TRIUMPH TIGER CUB

They should have called the Tiger Cub the ‘Jack Russell’ because, like the tenacious little dog, the 200cc Triumph thinks it’s much bigger than it is. Big fun in a small but stylish package

RICK SAYS A Sports Cub was on my wish list at 17 – but at over six feet I was a bit big for a Cub. I’ve never owned or even ridden one, but if I was after a Cub, I’d look for a late model with the roller bearing bottom end – they’re toughest.

The Triumph Tiger Cub was launched in 1953 as the big brother to the Triumph Terrier, sharing most parts but being 199cc as opposed to 149cc. Aimed at the learner and youth market, the bike’s designer Edward Turner had taken all the goodness of the twins and squeezed it into a small but perfectly formed miniature single, including the hallmark Triumph nacelle. The early engines were fairly fragile, with big ends giving up the ghost and clutches making bids for freedom. However, the bikes could do almost 70mph and had an exquisite exhaust note.

In 1957 the Cub got its own frame with a swingarm and smaller wheels, giving it its own identity. From this point on, the Cub was able to morph into many models with only small, subtle changes such as wheel size, tyres, fuel tank, exhaust pipe and mudguards. With this came off-road versions with a high-level pipe and chunky tyres. With the new frame came a range of tanks which formed a stressed member. Four lugs, two at either end, continued through the tank to stiffen up the headstock. Often at autojumbles unsuspecting Cub nuts think they have stumbled on an original off-road tank, only to discover when they look inside that the lugs do not continue right though – these are Terrier tanks.

If you fancy a Cub, research the range through books such as The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible by Mike Estall, to discover the plethora of models and decide which one is for you. If you want to follow the purist

route and crave matching frame and engine numbers, then the chances are you will want to show it more than ride it, but if you’re happy to pick and mix you can choose any model and fit one of the later engines, including the Bantam Cub T20B which was blessed with a square barrel, larger-finned head and the much-prized twin-bearing crank.

Probably the most sought-after and rare is the TR20, which from every angle looks the perfectly-balanced trials bike. With interest high in pre-65 trials, these bikes are reaching premium prices of £30005000. Serco offers a range of engine accessories including a superb 250cc conversion. If you need anything, from a tank rubber to Cub bling, then tigercubspares.co.uk can help.

Problematic ignition systems that run through a complex PRS8 switch can be sorted with some top electronic ignitions from the likes of Boyer Bransden. Leave your bike in the garage even for a few months and after a couple of prods it will fire into life. Change the oil on a regular basis to prolong its life.

And if you do buy a Tiger Cub, be ready to find yourself staring at it admiringly...

sometimes for a bit too long.

LOOK FOR

POOR STARTING and running is a sure sign of an ailing ignition system. 12-VOLT CONVERSIONS with electronic ignition are great plus points. CENTRESTANDS will usually need extra welding.

ALSO LOOK AT

BSA Bantam, James Captain