The 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 from United Kingdom was powered by a 649cc OHV twin producing 42hp at 6500rpm. Weighing 175.0kg (386 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS, hailing from Italy, by contrast offered 174cc of SOHC single power, delivering 17hp at 8500rpm. Tipping the scales at 112.0kg (247 lbs) with a top speed of 140km/h (87 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1950s bikes represent the golden age of British motorcycling and early Japanese innovation, with well-maintained examples commanding premium prices.
Specifications Comparison
| 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 | 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 649 cc | 174 cc |
| Power | 42 hp | 17 hp |
| Torque | 50.0 Nm | 13.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 175.0 kg | 112.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 188.0 kg | 122.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm | 1280 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.0 L | 12.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1956 Triumph Tiger T110's 42hp trumps the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS's 17hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is moderate for the 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 and very difficult for the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1956 Triumph Tiger T110
Born in 1956, the 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 is a 649cc twin-cylinder standard motorcycle producing 42hp from Triumph.
Full 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 Profile →About the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS
Introduced in 1956, the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS features a 174cc SOHC single engine producing 17hp, establishing itself as a notable racing machine.
Full 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS Profile →