A pristine example of this light, twin cylinder Triumph in a “ready to ride” condition
Subject to a seemingly fastidious restoration in around 2005, likely less than 1,000 miles ago
Complete with a significant paperwork archive covering the last 20 years
The Appeal
The Tiger 90 was a development of the Twenty-One / 3TA model and was Triumph’s attempt to capture a more youthful demographic.
What better way to achieve this than market a much sportier 350cc twin that borrowed many styling cues from the iconic Bonneville. This model even became known as the “Baby Bonnie.”
This example is a gem, too. It has clearly been very well restored in its past and, thanks to light and sympathetic use since, it retains a fine overall condition.
A very original looking riding environment in fine condition
A low seat height makes this a great prospect for smaller riders
High bars and forward positioned pegs make for a comfortable, upright stance
All the period detail is present and correct for this T90’s rider. It’s a charming snapshot of 1960’s motorcycle culture. From this vantage point it would be easy to fool yourself that you had climbed astride a new or nearly new T90 such is its condition.
The generous saddle provides plenty of room for rider and optional pillion. It is a flat and wide perch which should remain comfortable for longer stretches in the saddle. The paperwork suggests this saddle may have been recovered or replaced in around 2005.
The white on black Smiths gauges consist of a 120-mph speedometer and a 10,000-rpm tachometer. The odometer currently reads 758 miles and paperwork suggests the gauges were reconditioned in 2005. Given this, it is possible that this is the mileage covered since that time. An ammeter is also present, set into the top of the headlamp housing.
A chromed parcel rack is fitted to the top of the tank, reinforcing that period ambiance, and providing a useful platform to attach tank bags, map pockets or similar.
All the rider’s contact points, grips, pegs, levers, and pedals appear to be in great shape with no issues noted.1964_Triumph_T90_Tiger-065.jpg2.17 MB
The Exterior
This T90 is finished in a pristine Gold and Alaskan White colourway
The frame is finished in black and topped with a grey and black saddle
The chrome of the wheels, exhausts and trim is bright and clean
It is easy to see why the T90 soon earned itself the nickname “Baby Bonnie.” Cleverly Triumph borrowed the bigger bike’s design language almost wholesale making pictures of the two bikes hard to differentiate at a glance. It is really only the scale that marked them apart.
Being a 1964 model this T90 wears the “mouth organ” chromed tank badge as opposed to the later “eyebrow” article. The gold and white of the petrol tank combined with the black rubber, Triumph inscribed knee pads and the chrome parcel rack are the defining features of this bike.
There is more detail to enjoy, however. The chrome spoked wheels, long and lowly mounted exhausts and big Lucas headlamp all combine to give the archetypal 1960’s British sports bike look.
This example is fitted with the Triumph 349cc air-cooled, four-stroke vertical twin engine
Originally producing around 27bhp in a light frame with a dry weight of only 150kgs or so
This is a small capacity motorcycle, and the power output is modest by today’s standards. However, it is a lot lighter than today’s equivalents which lent the T90 an impressive turn of speed. Its light weight also helped endow it with an agility that bigger machines found hard to emulate.
During our visit our consignor was invited to start the T90. Following a quick tickle of the carburettor the Triumph sprang into life with just one kick of the kickstart. This from a stone-cold engine too. The engine proceeded to tick over evenly, and no smoke was apparent even when the engine speed was raised.
The current owner attests to the T90 running very well and easily keeping up with the ebb and flow of today’s traffic.
He has had to attend to very little during his ownership with just the professional rewiring of the loom being his main expenditure.1964_Triumph_T90_Tiger-025.jpg2.45 MB
Summary
The Triumph Tiger 90 really seems to encapsulate the zeitgeist of simpler times.
This bike was conceived to help provide younger riders with more than a means of transport but an expression of freedom, fun and optimism.
Much of that personality remains undimmed some 57 years later. This is a nicely proportioned motorcycle that will flatter riders of all abilities and that will likely turn heads and raise smiles wherever you find yourself.
A model not ever produced in huge numbers so this is a rare chance to own one of these charming British sports bikes.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
