A beautifully restored example of an originally US supplied 1972 Tiger 650
Presented in full “Desert Sled” specification making it highly evocative of Ekins, McQueen
Imported from the US in 2017 and subsequently subject to a fastidious father and son
Restored regardless of cost with parts alone amounting to many thousands of pounds
Utilised Meridian Motorcycle parts in the main to retain authenticity
The Appeal
The TR6 motorcycle was released as a bigger capacity machine for Triumph’s key North American market. The 500cc TR5 had done well there but left riders hungry for a more powerful iteration. The TR6 was produced between 1956 and 1973.
Quite soon after their arrival in the US a Hollywood based Triumph dealer named Bud Ekins started to race the bikes in off-road and enduro competitions. He also was “bike dealer to the stars” with customers including Clint Eastwood and Steve McQueen. It was his friendship with McQueen that ultimately saw him perform the famous fence jump from the 1963 movie “The Great Escape.” This stunt was, of course, performed on a TR6.
The modifications made for this type of enduro usage became hugely popular with the road focused bikes being stripped back by the removal of instrument binnacle and front mudguard. The exhaust was routed high under the saddle and “knobblies” were fitted front and rear. This appearance and the bike’s competition success in the Californian wilderness earned them the nickname of “desert sled.”
The History and Paperwork
This fine example was built in Coventry and shipped to North America in 1972
Supplied new by Triumph of North America
Not too much is known of its early, North American life
The motorcycle was reimported to the UK in 2017
Subsequent to that it underwent a fastidious restoration by a father and son team
Every aspect of the motorcycle was addressed and attended to
Many thousands of pounds in authentic parts alone were used
Paperwork includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
There is also a letter of authenticity provided by the Triumph Owners Club
HMRC paperwork is present confirming the payment of duties and VAT
The motorcycle is registered as a Historic Vehicle so is MOT and VED exempt
The riding environment of the TR6 is reassuringly upright
Its relatively diminutive stature makes it suitable for all rider builds
The motorcycle features high bars with new rubber grips
The grip ends are fitted with 60’s style leather “doughnuts”
Controls and instrumentation are minimal and stripped back in true enduro style
The latter consists of a chromed bezelled single white on black Smiths speedometer
This is a period-correct, calibrated Smiths item replaced at a cost of £280
The short, well-padded saddle may provide just enough space for an occasional pillion
The seat is finished with a distinctive black and white “zebra panel”
This distinctive Bates style seat was sourced from Hello Engine in California
Folding foot pegs for rider and pillion are present
The former are clad in thick rubber covers embossed with the Triumph logo
The kick start and gear lever are similarly finished
As you might expect from a restored example, the condition appears faultless
The Exterior
This TR6 looks iconic and highly distinctive in its full “desert sled” specification
The stripped back ambiance lends the motorcycle an authentic period look
The teardrop tank is finished predominantly in eye-catching Candy Apple Orange
Accents of Antique White are also present with sky blue coach lines
The tank sides bear a fun “leaping tiger” motif in reference to the model’s name
This is a custom paintjob professionally undertaken by LV Customs
The bulk of the steel frame is finished in gloss black
During the restoration the frame was media blasted and powder coated
The rear mudguard is presented in unpainted aluminium
This is a custom feature supplied by Ace Classics
There is plenty of bright chrome in evidence too
Bars, tail pipes and tank accents are finished in chrome
The “Bud Ekins” twin pipes were supplied by Ace Customs and are reported to sound amazing
Additionally, the wheel rims are finished in unmarked chrome and exude a high shine
These wheels are new and supplied by Central Wheels
These are shod with new, off-road “knobbly” Michelin tyres for optimum grip
It is noted that the TR6 is not fitted with lights so some riding restrictions may apply
The condition of this little sled is really first class and really impossible to fault throughout
The Mechanics
The TR6 was fitted with the bigger 649cc air-cooled OHV vertical twin engine
The engine breathes through a single Amal Concentric R930/60, 30mm carburettor
In original trim this engine was good for 47 bhp at 6,700 rpm
Given a weight of under 175 kgs, this was sufficient to push theTR6 to over 100 mph
Power was transmitted via a 4-speed constant-mesh, right-foot shift gearbox
Braking is down to 8 and 7-inch conical drums front and rear respectively
The engine of our example presents very well, in keeping with the rest of the bike
The alloys of the sump and painted sections are all clean and issue free
During the restoration the engine was aqua blasted and polished
A very lengthy list exists of the mechanical work undertaken to the TR6
The highlights include:
New sprockets, timing gear and main bearings
Replaced pistons, shell bearings and oil pump
New valves, guides and electronic ignition for prompt starting
Refurbished clutch and front suspension
New battery and chain
New Dragon Motorcycles belt drive to reduce weight – cost £350
New fuel lines and brake and clutch cables
The cables are run inside braided lines in authentic 60’s style
The bike has been serviced by Ace Classics
Given all the above the owner reports that the bike runs and rides very well
It can even be used offroad as Ekins and McQueen would have liked it
Summary
The TR6 earned a fierce and long-standing reputation as a durable and robust enduro bike despite being primarily designed as a fast-touring roadster. The “sled” modifications helped the little Triumphs compete with all-comers and in the hands of the likes of Ekins and McQueen retain an enduring appeal and deserved popularity.
This is a fine example has been a real labour of love for the current owner and his father. It is clear that they have invested the money and time required to result in a faithful and authentic interpretation of the iconic desert sled so beloved by many.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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1972 Triumph Tiger 650 (TR6) “Desert Sled”
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