A well-preserved example of the Meriden built Triumph Tiger 750
A low mileage and single owner, since import, example
Appearing very original with the potential to be easily, further improved
The Appeal
As is almost invariably the case with British motorcycle builders, the Tiger 750 hails from a time of industrial strife for the Triumph Motorcycle brand. In 1973 the company was sold into Norton Villiers ownership and the closing of the Triumph Meriden plant was immediately proposed.
A famous sit-in was initiated by the Meriden workers who ultimately formed a worker’s co-operative to buy and re-open Meriden. By 1976 Meriden were once again producing the Bonneville 750 and its single-carburettor relative, the Tiger 750. The models were pretty much as they had been when they were discontinued in 1973. The post ’76 bikes, however, can be recognised by the disc brakes, the left-hand situated gear change and the bottle green and ivory tank livery.
Given the above, our example certainly hails form the Meriden co-operative period. It even, helpfully, bears a Meriden logo on the speedometer. It’s a highly original looking example of the breed that is in a decent overall shape with good provenance. A little, straightforward attention could easily elevate the bike to a very high standard.
The History and Paperwork
This Tiger 750 is shown as being manufactured in 1979
It was first registered in the UK in May 2003
This would suggest that the motorcycle was imported from overseas
The owner suggests it was previously used in Kenya as a police bike
This can’t be substantiated but provides some anecdotal background
The motorcycle is being sold by its only UK keeper
The current owner acquired the motorcycle in 2003
The bike is being sold with its V5 present in the name of the current owner
The online MoT history shows that it was last MoT’d in August 2015
Since then, the Tiger has covered just 70 kms
Being over 40 years old the bike should now qualify for MoT and VED exemption
The motorcycle is currently registered as SORN
The Condition
The riding environment of the Tiger is typical 1979 fare
The sculpted and ribbed vinyl seat is finished in black
It is full length to allow for a pillion when required
The pillion has use of a semi-circular tubular, chromed grab-rail behind the saddle
Fold down, rubber covered foot pegs are provided for the pillion
The rider looks out over a pair of white on black Veglia clocks
The speedometer reads in kilometres per hour and carries a Meriden logo
The ignition barrel and various warning lights are situated between the clocks
Further controls are situated on the grip bases each side
Fixed, tubular, rubber covered pegs are available for the rider
The rubbers fitted to these are embossed with the Triumph script
An alloy gear lever is situated on the left-hand side of the bike
The kick start and rear brake are situated on the right
The overall condition of this area is generally very good
Our example is presented in the post ’76 bottle green and ivory colourway
Painted areas aren’t extensive with just tank and mudguards thus painted
The paintwork in these areas, however, looks to be in very good order
The familiar Triumph script badges are affixed to each side of the tank
These are joined by contoured rubber knee protectors
The tubular frame is finished in gloss black which looks equally well finished
Rubbers to various controls all look complete and in decent fettle
Light and indicator lenses all look to be in good, original order
The twin silencers are mounted low down and are reverse cone tipped
The right-hand side silencer is nicely finished in bright chrome
The left-hand side article appears to have lost its lustre, however
We note that the side panels are currently not fitted to the bike
Two Tiger 750 side panels are included and pictured, just one in the right colour
The wheels are chromed, cross spoked 19-inch items front and rear
They look to be in a good condition overall
These are fitted with Cheng Shin tyres that look to retain good tread levels
The viability of these should be reviewed by the buyer, based on age
The Mechanics
The Tiger 750 was fitted with the same 744cc power unit as the Bonneville
This is a four-stroke, parallel twin, OHV unit
Unlike the Bonneville the Tiger breathes through a single, 30mm Amal carburettor
In this configuration it was originally rated at 42 bhp at 6,500rpm
Power is delivered via a five-speed gearbox
A contemporary road test found this good for a 113mph top speed and 14 second ¼ mile
The post ’76 Tigers were all fitted with a single hydraulicly operated disc front and rear
The alloy side plates of the engine are in good order and feature the correct patent plate
They are deeply inscribed with the familiar Triumph script
The fins of the cylinder housings seem to be evenly finished and in good order
Given the extended period since the bike was used, a thorough mechanical check is advised
The owner reports the bike as last having been run in around 2016
It has been dry stored since then
Summary
The post ’76 Triumph Tigers came at an interesting point in Triumph’s history. So invested in their product were the Meriden workers that they literally “bought the company” in true Victor Kiam style (ask an aged relative)! Despite the design being merely warmed over from its discontinued 1973 specification, it was well received for its performance and long-distance cruising capabilities. In fact, many testers found it nearly as capable in all respects as its twin carburettor, more expensive Bonneville sibling.
This example is a very original example which is an absolute must for bikes of this period. It’s in a great overall condition and has been in the same enthusiast’s ownership for a full 20 years. There is also the potential to further improve this bike relatively easily and to be able to put your own stamp on it. Be sure not to let this appealing ownership opportunity pass you by – bid today.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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