Is a High Mileage Triumph Bonneville T120 a Safe Bet?

I am interested in knowing if anyone here has pushed their Triumphs into upwards of 50k kms territory and how has been the experience?

BHPian amol4184 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Talking about the 1200cc Bonneville engine that Triumph puts in a lot of bikes. I am interested in knowing if anyone here has pushed their Triumphs into upwards of 50k kms territory and how has been the experience?

I am asking because I recently checked out a used 2018 T120 with 35k miles (55k kms). The bike looked new, rode beautifully and has all the maintenance record from start - the owner is 81 years old gentleman and bought the bike back in 2018. Rode it daily even at this age and changed oils religiously at every 4k miles. No crashes, no modifications, no funny business and priced reasonably.

If I am to buy this bike, what are the things I should be aware of? I come from 2015 Street Triple 675 which, while mechanically fine, did have issues with battery and electronics as such within the first 15k miles. Within the 11k miles I changed the battery twice and starter motor once. One fine day both the headlights just stopped working and needed a wiring re-do even though it was completely stock with no accessories.

I understand Triumphs ≠ Japanese bikes. Is high mileage a no-go?

Here's what BHPian yedukrishnan199 had to say in this matter:

The 1200cc Bonneville engine is known for its durability and reliability, and many riders have ridden over 100,000 miles (160k kms) on their Bonneville T120, with proper maintenance keeping the bike running strong without any issues.

The bike you mentioned seems to be a good example and a solid buy. However, do keep the following in mind:

1. Valve Clearance: Major valve clearance service recommended every 20k miles, so another one is coming soon.

2. Battery and Electrical Issues: A few older Triumphs have had battery and wiring issues. So, do inspect the wiring harness, starter motor and battery health

3. Suspension wear and head bearings: Ensure that these are in good shape.

Now, high mileage is not an issue. Triumphs are over-engineered in my opinion and can last well beyond 100,000 km (62,137 miles) if maintained properly. The Bonneville T120 is quite reliable , with many owners reporting minimal issues even at high mileage. Considering the bike is in excellent condition, the high mileage wouldn't be an issue.

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