Triumph Tiger Cub: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|British motorcycle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
{{Infobox Motorcycle
|left|
|name=Triumph Tiger Cub
|name=Triumph Tiger Cub
|image =[[File:Triumph Tiger Cub 200 T20.jpg|250px]]
|image =Triumph Tiger Cub 200 T20.jpg
|image_size =250px
|aka=
|aka=
|manufacturer=[[Triumph Engineering Co Ltd|Triumph]]
|manufacturer=[[Triumph Engineering Co Ltd]]
|parent_company=[[Birmingham Small Arms Company]]
|parent_company=[[Birmingham Small Arms Company]]
|production= 1954-1956<br>1957-1968
|production= 1954-1956<br>1957-1968
Line 10: Line 13:
|class=
|class=
|related=
|related=
|wheelbase= 49 inches
|wheelbase= {{convert|49|in|mm|abbr=on}}
|brakes=112mm (5.5 inches) front, 112mm (5.5 inches) rear
|brakes=112mm (5.5 inches) front, 112mm (5.5 inches) rear
| tires =3.00x19 1954/55, 3.00x16 1956/65, 3.00x18 from 1966<ref name="Newnes"/><ref name="Motor Cycle"/>
| tires =3.00x19 1954/55, 3.00x16 1956/65, 3.00x18 from 1966<ref name="Newnes"/><ref name="Motor Cycle"/>
Line 17: Line 20:
|height=
|height=
|seat height=
|seat height=
|engine=199&nbsp;cc single cylinder [[OHV]], [[four stroke]], alloy head, Amal Monobloc carburettor, earliest Amal 332 1954-57 or Zenith 17MXZ/CS5 1958-61<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/><ref name="Newnes"/>
|engine={{convert|199|cc|abbr=on}} [[Single-cylinder engine|single cylinder]] [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]], [[four-stroke engine|four-stroke]], alloy head, Amal Monobloc carburettor, earliest Amal 332 1954-57 or Zenith 17MXZ/CS5 1958-61<ref name="Newnes"/><ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>
|power= {{Convert|10|bhp|abbr=on}} (claimed) @ 6000rpm, {{Convert|8|bhp|abbr=on}} 1954/55
|power= T20S {{Convert|14.5|bhp|abbr=on}} (claimed) @ 6500rpm<br> T20 {{Convert|10|bhp|abbr=on}} (claimed) @ 6000rpm<br> T15 {{Convert|8|bhp|abbr=on}}<ref name="Mechanics">[[Motorcycle Mechanics (magazine)]], March 1972, p.30. ''Engine analysis: Triumph Cub'' Accessed 2014-02-06</ref>
|bore_stroke = T20 63x64mm, T15 57x58.5mm
|compression = T20 Sports 9:1, T20 and T15 7:1<ref name="Mechanics"/>
|torque=
|torque=
|top_speed = {{convert|66|mph|km/h||abbr=on}} (as tested, averaged)<ref name="Motor Cycle"/>
|top_speed = T20S {{convert|74|mph|km/h||abbr=on}},<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/> T20 {{convert|66|mph|km/h||abbr=on}} (as tested, averaged)<ref name="Motor Cycle"/>
|dry weight= 230lb
|fuel_capacity= 3 Imperial gallons
|fuel_capacity= 3 Imperial gallons
|oil_capacity = oil tank 2.5 pints, gearbox 1/3 pint (200&nbsp;cc), chaincase 1/2 pint (300&nbsp;cc)<ref name="Mechanics"/>
|fuel_economy=95mpg at 50mph
|transmission= 4-speed gearbox to chain drive
|transmission= 4-speed [[Sequential gearbox|sequential]] [[manual gearbox]] / [[Chain drive|chain-drive]]
}}
}}


