Triumph Bonneville T120
82/100 Overall
65 On the road98 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Yamaha RD350
Triumph Bonneville T120 scores 82/100 overall against Yamaha RD350 on 79/100. On the road: 65–70. As classics: 98–88. Overall result: Triumph Bonneville T120.
Photo: Bergfalke2 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Yamaha RD350
79/100 Overall
70 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Triumph Bonneville | Yamaha RD350 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha RD350 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 6 | Yamaha RD350 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 8 | Yamaha RD350 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 5 | Triumph Bonneville |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 8 | Triumph Bonneville |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Triumph Bonneville |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 8 | Triumph Bonneville |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Triumph Bonneville if…
you value lightness, accessible mechanical simplicity and the sound and feel of a classic British twin.
Choose the Yamaha RD350 if…
you value light weight, lively acceleration and a simple, exciting two-stroke riding experience.
Background
History
Triumph Bonneville
The Triumph Bonneville T120 was produced from 1959–1973 and used a 649cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RD350
The Yamaha RD350 was produced from 1973–1975 and used a 347cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, historic importance, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Triumph Bonneville
- Its production span in this library runs from 1959 to 1973.
- The recorded engine description is: 649cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, character.
Yamaha RD350
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1975.
- The recorded engine description is: 347cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, historic importance, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Triumph Bonneville
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Triumph Bonneville T120. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha RD350
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD350. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Triumph Bonneville
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha RD350
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Triumph Bonneville
Rivals to the Yamaha RD350
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD350 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Triumph Bonneville T120 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Triumph Bonneville T120 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.