Classic and Classy Motorcycles Ltd

Historical Context

The 1962 Triumph T100SS Tiger was part of Triumph’s sporting 500cc range and combined lively performance with the light weight and handling for which the company’s parallel twins had become famous. The T100 name had a long association with Triumph’s sporting motorcycles, while the SS version offered a higher-performance specification aimed at riders wanting something quicker than the standard touring models. Built at Meriden during one of the strongest periods for the British motorcycle industry, the T100SS offered much of the character and performance of Triumph’s larger twins in a lighter and more manageable package.

Technical Specifications and Performance

• Year: 1962
• Make: Triumph
• Model: T100SS Tiger
• Engine Displacement: 490cc
• Engine Type: Air-cooled OHV parallel twin
• Engine Construction: Unit construction
• Carburetion: Amal carburettor
• Ignition System: Battery and coil ignition
• Starting System: Kick start
• Transmission Type: 4-speed manual
• Final Drive: Chain
• Cooling System: Air-cooled
• Braking System: Drum front and rear
• Top Speed: Approximately 90–100 mph depending on specification and conditions

Technical Advancements

The T100SS benefited from Triumph’s move to unit construction for its 500cc twins, combining the engine and gearbox into a more compact assembly. This helped produce a cleaner and more rigid package while simplifying the motorcycle’s overall construction. The relatively light chassis and responsive parallel-twin engine gave the T100SS an excellent power-to-weight balance for its time, contributing to the sporting reputation of Triumph’s 500cc range.

Evolution of the Model

The T100 series developed from Triumph’s successful pre-war Tiger models and became an important part of the company’s post-war range. During the early 1960s, the 500cc twins were modernised with unit construction while retaining the traditional Triumph characteristics of a vertical twin engine, slim chassis and straightforward mechanical design. The T100SS represented the sporting road-going side of the range and helped establish the foundations for later Tiger and Daytona 500 models.

Competitors in the Market

In 1962, the T100SS competed with British motorcycles from manufacturers including BSA, Norton, Royal Enfield and Matchless. Triumph’s combination of relatively low weight, good handling and a lively twin-cylinder engine made the T100SS an attractive choice for riders wanting a sporting middleweight motorcycle. Its success also reflected the strong international reputation Triumph motorcycles enjoyed during this period, particularly in the important American market.

Legacy and Appeal

Today, the 1962 Triumph T100SS Tiger is an appealing classic from an important period in Triumph history. As a running project, it provides the opportunity to use and enjoy the motorcycle while carrying out restoration or improvement work as required. Its compact 500cc twin, traditional British styling and straightforward mechanical construction make it an interesting machine to own and work on, while good specialist support helps keep these early Triumph twins on the road.