Triumph makes progress on dirt bikes and TE-1 electric motorcycle

A pair of press releases from Triumph shed some light on these highly anticipated new bikes. (Cue the Monty Python “Get on with it!” clip.)

TE-1 electric motorcycle concludes prototype testing, final model reveal in July

Common Tread has covered Triumph’s electric motorcycle development from its concept sketches to sneak peeks of its test mules. Now, Triumph has announced that the TE-1 is ready to head to production with the final product to be unveiled on July 12. Triumph posted this short video to its YouTube channel showing the prototype on the dyno and briefly lofting the front wheel at the track. Give it a listen.

The TE-1 is co-developed with Williams Advanced Engineering, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick. Triumph has previously stated that the TE-1 test bikes used “a final drive system including transmission and Gates Carbon belt drive… Öhlins USD cartridge forks, unique prototype Öhlins RSU, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, and Triumph motorcycle control software.” Triumph's first full-size electric motorcycle is apparently positioned as an electric counterpart to the Speed Triple and Street Triple naked bikes.

Triumph CEO Nick Bloor is confident that Triumph can become a leader in the electric space. “Project Triumph TE-1 is one part of our electric motorcycle strategy, focused on delivering what riders want and expect from their Triumph, which is the perfect balance of handling, performance and usability,” Bloor said. The TE-1’s technical details will be revealed with the bike in July, so watch this space for additional coverage of the bike.

Off-road motorcycles in the works, Carmichael and Cervantes testing

Triumph’s secretive dirt bike development project is still underway. Back in February, Motocross Action spotted MX/SX legend and Triumph Factory test rider Ricky Carmichael at Anaheim, along with a few Triumph bosses eyeing up the competition. Triumph has already pledged to compete at the highest levels of dirt racing once the new models are released. Five-time enduro world champion Iván Cervantes joined Carmichael for a week of prototype evaluation and development at Triumph’s test facilities.

“For me, this is a huge moment,” said Cervantes. “We’ve tested the bike many times, but it was wonderful to ride with Ricky in person, and so satisfying to see how happy he is with the setup we’ve developed. We have made some very big steps and some very productive changes, and I’m very happy with where we are. I have worked for a long time on this project with an amazing team, who all share the same goal: to be competitive from the very beginning.”

“I have been incredibly impressed throughout the project, from my first test with the team in the U.S., and it's great to see how much progress they made to this point,” added Carmichael. “To see the masterminds at work, and the dedication and motivation from everyone has been absolutely incredible. The sky is the limit and I believe everyone's hard work on this project will mirror the level of the Triumph brand.”

“Together we share a single-minded ambition to launch motorcycles that are 100 percent capable of winning, that bring something new and different to riders in both worlds, that encompass all of Triumph’s expertise and capability, and that leverage everything Ricky and Ivan know about winning and developing bikes that deliver consistently race after race,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer.

Previous interviews and press releases referred to motocross and enduro models, but the latest official info mentions dual-sports. This suggests that at least one of Triumph’s new dirt models will be street-legal, which could give the new bikes added desirability in regions that require lights, a license plate, and other roadgoing equipment for access to off-road trails.

2022 will be a pivotal year for the Hinckley brand. Watch for more updates on these projects in future Common Tread coverage.