The '''Triumph Tiger Cub''' was a 200&nbsp;cc single-cylinder British [[motorcycle]] made by [[Triumph Engineering Co Ltd|Triumph Motorcycles]] at their [[Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden]] factory. Based on the ''Triumph T15 Terrier'' 150&nbsp;cc, itself a surprise announcement just before the 1952 show,<ref name="Motor Cycle 2">[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 30 July 1964. ''Readers report on Triumph Tiger Cub''. "''The Cub's ancestry dates back almost 12 years—to November 1952 when Triumphs introduced a "stimulating, last minute eve-of-show suprise", the 149&nbsp;cc Terrier. This was followed, a year later, by the first of the Tiger Cubs, with a 199&nbsp;cc engine in the Terrier's plunger-sprung frame. Here we are dealing only with Cubs from 1957 onwards, when the pivoted-fork model was introduced.''" Accessed 2014-01-29</ref> the 200&nbsp;cc T20 Tiger Cub designed by [[Edward Turner]] and launched at the [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre|Earls Court]] show in November 1953<ref>[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 9 March 1967. ''Super Cub road test''. "''Baby brother, sizewise, of the Triumph family, the Cub has been with us now for just over 13 years''". Accessed 2014-01-28</ref> competed well against the other small-capacity motorcycles of the time, such as those using [[Villiers Engineering|Villiers]] [[two-stroke engine|two-stroke]] engines.
The '''Triumph Tiger Cub''' was a {{convert|200|cc|abbr=on}} [[Single-cylinder engine|single-cylinder]] British [[motorcycle]] made by [[Triumph Engineering Co Ltd|Triumph Motorcycles]] at their [[Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden]] factory. Based on the ''Triumph T15 Terrier'' 150&nbsp;cc, itself a surprise announcement just before the 1952 show,<ref name="Motor Cycle 2">[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 30 July 1964. ''Readers report on Triumph Tiger Cub''. "''The Cub's ancestry dates back almost 12 years—to November 1952 when Triumphs introduced a "stimulating, last-minute eve-of-show surprise", the 149&nbsp;cc Terrier. This was followed, a year later, by the first of the Tiger Cubs, with a 199&nbsp;cc engine in the Terrier's plunger-sprung frame. Here we are dealing only with Cubs from 1957 onwards when the pivoted-fork model was introduced.''" Accessed 2014-01-29</ref> the 200&nbsp;cc T20 Tiger Cub was designed by [[Edward Turner (motorcycle designer)|Edward Turner]], and launched at the [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre|Earls Court]] show in November 1953.<ref>[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 9 March 1967. ''Super Cub road test''. "''Baby brother, sizewise, of the Triumph family, the Cub has been with us now for just over 13 years''". Accessed 2014-01-28</ref> It competed well against the other small-capacity motorcycles of the time, such as those using [[two-stroke engine|two-stroke]] engines from [[Villiers Engineering|Villiers]].

==Development==
==Development==
[[File:Triumph Terrier T15 150cc.jpg|thumb|255px|Triumph Terrier T15 150&nbsp;cc with plunger rear suspension and contact breaker points behind cylinder]]
[[File:1955 Triumph T15 Terrier Coventry Transport Museum.jpg|thumb|255px|Triumph Terrier T15 150&nbsp;cc with plunger rear suspension and contact breaker points behind cylinder]]
The first T20 Tiger Cub (1954-1956) was derived from the 150&nbsp;cc Triumph T15 Terrier (1953-1956) with the same [[Motorcycle frame|frame]] and [[Motorcycle fork|fork]]s.<ref name="Newnes">Motor Cycle Data Book, Newnes, 1960. p.80, p.154</ref><ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>
The first T20 Tiger Cub (1954-1956) was derived from the 150&nbsp;cc Triumph T15 Terrier (1953-1956) with the same [[Motorcycle frame|frame]] and [[Motorcycle fork|fork]]s.<ref name="Newnes">Motor Cycle Data Book, Newnes, 1960. p.80, p.154</ref><ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>


The earlier version of the Cub used the Terrier's plunger rear suspension frame, but from 1957 this was updated to a more-modern pattern of rear swinging-arm with twin suspension units.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/> The ignition points were positioned in a 'distributor'-type device on the crankcase behind the cylinder. A later development in 1963 was to site the points at a more conventional location on the end of the camshaft, accessed via a chrome cover below the base of the cylinder.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>
The earlier version of the Cub used the Terrier's plunger rear suspension frame, but from 1957 this was updated to a more modern pattern of rear swinging-arm with twin suspension units.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/> The ignition points were positioned in a 'distributor'-type device on the crankcase behind the cylinder.<ref name="Mechanics2">[[Motorcycle Mechanics (magazine)]], October 1967, p.52. ''Spark Sense: "Owners of the Triumph Cub or BSA C15 often write into us about routine maintenance of the contact breaker unit (or distributor as it is commonly miscalled)"''. Accessed 2014-03-10</ref>
A later development in 1963 was to site the points at a more conventional location on the end of the camshaft, accessed via a chrome cover below the base of the cylinder.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>


