RealClassic – August 2019

THEONE TO HAVE

Despitewell-known frailties in the

ignition department(the batteryless

EnergyTransfercoil based systemwould

provide easy starting or smooth running

characteristics but not necessarilyat the

same settings), the T20S/SM‘Mountain’

version ofTriumph’s Tiger CubSports

range is still probably the most sought

aftermodel.This is mainly dueto the

attractiveyellowororange and white

colour scheme,knobblytyresand other

sportingfeatures ,although all the later

sportsCubs,T20SH, SS, SL, etc, areof

almost identical specification, and might

be better propositions depending on

your tastes and budget.

Fortunately electrical problems are

easilyovercome with modern electronic

componentsavailable fromPaul Goff

and other suppliers.The T20Mwas

poweredbythe ultimate development

of Edward Turner’s cleverlittle ohv199cc

single whichresponds well to rebuilding

with modern bearings and lubrication, all

components being easilyavailable from

specialists.MountainCubs have become

morecommonlyavailablerecently due

to manyarrivinghome from the USA,

although most areinwell-worn and

incompletecondition.

To justify the highcost of restoringa

Cub(or in deed anyclassic British bike), it

is importanttobegin withacompleteand

original machine.Some parts,mainly fuel

tanks,mudguards and other tinware,can be

difficult to source.Aswith other antiques,

provenanceisa ll importantand presence

of documents of somekind plus clear and

correc tframe and engine numbers,which

normally matchonTriumph machines,are

essential if applyingto DVLA foraV5C. The

TriumphTerrier andTiger CubAssociation

([email protected]) can guide

owners throughregistrationmatte rs and

areauthorisedby DVLA to completeand

supportapplications,ortoadvise on

particular machines ifrequired.

Regardingvalues: as with other

‘collectables’the very best will always

commandapremium and ifyour

MountainCubticks all the boxesthen it

could beworthinthe region of £6000to

the discerningCubenthusiast.Further

down the scale an acceptable machine

mightbeavailableforaround £3-4k and

the gullible have beenknowntocough

up twogrand or soforabox of unrelated

parts purportingto be‘a MountainCub,

mate.So‘buyer beware’isstill the best

adviceconsidering thevast amountof

stuffin thatcategorywhich isavailable

to the unwary via eBay and the likes.

Mike Powell,TTTCA

Theenginebreathesthrougharathermore
moderncarbthantheoriginal,andthecarbin
turnbreathesthroughathoroughlymodernfilter

Picnichamperfails tocontainpicnic shock!

Cubbraking is not entirelyintheover-the-handlebars

league,but canworkwell if usedwithalittleanticipation

TRIUMPH TIGER CUB

Subscribe and save:www.Real-Classic.co.uk/subs AUGUST 2019 I49