The 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy from United Kingdom was powered by a 649cc OHV twin producing 40hp at 6500rpm. Weighing 170.0kg (375 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
| 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy | 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 649 cc | 174 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 17 hp |
| Torque | 48.0 Nm | 13.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 170.0 kg | 112.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 183.0 kg | 122.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 12.0 L |
| Gears | 4 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy's 40hp trumps the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS's 17hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy 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 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy and very difficult for the 1956 MV Agusta 175 CSS — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy
Introduced in 1959, the 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy features a 649cc OHV twin engine producing 40hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy 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 →