1969 Triumph TR6C Tiger
Frame no. TR6CPC04917
In the late 1960s and early '70s, scramblers were all the rage in America. The dirtbike styling made for a versatile and user-friendly machine. With its single carburetor, the Triumph TR6 was more tractable than its twin-carb Bonneville stablemate; and there was no need to keep two Amals constantly in sync. The TR6 gave away little in terms of outright performance to the Bonnie's.
An important 'tweak' to the TR6/Bonneville frame was made for the 1967 model year, when a shallower steering head angle was adopted in the interests of better high-speed stability. By this time Triumph's two 650s had been updated with 12-volt electrics and a full-width 8in. front brake; other significant improvements included a new oil pump and an increase in the TR6's compression ratio to 9.0:1, same as the Bonneville. In 1969 Triumph offered two variants of the TR6, the C model scrambler and the low-pipe R model roadster. Both had Triumph's excellent twin-leading-shoe front brake assembly and a new model name, Tiger.
Whatever the name, by decade's end the TR6 had arrived at what most enthusiasts agree is the model's ultimate incarnation, and today these late, pre oil-in-frame 650s are becoming increasingly sought after by collectors. This example is presented in overhauled and repainted form, with minor styling mods that might have been performed back in the day. We see extra chrome-plating on the engine side covers, fork legs and passenger footpeg mounts. Gone is the unsightly stock 'barbeque grille' heat shield on the mufflers, replaced by smaller shields from an earlier model. The headlight is the larger chromed bucket from an R model, while Hagon aftermarket shocks shore up the rear suspension.
Saleroom notices
- Please note that the number listed as the frame number is actually the engine number, and it is titled under this number.
