TRIUMPH

TR6 Trophy

649cc ohv twin || 400lb || 55mpg || 105mph || 1954-73

American-originated semi off-roader, which through the years evolved for the UK as a roadster replacement for the Thunderbird, with more stability and similar performance. Bonneville improvements usually ended up on the Trophies too, and many consider the single-carb engines to be sweeter than the twin-carb Bonnies.

Engine prefix TR6P denotes an ex-police bike. US and UK versions of these machines can differ widely, and many export machines are on the home market now. The Thunderbird name was also used for the late (1981-83) short-stroke TR65; an excellently revvy rider’s machine but fairly unusual.

Prices: low £5000 || high £10,000

Tiger Cub

199cc ohv single || 230lb || 85mpg || 65mph || 1954-68

Developed from the earlier 150cc Terrier, the Tiger Cub was a great learner bike of its day. Sold in off-road form as well as roadster, many have also been converted for use in Pre-65 trials. Some suffered from weird wiring and weak brakes and big-end bearings. The late ones are probably the best, with the BSA Bantam rolling chassis. Massively popular today, and priced way