Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E: Built for Competition, Fully Road Legal

Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E: Road legal endurance bikes built in collaboration with World Endurance Champions

Triumph makes some highly sought after motorcycles today. Even its newest (and the smallest) Speed 400 and Scrambler 400x have been quite a hit since their release. Now, Triumph has entered into the world of enduro riding with its first ever TF 250-E and TF 450-E motorcycles, that are developed in collaboration with World Enduro Champions. These are built for competition and completely road legal as well.

The 250cc and the 450cc - TF 250-E and TF 450-E - are built on an entirely new single cylinder engines and chassis platform, tuned for a dedicated enduro riding experience. What does this mean? To start with, Triumph says the suspension on both motorcycles is 10mm lower than its motocross bikes which enables better control and stability over various rough terrain. This, combined with dedicated tuning, ensures optimum handling and bump absorption while reducing pitch during cornering.

On both bikes, the KYB 48mm front forks are fully adjustable and provide 300mm of travel while the KYB rear shock absorber (compression and rebound adjustable) further adds 10mm to the wheel travel at 310mm. This is truly phenomenal. The impact of this frequency range can only be imagined in the right hands!

Complementing the customised suspension is the new aluminium spine frame with low centre of gravity, rigidity, and flex needed for thorough enduro riding. The chassis enhances quick reactions required in these conditions as well as overall handling dynamics. The frame is TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded for accuracy.

The engines, while in two different capacities, are designed to have more inertia (compared to Triumph’s motocross engines) which Triumph claims helps in tractability and more consistent power delivery necessary in continuously changing off-road conditions. Forged aluminium pistons as well as titanium valves have been used to handle stress of prolonged high-rpm use. Furthermore on the TF 450-E, components like rockers are DLC coated for higher durability under extreme stress.

Triumph has collaborated with Athena to develop customised engine management system for its two enduro motorcycles. Primarily there are two engine map settings; one for aggressive response and the other for calmer situations. Traction control is thoroughly optimised for dirt riding without compromising required power delivery in different situations. Then there’s launch control as well as a quick shifter for uninterrupted up and down shifts.

The TF 250-E and the TF 450-E are built to take on some extremely tough terrain and are meant to get dirty, but these motorcycles are also built premium. Braking components are a mix of Brembo and Galfer, the wheels are D.I.D DirtStar, there’s LED lighting, and the tyres are Michelin Enduro 2. Helping to keep the weight low is the lightweight polypropylene bodywork and these bikes are literally feather weight - the TF 250-E weighs 114.2 kg wet and the TF 450-E weighs 116.7 kg wet - that is ridiculously low! Both bikes have 8.3 litres of fuel capacity.

Enduro riding is generally done for longer duration over long trail sections. And although lots of time is spent standing, the overall ergonomics and seating still have to be comfortable. The Pro Taper handlebar has adjustable mounts for a tailored fit, the non-slippery Pyramid seat (which 955mm high) offers grip in both dry and wet conditions. Everything combined enhances control and comfort over prolonged distances in rough conditions.

Moreover, the TF 250-E and the TF 450-E are road legal and Triumph would assist in preparing these motorcycles for professional racing while meeting different competition standards.