The Cheney Triumph Tiger Cub: The Next Chapter

50 Years of Racing: Same Bike, Same Rider…  

We first introduced this remarkable machine back in 2021, sharing the history of one of the most unique classic motocross bikes ever built, the Cheney Cantilever Triumph Tiger Cub. 

Pure Nostalgia: Cheney / Triumph Tiger Cub

The bike has been owned and raced by our friend Graham Watson for half a century. The story of the machine’s origin is one for the books.

When Graham was 12 years old son, his father, David, wanted to build a four-stroke British race bike that compete against the two-stroke foreign machinery rising to motocross supremacy in the 1970s.

“In the back of my dad’s mind he was still convinced he could build a British bike to compete with the growing input of Japanese and European bikes.” –Graham Watson

The “Cheney Cub” consists of a 1973 prototype frame — one of the first three prototypes that Eric Cheney and his team designed and fabricated back in 1973 — and a 1964 Triumph Tiger Cub engine. Graham began racing the bike back in 1977.

In 2023, Graham returned to race on the very same track where his father had competed back in 1952. He was kind enough to share a full race report of his weekend at the Helsington Classic Scramble.

Race Report: Helsington Classic Scramble 2023

Then in 2025, we explored the bike’s incredibly advanced cantilever suspension and the engineering vision behind it.

The Cheney Cantilever Prototype: Ahead of its Time 🏁

Now, in 2026, comes the next reluctant chapter. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Graham can no longer compete. However, that hasn’t stopped him and the old Cheney Cub from remaining part of the classic motocross world.

Whether in the pits, attending scramble events, taking part in parade laps, or simply sharing the bike with enthusiasts who appreciate its history, the duo are still turning heads and making people smile.

Before this latest appearance, Graham decided the old girl deserved a little makeover. Here, in Graham’s own words, is the next chapter of the story.

THE 2026 UNOFFICIAL HELSINGTON SHOW BIKE 😜

“As long as my own ‘patina’ body is still up to the job, we’ll be alright… 😄”

With Helsington coming up, I thought the old girl deserved a bit of special treatment. So she’s getting a gentle makeover while still keeping what they call ‘patina’ these days… 😂 Fifty years of racing scuffs and scars, in old people’s words… Dad would’ve said, “Waste of bleep money, won’t make it go any faster.” I can still hear him loud and clear! 😆

I have to remember, Dad built the Cheney Cub on a budget. It took him over 18 months, starting in late 1975 and finishing in mid-1977. He designed and machined as many parts as he could, and when he could finally afford it, and when parts became available, which was a very long time before the internet 😄 he bought them. The final build was completed just after he sold my RMA 100 to fund it.

Dad was only ever focused on performance, weight, reliability, and handling. It just turned out to look damn pretty. 😜

Since I’ve had it, I’ve spent a fair bit on her, some say far too much lol — mainly on engine upgrades and rebuilds. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit Dad’s expertise. But I was lucky enough to find Chris Davies (RIP) 🙏, who rebuilt the engine back in 2017/18. Dad would’ve approved of Chris’s workmanship…but maybe not the cost lol.

Due to other commitments, and more recently my health, we’ve only managed to get out and race her six times since then, so the rebuilt engine has probably done no more than 30 hours. Hopefully Dad and Chris are looking down and keeping an eye on me 🙏❤️

Over the years I’ve fitted new shocks, tyres, and kept on top of general maintenance. This time I decided to add a bit of classic, authentic bling, including new mudguards, a custom-made exhaust pipe, fancy race numbers, fresh oil, new grips, and a full nut-and-bolt check. And she started first kick. 👌

The finishing touch was plenty of Autosol and elbow grease. I’ve probably spent over 600 hours’ worth of elbow grease over the last 50 years… hopefully I can still give a bit more. 😜👍 I’m sure Dad would approve, but he’d still ask, ‘Does it go any faster or handle any better?’ 😀

 

I wouldn’t be travelling all this way without the wonderful invitation from the Westmorland Motor Club to do a few parade laps. And in truth, without getting the thumbs up from my neurologist — and of course Becky 😄 — this new chapter wouldn’t be happening at all. 🙏❤️

I was looking forward to Sunday… probably the most expensive couple of laps of my career so far 😱 — but worth every penny for another chapter with the old girl.” 🇬🇧🇪🇸

A Day to Remember

What a truly wonderful and unforgettable day. The whole week had been special, but Sunday 10th May will stay with me for a very long time. It was emotional, special, and at times a little bittersweet, especially watching my class racing again without me 😒, but honestly, I don’t think I stopped smiling all day.

The new Helsington Scramble track was excellent: fast, flowing, and full of character, with two long straights that were unbelievably quick. Fantastic to watch…and even more incredible when I got my own parade lap during the interval. Only one lap unfortunately… a second lap would definitely have been quicker, which is probably why we only got one lol 😆

But for those few minutes, I was back where I truly belong, a feeling I honestly thought I might never experience again. Pulling on my body armour, boots, helmet, and all the gear brought back so many memories and emotions. There was a moment when I realised I never thought I’d wear them again, so underneath that helmet was one very happy, emotional, smiley Graham.

A massive thank you to the Westmorland Motor Club, Steve, Kim, Peter Geoff and the whole team for giving me this opportunity and allowing me my swan song…although hopefully not the final chapter just yet! Becky did mention the price for one lap though lol.

As always, the little Cheney Cub attracted plenty of attention, with lots of people stopping for photos, questions, and chats. That little bike continues to put smiles on faces, especially mine.

This wasn’t just a parade lap. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter, a new little adventure, and one I hope will keep me smiling for many months to come.

Thanks to Becky for the videos — although if you listen to the commentator, apparently “it’s all about me and the old girl!” lol 😆 Hopefully a more professional photographer managed to get a shot or two as well.

A special thank you to Becky, my doctors — both private and the teams at Sistema Nacional de Salud and the NHS — all the groups below, and everyone who has supported or helped me over the years, many of you without even realising it.
Thanks again to everyone ❤️

Race numbers and the years I used them:

• 81 = 1977–78
• 18 = 1978–1980
• 26 = 1994–1999
• 22 = 2000–2003
• 126 = 2004
• 50 = 2005–2006
• 514 = 2007 to the present day

Gallery: Throughout the Years…

Follow the Owner / Racer

Instagram: @graham.watson.514

More from Graham Watson…

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