Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E Test 2025

About a year after unveiling its first motocross bikes, the traditional manufacturer is presenting its first sport enduros with two four-stroke models. Even though the basis is the same as with the MX bikes, these are still thoroughbred enduro machines and not "crossers with a headlight mask". From the very beginning, the enduros were part of the development concept for the English brand's sport off-roaders. Four-time enduro world champions Ivan Cervantes and Paul Edmondson played a major role in the development, aiming to create bikes that would satisfy a wide range of riders, from hobby pilots without competitive ambitions to full-blooded racers at the highest level.

The engines of the TF 250-E and TF 450-E were designed without compromise for enduro use. The 250 produces 42.3 hp peak output with 27.8 Nm of torque and is meant to deliver plenty of riding pleasure in all situations thanks to a strong midrange combined with a high willingness to be revvy. At 59.3 hp and 49.3 Nm, the focus on the 450 was placed on good controllability of power delivery. The cylinder head, throttle body, ports, valves, ECU and mappings were designed and tuned to off-road demands. The crankshafts, with 30 and 34 percent more inertia respectively, differ significantly from those of the crossers. The forged König pistons, despite a high compression ratio, have a service interval of 90 operating hours - twice as long as on the MX models. Both machines feature a 6-speed gearbox and stainless steel exhaust systems with enduro tuning. Radiator fans are fitted as standard.

The frame is the same as on the MX bikes, apart from an additional steering lock and a mounting flange for the side stand. However, with a 48mm KYB fork that's 1 cm shorter and a swingarm that's 1 cm longer compared to the MX bikes, a different geometry and optimal off-road riding performance are achieved. The steel springs are set up softer for more riding comfort over stones and roots, and the damping setup has been adapted for enduro use. The 250 uses the same Neken triple clamps as its MX sibling, while the 450 got its own. As is typical for enduro bikes, an 18-inch wheel is fitted at the rear and a 21-inch wheel at the front. As the first bikes ever, the Triumphs come fitted with the new Michelin Enduro 2 tires as standard. The final drive ratio, at 13 to 51, is shorter than on the MX models. The TF 250-E weighs 114.3 kg, while the TF 450-E tips the scales at 117 kg.

Top quality was the priority when it came to components: in addition to the parts already mentioned, Brembo brakes and a hydraulic clutch, Galfer brake discs and Pro Taper handlebars with odi Lock-On grips are used. Large 8.3-liter tanks provide the necessary range. Powerful LEDs in the headlight mask and taillight provide plenty of light. Hand guards, an extensive enduro engine crash bar and a multifunction display round out the overall package. The electrically switchable riding aids known from the crossers, such as launch control, quickshift function, traction control and two mappings, have likewise been specifically tuned for enduro demands. Available as optional accessories are Akrapovic slip-on silencers, a seat that's 20 mm lower, linkage protection, as well as the WiFi module, which allows an additional six mappings to be pre-installed via the smartphone app.

Both machines impress with a very well-balanced chassis that can be ridden both very nimbly and stably on fast sections. Compared to the MX models, the altered geometry is noticeable, but absolutely suited to the demands of off-road riding and special tests. The KYB suspension also gives the rider a lot of confidence, even though the fork on the TF 450-E is set up somewhat on the soft side. The 250 engine impresses with plenty of grunt and pull in the midrange, which makes the TF 250-E easy and quick to push through off-road and special tests. At the same time, you can also wind out the gears and let the engine rev high without the drive petering out. The 450's engine is a very controllable powerhouse that, in the softer mapping, doesn't overwhelm even less experienced riders. The differences between the standard mapping and the softer one are noticeable, but not too far apart. The soft mapping gives both displacements a somewhat gentler, more energy-saving power delivery, which is excellent for singletrails and off-road riding, while the more aggressive mapping is ideal for fast riding. The traction control can be switched on when needed and supports the rider well without cutting in too aggressively. Only the quickshift function, which is supposed to allow shifting under full load without the clutch, didn't work well in every riding situation, and sometimes the next gear wouldn't engage under hard acceleration. Fundamentally, though, the function is a good idea, and the criticism should be seen as "complaining at a high level". The ergonomics of the black enduros suit all body sizes well, and you can move around smoothly on the bikes. The fitted components also work flawlessly.

Triumph's market entry into the sport enduro sector has been a success. Both models are thoroughbred competition enduros and meet the demands posed by stones, roots, climbs and descents, tight singletrails, as well as fast special tests on meadows or with jumps and whoops. The TF 250-E and TF 450-E should count among the top contenders in enduro sport right from the start. The TF 250-E is available in Germany for 10,995 euros plus additional costs, and in Austria including additional costs and NOVA for 11,295 euros. The TF 450-E costs 11,595 euros in Germany and 11,995 euros in Austria.