Tiger ATV LTD

These differences can be used to identify liquid-cooled Tiger ATC's, regardless of engine size. It is worth noting that due to the hand construction of each machine, and consistent incremental changes, Minor variations plague the entire production run.

The first generation of Tiger ATC's are recognizable for their noticeably wider front ends, comparative to other companies. This included the triple trees, number plate, fender and wheel assembly. Other features identifying Gen One models include a “hump” on the gas tank, brass radiators, unique frame design and a diamond shape to the swing arm sidewalls. Rear fenders were unique as well, and were offered in blue.

Second Generation Tigers provides a more contemporary look, narrowing the front end, and visually aligning with other Sport ATC's of the mid-eighties. The radiator was now located on the left side of the machine and made of aluminum. The shroud is mounted below the gas tank. This iteration, manufactured in 1985, make up the bulk of Tigers production.

Third Generation Tiger ATC's most striking feature is dual radiators, mounted on both sides of the machine, with higher shrouds that, when attached, aligned to the gas tank. The rear Monoshock has also been relocated, now centered to the swing arm and frame. Otherwise, Gen Three machines are similar overall to Gen Two models.

The Tiger 80 was based on the KTM 80cc Minicycle, designed for youth racing, and utilized the KTM engine, Forks and Frame. The engines were modified to produce significant increases in horsepower, and the frames modified both to accept the three wheeled configuration and handle the added horsepower. In ATC form, it produced an incredible 23hp factory delivered. The machines featured blue bodywork, seat and frame, and a KTM engine. They were notable for having larger shocks and more travel than many full sized Sport ATC's, including the Honda ATC350X, the largest mass-produced Sport ATC.[2]

The Tiger Rotax Liquid cooled line of ATC's were all similar in design and application. Nearly all featured Machine Milled 6061 T6 Aluminum Triple Trees, 4130 Chromoly frames, Russell braided front and rear brake lines, Dual-Piston Gremeca Hydraulic Brakes, Hand Crafted Exhaust, Magura Controls, Fox Monoshocks, and Mitchell Aluminum wheels.[3] Body Colors varied, with first generation examples known to have Blue fenderwork and White tanks. Later models featured Blue tanks with white fenders, or all white bodywork. Seats may have been a dark blue or Red, depending on machine. Further complicating identification of models, the body work has been confirmed to be made of PVC or Fiberglass, and early radiator shrouds were made of aluminum. Seat pans can also vary, as Aluminum and PVC pans were used on models.

Machines featuring 125cc (Type 126 Rotax Engine), 200cc, and 250cc engines have all be verified, and numerous restored examples exist. In 2006, Tiger founder Peter Wood confirmed that 175cc machines were produced, but no examples remain. The Tiger 200LC was one of the more popular machines available from Tiger, due to the prevalence of the 200cc ATV racing class. Factory Riders on the Tiger 200 included Mickey Dunlap, Ricky Martin, and Rick Calendine, the last whom would take the checkered flag at the Libertyville National Ice Race and the Lake George Grand National Ice Championship.

The Tiger 500 was an Air Cooled 482cc sport ATC, utilizing a Rotax Type 486 engine. The machine featured many high-end accouterments, including a 40mm Bing carb and Bills Pipes exhaust expansion chamber. The chassis is similar to the liquid cooled models, but the engine cradle is 1 1/2” longer to accommodate the larger powerplant. As these ATC's were expected to be used for competition, the trikes did not ship with a Spark Arrestor or skid plates. Lights, Air Box, and secondary gas tank were options.[4]

In a 1985 review in 3 wheelers Magazine, the test rider praised the smooth power band and comfortable footpeg/seating ergonomics, but criticized the rear positioned kick starter.

One of the final machines produced, the Tiger Super 4 was a four wheeled Sport ATV that, like Tiger ATC's, featured a Chromoly frame, and in-house built body work. While literature suggested that both a 200cc and a 250cc version were available, collectors have only confirmed the existence of the latter model[5]. Featuring the same Rotax engine as the Tiger 250LC ATC, the radiator was mounted in the front 'nose' of the bodywork. Verified bodywork is Blue and White, and the seats are blue with an aluminum pan. In an interview with Mickey Dunlap, who doubled duty as factory racer and R&D manager[6], he confirmed that the front suspension components were utilized from a Suzuki 250 Quad Racer.

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