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After a class-leading series of teasers, Triumph has now revealed full details of what it claims will be its class-leading motocross race bike, the TF 250-X. And that's just stage one in Triumph's plan to make a landscape-altering entry into the competitive world of motocross.
Triumph's unveil video below, complete with the annoying music that is the industry standard in motocross videos, takes the theme of "all in," and that doesn't appear to be exaggeration. On top of making the commitment of personnel talent and financial investment to enter an all-new segment that is both highly competitive and fairly crowded with well established competitors, Triumph also brought in proven talent to run the teams that will race the new TF 250-X next year in the SuperMotocross series in the United States and the MX2 class in MXGP as well as making Ricky Carmichael, the GOAT, the public face of the project. The same approach was taken with the motorcycle itself, using quality components and turning to all the available tricks to make it competitive.
For example, the engine has an aluminum piston, titanium valves, and magnesium covers for light weight and an all-titanium Akrapovič exhaust system is available as an accessory to shave more poundage. The 249.95 cc single bolts into an aluminum chassis. Unsurprisingly, Triumph hasn't stated any claims about power output, but it does say that the new engine and lightweight components result in "class-leading" power-to-weight ratio.
Brembo brakes, KYB suspension, and an Exedy clutch are other components Triumph has selected for its first motocrosser.
"We are focused on delivering the most complete package for any riding level, from champion to amateur," said Steve Sargent, Chief Product Manager for Triumph.
Triumph has said it plans to follow up its 2024 racing debut in the 250 class with an entry in the premier 450 class. That really does sound like "all in," for a company that has so far only built street motorcycles and some adventure bikes that may see dirt but are miles away from a lightweight motocrosser. Triumph jumps into a pool that's already filled with some very experienced sharks. Not just the Japanese brands, but also strong entries from the KTM conglomerate. And the competition will only increase, as Ducati has also announced plans for a motocross bike, though it is on a less aggressive timetable, starting next year with the Italian domestic championship instead entering at the world championship level.
With an MSRP of $9,995 in the United States, the TF 250-X costs more than the KTM 250 SX and significantly more than its direct Japanese competition. Those brands have a proven track record, too. Plus, the bike won't be available until "late spring 2024," according to Triumph, which may be too late for a lot of amateur motocross racers to consider it for the coming season. On the positive side, Triumph is increasing support through dealers that will specialize in off-road products and service, and there will also be a new parts and accessories system optimized for mobile, so if you're at the track and down because of a broken part, you can at least theoretically order what you need by express delivery and get back in the game.
Whether all this effort will be enough for Triumph to break into the motocross ranks is an open question. It's definitely a gamble, one that a company that has already proven itself in the street motorcycle market didn't have to take on. I think it's going to be fascinating to watch it play out.
| 2024 Triumph TF 250-X | |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $9,995 (U.S.); $11,495 (Canada) |
| Engine | 249.95 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Five-speed, chain |
| Claimed horsepower | NA |
| Claimed torque | NA |
| Frame | Aluminum spine |
| Front suspension | KYB 48 mm fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 12.2 inches (310 mm) of travel |
| Rear suspension | KYB shock, adjustable for high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping; 12.0 inches (305 mm) of travel |
| Front brake | Brembo two-piston caliper, 260 mm disc |
| Rear brake | Brembo single-piston caliper, 220 mm disc |
| Rake, trail | 27.4 degrees, 4.57 inches (116 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 58.74 inches (1,492 mm) |
| Seat height | 37.8 inches (960 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 1.85 gallons (7.0 liters) |
| Tires | Pirelli Scorpion MX32 80/100-21 front, 100/90-19 rear |
| Claimed weight | 229.28 pounds (104 kg) |
| Available | Late spring 2024 |
| Warranty | No warranty for use in competition |
| More info | triumphmotorcycles.com |
