – check/adjust Year
Brakes
Brake system – check operationDay
Brake pads – check wear levels, replace as necessaryDay
Brake master cylinders – check for fluid leaksYear
Brake fluid levels – checkDay
Brake fluid – replace (Castrol DOT 4)2 years
Drive Chain
Drive chain slack – check/adjust Year
Drive chain – check wear500 mi (800 km)
Drive chain – lubricate (Motul Chain Care Kit)200 mi (300 km)
Drive chain rubbing strips – check for wear, cracks, or damageYear
General & Electrics
All lights, instruments and electrical systems – check/adjustDay
[D] Autoscan — carry out a full autoscan using the Triumph Diagnostic ToolYear
[D] Instruments and engine ECM – check for latest calibration using the Triumph diagnostic toolYear
Bank angle indicators – check visually for wearDay
Side stand/Center stand – check for wear/smooth operation. Lubricate as necessaryDay
[D] Carry out all outstanding Service Bulletin and warranty workYear
Carry out road testYear
[D] Complete the service record book and reset the service indicatorYear
Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+) maintenance schedule

About the Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+)

The Triumph Bonneville T120 2021+ takes the same basic formula of the original 2016-2020 Bonneville T120 and improves on it in a number of ways.

Primarily, the 2021 update is a Euro 5 emissions compliance update, but some components were updated at the same time, and Triumph simplified the maintenance requirements.

Both the original and the 2021+ T120 have the Triumph 1200cc (actually 1198cc) “High Torque” parallel twin engine, a dual overhead cam 8-valve engine with a 270-degree crank.

The power quoted is the same too — a peak of 59 kW (80 PS or 79 bhp) at 6550 rpm, and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm. This is in contrast with many of the other 2021+ Triumph Modern Classics (like the 2021+ Speed Twin) which got a higher-output engine.

But the 2021 Bonneville T120 gets some subtle upgrades

  • Brembo 2-piston calipers, replacing the older Nissin 2-piston calipers. Still on 310mm floating discs
  • 7 kg lighter weight, mostly in the lighter aluminium wheel rims and calipers, which lead to much lower unsprung mass and better handling
  • Standard cruise control
  • More rev-happy engine, through a lighter crankshaft

The lighter wheels and brakes is a sleeper update. It seems like a tiny amount to remove from a fairly heavy motorcycle, but the fact that it comes from the wheels and brakes means that in many people’s opinions, the 2021+ Triumph Bonneville T120 is the best-handling Bonneville ever — more so than its smaller sibling, the T100, which is lighter.

However, this isn’t a bike made for going too quickly. It’s fairly heavy, at 236 kg fully fuelled, and the brake calipers are simple two-piston units on a 310mm disc. It’s fairly easy to reach the brakes’ limits in an emergency. Fortunately, ABS is standard.

As with the last generation, the Triumph Bonneville T120 for 2021+ comes as the Bonneville T120 Black, as well. It’s the same bike, but with blacked out details like the engine, exhaust, and so on.

Manual for the Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021+)

The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Triumph Bonneville T120 (2021), which is available on the Triumph website.

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