Good evening guys! I am interested in buying my first triumph but I can’t find much information on the model. It’s a 1965 tiger cub t90 350cc. The bike has a rev counter and speedometer so I’m led to believe this is a “sport” model? I’m interested to know if this is the case and if so what else makes it “sporty” also any other valuable information would be greatly received. thank you!
Hi Dozza. Welome to the forum. I've no doubt someone around here will be able to help you properly but in the meantime have you seen this? https://www.triumph-tiger-90.com or this... https://tomcc.org/Triumph/Model/18#details It might be worth posting something on the Vintage Classics forum as well.
Welcome to the forum. Have you checked this site for information? https://www.triumph-tiger-90.com/index.shtml
Welcome to a great forum, Dozza! I don't know squat about older models but as Dozers Dad said, someone here will be able to answer your question.
Welcome Dozza. The Triumph you're interested in is probably a Tiger 90 - definitely not a Cub - a 350cc twin. The Tiger 90 is a "sportier" version of the 3TA. They're both unit construction parallel twins - the 3TA being a 'touring' version with a nacelle faired headlamp with speedo inset, and a half faired rear enclosure (commonly known as 'half bathtubs') while the T90 had the individual speedometer & rev counter setup. I can't recall if there were any engine modifications to justify the 'sports' label but, if there were, they would likely be fairly modest - the 350 engine wasn't exactly known for its firebreathing, roadburning capabilities. The engines were, though, smooth and quiet - at least the one I recall from the '66 3TA that I owned in the late sixties was - just don't expect it to perform in any way like a modern 350! @darkman is the font of all knowledge on this range of bikes but you can get some goood background information from here https://www.triumph-tiger-90.com/index.shtml They are, undoubtedly, very handsome machines in standard form, in fact some of the best looking motorcycles to have come out of Meriden. In a way, the testament to this can be seen in the number of colour schemes and style cues on the modern Bonneville (et al) range that are a direct nod to this era of Triumphs. We will, of course, expect to see lots of pictures when/if you do buy it! Good luck. Later edit :- Having done a little bit more reading I find that the Tiger 90 did have more sporting aspirations than I had realised! The increased power (3TA 18.5 bhp; T90 27 bhp) coming largely from high comp pistons, and improved timing. This article is old but still worth a read :- http://mbvmc.org/restore/t90/index.htm
The T90 was known as the "Baby Bonnie" and was often finished in Bonneville colours. When I was an apprentice, a mate had one in white & gold and when it was on song, it had the measure of my (admittedly older, well worn and probably ridden with less panache) CB32 Gold Star. It had the added attraction of being much more tractable in town. I eventually got a Honda CB77 (305cc) which was faster but didn't handle quite as well. A good T90 will be able to cope with legal highway speeds and be fun around the twisties. Just don't try to keep up with your mates on their point and squirt modern sports bikes.