The ''Sports Cub'' designated T20SH featured slimline mudguards, no rear panelling or headlamp nacelle and with a higher compression ratio and other engine modifications was timed at 74mph mean maximum by [[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]] magazine.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>
The ''Sports Cub'' designated T20SH featured slimline mudguards, no rear panelling or headlamp nacelle and with a higher compression ratio and other engine modifications were timed at 74&nbsp;mph mean maximum by [[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]] magazine.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>


[[Off-road]] versions produced with high level exhaust, altered suspension and studded tyres, were designated TS20 ''Scrambles Cub'' and TR20 ''Trials Cub''.<ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>
[[Off-road]] versions produced with high level exhaust, altered suspension and studded tyres, were designated ''TS20 Scrambles Cub'' and ''TR20 Trials Cub''.<ref>''[[The Motor Cycle]]'', 15 March 1962. "''Quickest way to the top! The new Trials Cub. The new Cub Scambler''". Accessed and added 2014-08-08</ref><ref name="Motor Cycle 2"/>
The last model made was the T20 Super Cub, which, for economy of production cost,<ref>[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 9 March 1967. ''Super Cub road test''. "''One of the ways in which the cost has been kept down is by using a similar frame for the Cub and the BSA Bantam''". Accessed 2014-01-28</ref> used a basic frame and other parts common to the [[BSA Bantam#D10 Supreme|BSA Bantam D10]] including larger diameter wheels with full-width hubs.<ref name="Motor Cycle">[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 9 March 1967. ''Super Cub road test'' Accessed 2014-01-28</ref> Launched in November 1966, it was discontinued in 1968.<ref name="Kemp">{{cite book|last=Kemp|first=Andrew|coauthors=De Cet|others=Mirco|title=Classic British Bikes|publisher=Bookmart Ltd|date=2004|isbn=1-86147-136-X}}</ref>
The last model made was the T20 Super Cub, which, for economy of production cost,<ref>[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 9 March 1967. ''Super Cub road test''. "''One of the ways in which the cost has been kept down is by using a similar frame for the Cub and the BSA Bantam''". Accessed 2014-01-28</ref> used a basic frame and other parts common to the ''[[BSA Bantam#D10 Supreme|BSA Bantam D10]]'' including larger diameter wheels with full-width hubs.<ref name="Motor Cycle">[[The Motor Cycle|Motor Cycle]], 9 March 1967. ''Super Cub road test'' Accessed 2014-01-28</ref> Launched in November 1966, it was discontinued in 1968,<ref name="Kemp">{{cite book|last=Kemp|first=Andrew|author2=De Cet |others=Mirco|title=Classic British Bikes|publisher=Bookmart Ltd|date=2004|isbn=978-1-86147-136-9}}</ref> being briefly replaced by the ''[[List of Triumph motorcycles#Post-war|250cc TR25W 'Trophy']]'', based on BSA's ''B25 Starfire''.


==Unloved design features==
==Unloved design features==
The top frame tube of the Tiger Cub was lower than normal, leaving the headstock poorly supported. Some rigidity was recovered by internal bracing of the petrol tank. A plain bearing on the timing side main bearing sometimes wore rapidly.<ref>{{cite book|last=Estall|first=Mike|title=The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible|publisher=Veloce Publishing|isbn=978-1-904788-09-6}}</ref> The primary chain ran in a shallow oil-bath but if the level dropped, the chain could suffer lubrication failure and stretch. The chain was not tensioned - and even worse, the primary chain case on early models was a slightly 'waisted' shape. A worn chain could strike both the inside of the cover and the crankcase itself, making the oil-level even more difficult to maintain in the future. Another common complaint was that the Cub would travel at highway speed (50mph) for 1/2 hour and then stop unexpectedly. Some attributed this to overheating, but a cure was never found.<ref>{{cite book|last=Estall|first=Mike|title=The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible|page=110|publisher=Veloce Publishing|isbn=978-1-904788-09-6}}</ref>
The top frame tube of the Tiger Cub was lower than normal, leaving the headstock poorly supported. Some rigidity was recovered by internal bracing of the petrol tank. A plain bearing on the timing side main bearing sometimes wore rapidly.<ref>{{cite book|last=Estall|first=Mike|title=The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible|publisher=Veloce Publishing|isbn=978-1-904788-09-6|date=2004-02-28}}</ref> The primary chain ran in a shallow oil-bath but if the level dropped, the chain could suffer lubrication failure and stretch. The chain was not tensioned - and even worse, the primary chaincase on early models was a slightly 'waisted' shape. A worn chain could strike both the inside of the cover and the crankcase itself, making the oil-level even more difficult to maintain in the future. Another common complaint was that the Cub would travel at highway speed (50&nbsp;mph) for 1/2 hour and then stop unexpectedly. Some attributed this to overheating, but a cure was never found.<ref>{{cite book|last=Estall|first=Mike|title=The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible|page=110|publisher=Veloce Publishing|isbn=978-1-904788-09-6|date=2004-02-28}}</ref>


