Triumph motocross bike revealed
Triumph’s boldest initiative since the brand was revived by Nick Bloor in 1983 has been revealed, with the TF 250-X motocross bike breaking cover. Developed entirely in-house by Triumph, with input from former off-road champions like Ricky Carmichael and Ivan Cervantes, the TF 250-X claims a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and the most complete specification package in the 250cc MX market.
All new from the ground up, the TF 250-X is the trailblazer for a range of off-road bikes from Triumph, with a 450cc MX model and enduro variants in both 250 and 450 capacities to follow later this year.
“The launch of the TF 250-X is the culmination of a significant commitment and investment from Triumph – to not just bring a totally new bike to the motocross world, but to deliver winning performance,” said Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Product Manager, Steve Sargent. “To achieve this, we are focused on delivering the most complete package for any riding level, from champion to amateur.
“This bike is 100 per cent Triumph, conceived, designed, developed and manufactured by our world-leading chassis and engine teams, with expert support from our racing champions. We started with a blank sheet of paper and began an all-new ground-up design, including a new engine, new chassis and new electronics.”
Performance Powertrain
Triumph describes the TF 250-X engine as an all-new performance powertrain that’s ultra-compact and super-light. The 249.95cc single features a 78mm bore and 52.3mm stroke, 14.4:1 compression ratio, electronic fuel injection and carbon low-friction internal coatings. The piston is made from forged aluminium, the valves from titanium and the engine covers from magnesium to reduce weight.
Outputs are not listed, but the 250 single, matched to a 5-speed transmission, features advanced engine management, with an MX Pro Tune app optionally available to allow allow the rider to make mapping changes and perform other diagnostic functions.
Lightweight Frame, Heavyweight Spec
The TF 250-X chassis is said to be unique, with the all-aluminium construction providing the optimum balance between performance, mass and flexibility. The configuration – spine type with twin cradles – helps keep the bike’s overall weight down to 104kg (wet), which Triumph claim is the best power-to-weight ratio in the 250cc class.
Bought-in components include KYB suspension, with 48mm AOS forks up front (in forged and machined triple trees) and a piggyback monoshock rear. Compression and rebound adjustment front and rear are standard (including high/low speed adjustment for the rear), with 310mm of front travel and 305mm at the rear.
The high spec continues with Brembo brake calipers (2-piston front, single-piston rear) on Galfer 260mm front and 220mm rear discs. The EFi system is from Dell’Orto and the clutch is an Exedy Belleville unit.
Wheels are DirtStar 7000 Series aluminium rims and machined aluminium hubs, fitted with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres as standard.
Other premium components include a Pro Taper handlebar and ODI lock-on grips.
Options Aplenty
In addition to a range of factory replacement parts, factory-approved accessories that’ll be available for the TF 250-X from launch include an XTrig holeshot device, an Athena LC-GPA launch control module with rider-selectable settings, MX Tune Pro WiFi module, an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system and Performance gripper seat and seat cover.
For the full Triumph motocross experience, a clothing range that’s been created in collaboration with Alpinestars, will also be available. This will include jerseys, nylons and boots, with enduro-specific apparel to follow.
Praise from the GOAT
Assisting Triumph’s engineering team during the TF 250-X’s development was Ricky Carmichael. A five-time AMA Supercross Champion and ten-time AMA Motocross Champion, Carmichael is widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). X Games gold medals and US Open SX wins are also in Carmichael's extensive resume, and he's been part of winning Team USA squads at the Motocross of Nations.
Carmichael signed on with Triumph Motorcycles in July, 2021, so has been part of the TF 250-X project for more than two years, lending his expertise in areas like scoping, prototyping, testing and development.
“The TF 250-X is an incredible bike,” Carmichael said at the official launch in November. “This is the bike that we set out to build. When you talk about the chassis, the powertrain, the components – it’s the best of everything you could ever want. And whether you’re a professional rider or an amateur rider, you will not be disappointed.
“I love this bike. It’s been such an honour to part of a project with such an iconic brand.”
Ready to Race
The TF 250-X will be blooded at the highest level - the FIM Motocross World Championship – this year. Triumph Racing are partnering with Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, one of the sport’s most experienced and successful team owners, in the factory-supported MX programme that’ll be known as Monster Energy Triumph Racing. Chizat-Suzzoni, along with Team Manager Vincent Bereni, will run the team, while the two-rider squad consists of Mikkel Haarup and Camden McLellan. The vastly experienced Clément Desalle will serve as test rider.
The first appearance of Monster Energy Triumph Racing and the TF 250-X in full race trim is scheduled for this year’s opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina on 10 March.
Triumph Racing will also compete in the 2024 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships in a squad managed by Bobby Hewitt and including the experienced Steve ‘Scuba’ Westfall, Dave Arnold, Dudley Cramond and Mike Brown. The rider lineup consists of Joey Savatgy (250 MX), Jalek Swoll (250SX East) and Evan Ferry (250SX East).
Australian Arrival
The TF 250-X is due to arrive in Australian Triumph dealerships from March, priced from $13,750. Orders are being taken now ahead of delivery, so see your Triumph dealer for more details.
