2016 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R 1200R LC 2016 BMW R 1200R LC

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Naked bike

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Power
59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
224 kg / 494 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20162016 - 17
Make ModelBMW R 1200R LCTriumph Bonneville T120
Dimensions
Seat Height760 mm - 820 mm / 29.9 in - 32.2 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1515 mm / 59.6 in1445 mm / 56.9 in
Height1300 mm / 51.1 in (excl. mirrors)1125 mm / 44.3 in
Length2165 mm / 85.2 in2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)785 mm / 30.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-224 kg / 494 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Liters / 5.3 US gal14.4 Litres / 3.8 US gal / 3.2 Imp gal
Max Load450 kg / 992 lbs-
Wet Weight231 kg / 509.2 lbs-
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Max Torque125 Nm / 12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm105 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m / 77.4 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mmFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid / Air cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-EURO 4 compliant
Exhaust-Chromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers,
Fuel InductionThrottle valve mm 52 Carburetion BMS-X Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converterMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.0 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionBMS-K Digital
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectric-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveShaftChain, X-ring
Transmission / DriveConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineDual tubular steel cradle
Suspension - FrontTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mmKayaba 41 mm forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheelKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake-25.5°
Steering Head Angle62.3°-
Trail-105.2 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)-
Electrical SystemAlternator three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power) Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipers2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston floating Nissin calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 275mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston floating Nissin caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageableStandard
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17100/90-18
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR 17150/70 R17
Wheel Caster125,6 mm / 4.9 in-
Wheels - Front-2.75 x 18, 32 spokes
Wheels - Rear-4.25 x 17, 32 spokes

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 BMW R 1200R LC

The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC edges out the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, lower seat height, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R 1200R LC - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 92 kW vs 59 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 125 Nm vs 105 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 760 mm - 820 mm vs 785 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2016 BMW R 1200R LC vs 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC and 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm, while the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is lighter at 224 kg compared to 231 kg for the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC - a difference of 7 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which has more power, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC produces more peak power at 92 kW, compared to 59 kW for the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC has the lower seat at 760 mm - 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 sits higher at 785 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R 1200R LC or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R 1200R LC has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.