Lowbrow Spotlight: Meet Emmi Cupp and Her Classic 1958 Triumph T20 Tiger Cub

Emmi’s Passion - From Her Childhood

Motorcycles have always been a big part of my life, even when I was too young to understand them. My dad, Jeremy Cupp of LC Fabrications, started tinkering with them as a hobby before I was born. Because this is a very expensive hobby he built his business LC Fabrications to help pay for it.

By the time we were all old enough to think it was the coolest thing ever, he had already built a couple of show bikes and even won best in show at a few motorcycle shows. This is how I was introduced to the motorcycle industry.

Emmi Cupp's Classic 1958 Triumph T20 Tiger Cub - B-side.

As kids we helped out where we could to support the family business. My brother and sister still hang around a bit and help where they can, but it's just not really their thing. This is not the case for me. In elementary school I was hanging around my Dad's machine shop a lot. Just getting comfortable and learning the basics of motorcycles.

When I got to middle school I started having "teen problems" as we all do and I kind of stopped showing up. It wasn't until I got into high school that I decided to hang around again. Upset with myself that I had wasted all that time doing dumb teen stuff instead of learning to work with my hands (which is obviously way better), I made it my goal to learn as much as I could from then on out.

Get your hands dirty and build something!

Classic Triumph Tiger Cub Build - Like Father Like Daughter

I just want to be a "Jack-of-All-Trades". During that time hanging back in the shop, my brother got a Yamaha dirt bike that he started riding around in corn fields. We've always had a little Honda dirt bike of my dad's but never thought to ride it. I guess I got kind of jealous of my brother's bike and him riding, so I asked to learn as well. Let's just say that once I got the hang of the clutch, I fell in love.

I started asking about the different brands and styles of bikes, and what they are known for. My Dad has always had a Triumph as his daily riding bike, so I decided that I wanted one of those too.

Jeremy teaching Emmi geometry of the frame and motor mounts.

The only problem with that is, I am pretty small. Like REALLY small. I didn't think I could handle a full size bike. My dad and I were talking one day and I mentioned "I wish they had a tiny Triumph". It turns out they do. Dad found a classic 1958 T20 Triumph Tiger Cub, just for me. He gave it to me for Christmas of 2019, and of course immediately decided to turn it into a show bike.

I started sketching and bringing him drawings, sharing ideas, asking tons of questions, until he decided to help me make it happen. I'm not gonna lie, there were a few rough patches along the way but I never once thought about giving up. I had decided that this was what I wanted to do.

Emmi testing custom tail light.

Obviously, there were a lot of Triumph engine parts to track down. Where possible, I tried to make as many of the other parts that were needed. Things like the key switch mount, heat shield, air filter, etc. Most of the parts that I couldn't make like the charging system, throttle housing, Vans Grips, key Switch, etc... were ordered from Lowbrow Customs.

A lot of custom bike parts are machined by LC Machine & Manufacturing (my Dad's other business) which supports us a lot, so I wanted to do return the favor and support Lowbrow. Aunt Tiny, as I call my bike, has been invited to multiple shows including Fuel Cleveland. Sadly, this was postponed till next year, but I am excited for the opportunity to bring my own build to the show in 2021!

Rock-n-Roll! Stoked the bike is complete!

Highlights:

More Photos:

1958 Triumph T20 Tiger Cub built by Emmi Cupp.

Classic lines.

Custom triple trees.

Check out that custom made sprocket!

Custom brake pedal.

Narrow!

This custom one off air cleaner with support bracket is so beautiful!

Custom exhaust tip.

Motor rebuilt and everything looking oh so fresh!

One classy looking bike!

Fork Shrouds and custom headlight mount!

Custom, one-off oil bag.

Aunt Tiny is skinny mini.

Front brake set up.

Custom tail light.

Custom one off gas tank.

Just a beautiful bike from all angles.

Leave a comment at the bottom of this article:

What is your favorite detail on Emmi's Triumph?

Do you have any questions you would like Emmi to answer? If so, post them in the comments!