Classic motorcycle head-to-head

Honda CD175 vs Triumph Tiger Cub T20

Honda CD175 scores 71/100 overall against Triumph Tiger Cub T20 on 73/100. On the road: 68–58. As classics: 73–88. Overall result: Triumph Tiger Cub T20.

The numbers

Category-by-category result

CategoryHonda CD175Triumph Tiger CubAdvantage
road
PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field.53Honda CD175
HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners.78Triumph Tiger Cub
BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance.55Level
ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained.96Honda CD175
Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge.88Level
ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys.75Honda CD175
classic
StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal.79Triumph Tiger Cub
Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era.89Triumph Tiger Cub
Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts.78Triumph Tiger Cub
CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience.79Triumph Tiger Cub

Choose the Honda CD175 if…

you want smooth, dependable and economical 1970s transport with traditional Honda twin-cylinder engineering.

Choose the Triumph Tiger Cub if…

you want a light, charming British single with trials heritage and unmistakable 1950s and 1960s character.

📖

Background

History

Honda CD175

The Honda CD175 was produced from 1967–1979 and used a 174cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.

Triumph Tiger Cub

The Triumph Tiger Cub T20 was produced from 1954–1968 and used a 199cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, historic importance, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.

💡

Interesting details

Did you know?

Honda CD175

  • Its production span in this library runs from 1967 to 1979.
  • The recorded engine description is: 174cc air-cooled four-stroke parallel twin.
  • Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.

Triumph Tiger Cub

  • Its production span in this library runs from 1954 to 1968.
  • The recorded engine description is: 199cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
  • Its strongest comparison scores are styling, historic importance, character.
🏆

Present-day appeal

Collector notes

Honda CD175

Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CD175. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.

Triumph Tiger Cub

Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Triumph Tiger Cub T20. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.

🔧

Before you buy

Buying checks

Honda CD175

  • Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
  • Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
  • Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
  • Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
  • Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
  • Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.

Triumph Tiger Cub

  • Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
  • Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
  • Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
  • Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
  • Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
  • Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.

Period opposition

Historic rivals

🏁

Final result

The verdict

Honda CD175 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Triumph Tiger Cub T20 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Triumph Tiger Cub T20 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.

Continue comparing

Compare another pair