In 1953, Triumph introduced a learner bike called the Tiger Cub – the idea was that if a rider got started on a Triumph, they’d be more likely to stay with the brand through their riding career. The Cub lasted through 1969, by which point Triumph had made several variants include the Trials Cub, Sports Cub, and Mountain Cub.
The Mountain Cub was actually built at the behest of Johnson Motors (the West Coast Triumph distributor) as they wanted something to compete with trail bikes coming out of Japan at the time. Per this helpful site, Triumph boss Edward Turner in the US considering ending Cub production when he discovered a creation that blended the more powerful Sports Cub engine with the wide-ratio transmission from the Trials Cub. The Mountain Cub was born: “eventually 3000 went to the west coast of the USA, 1500 to the east coast; and a total of over 6000 Mountain Cubs were sold all over the world.”
The 199cc air-cooled single was good for 16 horsepower thanks to the hotter “R” cam, good enough to get the bike up north of of 65 miles per hour. It had a four-speed transmission, and the bike weighed about 250 pounds wet. In the last two years of production (1966-1967), the bike was offered in a lovely Grenadier Red/Alaskan White paint job.
This example is VIN: T20 M 3071, Engine #: T20 M 3071. Please note that the VIN on the California title says T20SM3071.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 500 miles. he odometer shows 4,659 miles. “The speedometer was not functioning when purchased and was rebuilt under current ownership. The odometer reading was retained at 4,132 miles during the rebuild and currently shows 4,659 miles.” True mileage is unknown.
“I purchased this 1967 Triumph Tiger Cub T20S/M from a dealer in Dublin, CA in the fall of 2024. The dealer had recently acquired it from the second owner earlier that same year. It’s my hobby to restore vintage British motorcycles and then sell them.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, the bike was given a frame-off restoration approximately 15–20 years ago:
• Frame appears to be powder coated (unconfirmed)
• Front and rear fenders show minor edge chips previously touched up to match paint
“I do all my own maintenance and restoration. Fluids are changed on a regular basis and the bike inspected. No mechanical issues. Runs well.” The seller notes the following as recent work performed:
• Upper fuel tank and oil tank refinished under current ownership
• Lower tank and fenders retain restored Alaskan White finish
• Battery discreetly mounted under seat
• Stainless steel spokes (restoration-era; excellent condition)
• Re-chromed rims (restoration-era; excellent condition)
• New clutch friction plates
• New control cables
• New rear shocks
• Speedometer professionally rebuilt
• Compression tested at 125 psi (cold)
“The bike starts reliably, typically within 1–2 kicks, and runs well. Due to the cam profile, it benefits from a brief warm-up period.”
Modifications:
Not pictured: Boyer ignition and battery, battery relocation under the seat, aftermarket horn.
Aftermarket center stand.
Stainless steel spokes.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC Trials GP-1 tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The engine case beneath the gearbox was previously TIG welded to repair a stress crack in a known thin area. The right inner cover gasket was replaced during servicing; gearbox internals were clean with no visible damage, and the gears appeared in good condition.
Front and rear fenders along the outer edges have paint chip repairs.”
Currently located in Morgan Hill, California, this Triumph is offered on a clean California title with registration current through August 2026. Have any Tiger stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