==Legislative boost==
==Legislative boost==
In 1960, the [[Driving licence in the United Kingdom|driving licence]] law for Triumph's home market in [[Great Britain]] was changed, restricting learner motorcyclists to a maximum of 250cc. The Tiger Cub became one of the most popular ways of getting onto two wheels.{{cn|date=January 2014}}
In 1961, the [[Driving licence in the United Kingdom|driving licence]] law for Triumph's home market in [[Great Britain]] was changed, restricting learner motorcyclists to a maximum of 250cc.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/history-of-road-safety-and-the-driving-test/history-of-road-safety-the-highway-code-and-the-driving-test] UK Government History of road safety, the highway code and the driving test, section 3.19 Retrieved 2014-02-09</ref> The Tiger Cub became one of the most popular ways of getting onto two wheels.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}


==References==
==References==
Line 53: Line 58:
* {{commons category inline|Triumph Tiger Cub}}
* {{commons category inline|Triumph Tiger Cub}}


[[Category:Triumph motorcycles|Tiger Cub]]
{{Triumph motorcycles Meriden}}

[[Category:Triumph Engineering motorcycles|Tiger Cub]]
[[Category:Motorcycles introduced in 1954]]
[[Category:Standard motorcycles]]

Latest revision as of 09:52, 26 July 2023

Triumph Tiger Cub
ManufacturerTriumph Engineering Co Ltd
Parent companyBirmingham Small Arms Company
Production1954-1956
1957-1968
PredecessorTriumph T15 Terrier
Engine199 cc (12.1 cu in) single cylinder OHV, four-stroke, alloy head, Amal Monobloc carburettor, earliest Amal 332 1954-57 or Zenith 17MXZ/CS5 1958-61[1][2]
Bore / strokeT20 63x64mm, T15 57x58.5mm
Compression ratioT20 Sports 9:1, T20 and T15 7:1[3]
Top speedT20S 74 mph (119 km/h),[2] T20 66 mph (106 km/h) (as tested, averaged)[4]
PowerT20S 14.5 bhp (10.8 kW) (claimed) @ 6500rpm
T20 10 bhp (7.5 kW) (claimed) @ 6000rpm
T15 8 bhp (6.0 kW)[3]
Transmission4-speed sequential manual gearbox / chain-drive
Brakes112mm (5.5 inches) front, 112mm (5.5 inches) rear
Tires3.00x19 1954/55, 3.00x16 1956/65, 3.00x18 from 1966[1][4]
Wheelbase49 in (1,200 mm)
Fuel capacity3 Imperial gallons
Oil capacityoil tank 2.5 pints, gearbox 1/3 pint (200 cc), chaincase 1/2 pint (300 cc)[3]

The Triumph Tiger Cub was a 200 cc (12 cu in) single-cylinder British motorcycle made by Triumph Motorcycles at their Meriden factory. Based on the Triumph T15 Terrier 150 cc, itself a surprise announcement just before the 1952 show,[2] the 200 cc T20 Tiger Cub was designed by Edward Turner, and launched at the Earls Court show in November 1953.[5] It competed well against the other small-capacity motorcycles of the time, such as those using two-stroke engines from Villiers.

