The 1939 Triumph Tiger 100 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever built. In the latest edition of our Inside the Museum series, National Motorcycle Museum Director James Hewing is joined by John Oakes from Classic Bike Man to explore this remarkable machine and explain why it remains one of the highlights of our collection.
A Motorcycle That Changed British Engineering
The Tiger 100 arrived just after Triumph introduced its revolutionary Speed Twin engine in 1938. The parallel twin design transformed British motorcycling, offering riders an impressive combination of performance, reliability and smooth power delivery. Capable of speeds approaching 90 mph, it set new standards for production motorcycles and became the blueprint for Triumph twins for decades to come.
Rare Survivor of a Bygone Era
This particular Tiger 100 is especially significant because it was built just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Triumph’s Coventry factory was bombed during the Blitz, bringing production to an abrupt halt and making surviving pre-war Tiger 100s increasingly rare today.
Visitors can find this beautiful motorcycle in Hall 4, alongside many other iconic Triumph, Norton and Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Timeless Style
Few motorcycles have stood the test of time quite like the Tiger 100. Its elegant proportions, polished tank, sweeping mudguards and distinctive “cocktail shaker” exhaust heat shields continue to inspire the styling of many modern retro motorcycles.
It’s easy to see why enthusiasts often describe it as one of Triumph’s greatest ever designs.
Surprisingly Practical to Ride
Although it is more than 85 years old, the Tiger 100 remains an enjoyable motorcycle to ride. Its relatively low seat height, light weight and punchy parallel twin engine make it surprisingly accessible, even on today’s roads.
Like any classic motorcycle, it requires a little more anticipation when braking, but owners continue to praise its comfortable riding position, excellent handling and dependable performance. Replacement parts are still readily available, helping to keep these historic machines on the road.
One charming feature is the built-in map locker at the front of the bike, a reminder of a time before sat nav, when riders relied on paper maps to find their way.
Ride a Tiger 100 Yourself
The Tiger 100 is one of the most popular motorcycles featured in the National Motorcycle Museum’s Classic Bike Tours and Try a Classic Bike Days. These unique experiences give enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy riding a genuine piece of British motorcycling history.
Coventry Road
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