Photo: Steve Glover · CC BY 2.0
Triumph Tiger Cub T20
73/100 Overall
58 On the road88 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Triumph Tiger Cub T20 vs Honda CD175
Triumph Tiger Cub T20 scores 73/100 overall against Honda CD175 on 71/100. On the road: 58–68. As classics: 88–73. Overall result: Triumph Tiger Cub T20.
Honda CD175
71/100 Overall
68 On the road73 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Triumph Tiger Cub | Honda CD175 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 3 | 5 | Honda CD175 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Triumph Tiger Cub |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 9 | Honda CD175 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 7 | Honda CD175 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 7 | Triumph Tiger Cub |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 8 | Triumph Tiger Cub |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 7 | Triumph Tiger Cub |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 7 | Triumph Tiger Cub |
Choose the Triumph Tiger Cub if…
you want a light, charming British single with trials heritage and unmistakable 1950s and 1960s character.
Choose the Honda CD175 if…
you want smooth, dependable and economical 1970s transport with traditional Honda twin-cylinder engineering.
Background
History
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.
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.
Interesting details
Did you know?
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.
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.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
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.
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.
Before you buy
Buying checks
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.
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.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Triumph Tiger Cub
Rivals to the Honda CD175
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.