Triumph Bonneville T120
82/100 Overall
65 On the road98 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Yamaha XS400
Triumph Bonneville T120 scores 82/100 overall against Yamaha XS400 on 73/100. On the road: 65–73. As classics: 98–73. Overall result: Triumph Bonneville T120.
Photo: Barry Lewis · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha XS400
73/100 Overall
73 On the road73 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Triumph Bonneville | Yamaha XS400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha XS400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Triumph Bonneville |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha XS400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 8 | Yamaha XS400 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 7 | Yamaha XS400 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 8 | Triumph Bonneville |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 7 | Triumph Bonneville |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 7 | Triumph Bonneville |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 7 | Triumph Bonneville |
Choose the Triumph Bonneville if…
you value lightness, accessible mechanical simplicity and the sound and feel of a classic British twin.
Choose the Yamaha XS400 if…
you want a practical Yamaha middleweight with simple twin-cylinder engineering, comfortable road manners and traditional styling.
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 XS400
The Yamaha XS400 was produced from 1977–1982 and used a 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, reliability, ownership appeal. 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 XS400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1977 to 1982.
- The recorded engine description is: 392cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, reliability, ownership appeal.
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 XS400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha XS400. Its library score for styling is 8/10. 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 XS400
- 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.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Triumph Bonneville
Rivals to the Yamaha XS400
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha XS400 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.