Tiger Cub T20SL (Scrambler Lights) 1961
The introduction of the T20C Competition model back in 1957 really brought the sporting potential of the Tiger Cub to the general public's attention. Of course those already involved in competition already knew its capability and the factory was quick to capitalise with the development of the T20S models; and they weren't finished.
The 'Sports' Cub models could really be divided into three different groups. All of them rapid and fun! A road legal version, one specifically for off road events and finally one that could be used on/off road and in light competition.
For 1961 the T20SL model appeared, the SL denoting 'with lights' and was a development of the T20 Scrambler, and in fact there was two versions. A road version with low level exhaust, flat profile handlebars, road tyres, optional tachometer and quickly detachable headlight; and a Scrambler version. The latter having a high level exhaust (with silencer or exhaust pipe extension), off road tyres and despite the SL tag, came without lights.
For 1961 the T20SL model appeared, the SL denoting 'with lights' and was a development of the T20 Scrambler, and in fact there was two versions. A road version with low level exhaust, flat profile handlebars, road tyres, optional tachometer and quickly detachable headlight; and a Scrambler version. The latter having a high level exhaust (with silencer or exhaust pipe extension), off road tyres and despite the SL tag, came without lights.
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Both versions having the high compression 9:1 piston, 'R' camshaft, sports valve springs, large inlet valve, close-ratio gear cluster, Amal Monobloc carburettor, heavyweight forks, crankcase shield and Energy Transfer Ignition allowing them to run without a battery.
A two tone petrol tank in Ruby Red and Silver Sheen (Bright Amaranth Red and Silver Sheen in the USA) completed the look. The 1961 sales brochure of that year featured the T20SL and made mention of the World Speed Record attained in 1959 by Bill Martin with his streamliner Tiger Cub of 139.82 mph. |
Specifications for T20SL 1961
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder OHV, unit construction
Capacity: 199cc (12.1 cu in)
Bore/Stroke: 63mm (2.480in) x 64mm (2.520in)
Compression: 9:1
Power: 16bhp @ 6700 rpm
Carburettor: 15/16 inch Amal Monobloc 376/272 (or 376/317)
Camshaft: 'R' cam - valve clearances In 0.002in : Ex 0.004in (cold)
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Gears: 4
Cycle Parts
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, hydraulic damped
Rear Suspension: Swing-arm
Front Wheel: 19 inch (WM1 rim)
Rear Wheel: 18 inch (WM2 rim)
Front Tyre: 3.00 x 19
Rear Tyre: 3.50 x 18
Brakes: 5.5 in dia. Single leading shoe drum front and rear
Petrol Tank: 2 5/8 gallons
Oil tank - 2 3/4 pints
Gearbox - 1/3 pint
Primary chaincase - 1/3 pint
Front Fork: 1/4 pint
Electrics
Type: Lucas Energy Transfer
Voltage: 6
Charging Type: RM 13 Alternator
Ignition Timing: 16 degrees BTDC static. 40 degrees fully advanced
Points Gap: 0.014in - 0.016in
Spark Plug: Champion L5, L7 or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap: 0.020in
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder OHV, unit construction
Capacity: 199cc (12.1 cu in)
Bore/Stroke: 63mm (2.480in) x 64mm (2.520in)
Compression: 9:1
Power: 16bhp @ 6700 rpm
Carburettor: 15/16 inch Amal Monobloc 376/272 (or 376/317)
Camshaft: 'R' cam - valve clearances In 0.002in : Ex 0.004in (cold)
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Gears: 4
Cycle Parts
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, hydraulic damped
Rear Suspension: Swing-arm
Front Wheel: 19 inch (WM1 rim)
Rear Wheel: 18 inch (WM2 rim)
Front Tyre: 3.00 x 19
Rear Tyre: 3.50 x 18
Brakes: 5.5 in dia. Single leading shoe drum front and rear
Petrol Tank: 2 5/8 gallons
Oil tank - 2 3/4 pints
Gearbox - 1/3 pint
Primary chaincase - 1/3 pint
Front Fork: 1/4 pint
Electrics
Type: Lucas Energy Transfer
Voltage: 6
Charging Type: RM 13 Alternator
Ignition Timing: 16 degrees BTDC static. 40 degrees fully advanced
Points Gap: 0.014in - 0.016in
Spark Plug: Champion L5, L7 or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap: 0.020in