Development[edit]

Triumph Terrier T15 150 cc with plunger rear suspension and contact breaker points behind cylinder

The first T20 Tiger Cub (1954-1956) was derived from the 150 cc Triumph T15 Terrier (1953-1956) with the same frame and forks.[1][2]

The earlier version of the Cub used the Terrier's plunger rear suspension frame, but from 1957 this was updated to a more modern pattern of rear swinging-arm with twin suspension units.[2] The ignition points were positioned in a 'distributor'-type device on the crankcase behind the cylinder.[6] A later development in 1963 was to site the points at a more conventional location on the end of the camshaft, accessed via a chrome cover below the base of the cylinder.[2]

The Sports Cub designated T20SH featured slimline mudguards, no rear panelling or headlamp nacelle and with a higher compression ratio and other engine modifications were timed at 74 mph mean maximum by Motor Cycle magazine.[2]

Off-road versions produced with high level exhaust, altered suspension and studded tyres, were designated TS20 Scrambles Cub and TR20 Trials Cub.[7][2]

The last model made was the T20 Super Cub, which, for economy of production cost,[8] used a basic frame and other parts common to the BSA Bantam D10 including larger diameter wheels with full-width hubs.[4] Launched in November 1966, it was discontinued in 1968,[9] being briefly replaced by the 250cc TR25W 'Trophy', based on BSA's B25 Starfire.

Unloved design features[edit]

The top frame tube of the Tiger Cub was lower than normal, leaving the headstock poorly supported. Some rigidity was recovered by internal bracing of the petrol tank. A plain bearing on the timing side main bearing sometimes wore rapidly.[10] The primary chain ran in a shallow oil-bath but if the level dropped, the chain could suffer lubrication failure and stretch. The chain was not tensioned - and even worse, the primary chaincase on early models was a slightly 'waisted' shape. A worn chain could strike both the inside of the cover and the crankcase itself, making the oil-level even more difficult to maintain in the future. Another common complaint was that the Cub would travel at highway speed (50 mph) for 1/2 hour and then stop unexpectedly. Some attributed this to overheating, but a cure was never found.[11]

Legislative boost[edit]

In 1961, the driving licence law for Triumph's home market in Great Britain was changed, restricting learner motorcyclists to a maximum of 250cc.[12] The Tiger Cub became one of the most popular ways of getting onto two wheels.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Motor Cycle Data Book, Newnes, 1960. p.80, p.154
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Motor Cycle, 30 July 1964. Readers report on Triumph Tiger Cub. "The Cub's ancestry dates back almost 12 years—to November 1952 when Triumphs introduced a "stimulating, last-minute eve-of-show surprise", the 149 cc Terrier. This was followed, a year later, by the first of the Tiger Cubs, with a 199 cc engine in the Terrier's plunger-sprung frame. Here we are dealing only with Cubs from 1957 onwards when the pivoted-fork model was introduced." Accessed 2014-01-29
  3. ^ a b c Motorcycle Mechanics (magazine), March 1972, p.30. Engine analysis: Triumph Cub Accessed 2014-02-06
  4. ^ a b c Motor Cycle, 9 March 1967. Super Cub road test Accessed 2014-01-28
  5. ^ Motor Cycle, 9 March 1967. Super Cub road test. "Baby brother, sizewise, of the Triumph family, the Cub has been with us now for just over 13 years". Accessed 2014-01-28
  6. ^ Motorcycle Mechanics (magazine), October 1967, p.52. Spark Sense: "Owners of the Triumph Cub or BSA C15 often write into us about routine maintenance of the contact breaker unit (or distributor as it is commonly miscalled)". Accessed 2014-03-10
  7. ^ The Motor Cycle, 15 March 1962. "Quickest way to the top! The new Trials Cub. The new Cub Scambler". Accessed and added 2014-08-08
  8. ^ Motor Cycle, 9 March 1967. Super Cub road test. "One of the ways in which the cost has been kept down is by using a similar frame for the Cub and the BSA Bantam". Accessed 2014-01-28
  9. ^ Kemp, Andrew; De Cet (2004). Classic British Bikes. Mirco. Bookmart Ltd. ISBN 978-1-86147-136-9.
  10. ^ Estall, Mike (28 February 2004). The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible. Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-904788-09-6.
  11. ^ Estall, Mike (28 February 2004). The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible. Veloce Publishing. p. 110. ISBN 978-1-904788-09-6.
  12. ^ [1] UK Government History of road safety, the highway code and the driving test, section 3.19 Retrieved 2014-02-09

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Triumph_Tiger_Cub&oldid=1167202627"