'Aunt Tiny' from the USA
by Emmi Cupp
by Emmi Cupp
Motorcycles have always been a big part of my life, even when I was too young to understand them. My Dad, Jeremy Cupp (@lc_fabrications), started tinkering with them as a hobby before I was born. Because this is a very expensive hobby he built his business LC Fabrications in Grottoes, Virginia to help pay for it. By the time we were all old enough to think it was the coolest thing ever he had already built a couple of show bikes and even won a few shows. This is how I was introduced to the motorcycle industry. As kids we all helped out where we could to support the family business. My brother and sister still hang around a bit and help where they can, but it's just not really their thing. This is not the case for me.
In Elementary School I was hanging around my Dad's machine shop a lot. Just getting comfortable and learning the basics. When I got to middle school I started having 'teen problems' as we all do and kind of stopped showing up. It wasn't until I got into High School that I decided to hang around again. I was upset that I had wasted all that time doing dumb teen stuff instead of learning to work with my hands (which is obviously way better), so I made it my goal to learn as much as I could from then on out. I just wanted to be a Jack-of-All-Trades.
During that time my brother got a Yamaha dirt bike that he started riding around in corn fields. We've always had a little Honda dirt bike of my Dad's and I guess I got kind of jealous, so I asked to learn as well. Let's just say that once I got the hang of the clutch I fell in love. I started asking about the different brands and styles of bikes, and what they are known for. My Dad has always had a Triumph as his daily riding bike, so I decided that I wanted one too. The only problem is, I am pretty small. Like REALLY small. I didn't think I could handle a full size bike. Me and Dad were just talking one day and I mentioned "I wish they had a tiny Triumph". It turns out they do. And Dad found one. A 1958 T20 Triumph Tiger Cub, just for me.
In Elementary School I was hanging around my Dad's machine shop a lot. Just getting comfortable and learning the basics. When I got to middle school I started having 'teen problems' as we all do and kind of stopped showing up. It wasn't until I got into High School that I decided to hang around again. I was upset that I had wasted all that time doing dumb teen stuff instead of learning to work with my hands (which is obviously way better), so I made it my goal to learn as much as I could from then on out. I just wanted to be a Jack-of-All-Trades.
During that time my brother got a Yamaha dirt bike that he started riding around in corn fields. We've always had a little Honda dirt bike of my Dad's and I guess I got kind of jealous, so I asked to learn as well. Let's just say that once I got the hang of the clutch I fell in love. I started asking about the different brands and styles of bikes, and what they are known for. My Dad has always had a Triumph as his daily riding bike, so I decided that I wanted one too. The only problem is, I am pretty small. Like REALLY small. I didn't think I could handle a full size bike. Me and Dad were just talking one day and I mentioned "I wish they had a tiny Triumph". It turns out they do. And Dad found one. A 1958 T20 Triumph Tiger Cub, just for me.
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He gave it to me for Christmas 2019, and of course I decided to turn it into a show bike. I started bringing him drawings and asking ideas, until he decided to help me make it happen.
There were a few rough patches along the way, I'm not gonna lie. But I never once thought about giving up. I had decided that this was what I wanted to do. Obviously, there were a lot of Triumph engine parts to track down. I made as many of the other parts as possible. Things like the key switch mount, heat shield, air filter, etc. Most of the parts that I couldn't make (Charging System, Throttle Housing, Vans Grips, Key Switch, etc.) were ordered from Lowbrow Customs. A lot of Lowbrow's parts are machined by LC Machine and Manufacturing (my Dad's other business) which supports us a lot, so I wanted to do the same. Aunt Tiny, as I call my bike, was invited to multiple shows including Lowbrow Customs Fuel Cleveland. Sadly, this was postponed till next year, but I am excited for the opportunity to bring my own build. |
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Highlights:
Motor: Triumph 200cc T20 Tiger Cub Trans: stock Frame: stock front loop/LC Fabrications hardtail Front end: Yamaha MX100 Fender: Triumph (modified) Gas tank: Shop Girl and LC Fabrications Hand controls: Triumph Foot controls: Triumph Grips: Vans Taillight: Shop Girl/LC Fab |
Handlebars: Shop Girl/LC Fab
Pipes: Cone SS by Shop Girl Oil bag: Shop Girl/LC Fab Fab work: Shop Girl and LC Fabrications Paint: Jeremy Cupp (LC Fabrications) Seat: Shop Girl Wheels: Yamaha MX100 16/18 |