First look: Triumph TF 250-C & TF 450-C Cross-Country models
Triumph Motorcycles unveils two new bikes to its off-road line up with the cross country TF 250-C and TF 450-C models featuring tuned motocross motors, five-speed gearboxes, bigger tanks and handguards for GNCC-style racing.
Triumph say the new TF 250-C and TF 450-C XC models “blend motocross DNA with cross country resilience” and that they will go on sale this October but only in certain parts of the world: namely in the United States, Canada, France, and New Zealand (which strikes us as a slightly odd mix).
The TF 250 and TF 450 motocross models are the base bike here, tweaked for cross country with new settings in the KYB suspension, an 8.3 litre (2.2 US Gal) fuel tank give you the additional range over the stock X model, the same as the E enduro version. Plus, being based on the X model it has a five-speed gearbox with 13-48 final drive sprocket sizes, and additionally has handguards, a bash plate, side stand and an 18-inch rear wheel size.
Tweaked power curves
Both models have smoother, and more controllable torque curves compared to the 250-X and 450-X to make them more usable on technical terrain, although they mention the “explosive acceleration” is still there as you might want for XC racing.
Engine details include forged aluminium pistons, DelWest titanium valves, and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings to reduce friction and improve durability.
The 250cc four-stroke single claims 47.3 PS at 13,250 rpm and 28.3 Nm at 9,250 rpm, while the 450cc four-stroke single claims 62.4 PS at 9,500 rpm and 49.9 Nm at 7,000 rpm.
Triumph also detail the high-capacity clutch with hard anodised basket, Brembo calipers and master cylinders, Galfer brake discs, and a five-speed gearbox with quickshifter.
“Adapted” chassis
Triumph say the chassis has been “adapted specifically for the rigours of GNCC-style racing and long-format endurance events”. Their homegrown aluminium twin spar frame clamps onto what they label “refined for cross country” suspension settings and “rider-focused geometry”, with the same range of adjustment and tunability to suit riders and terrain.
Suspension components are KYB’s AOS coil type, with air-oil separation for consistent damping and precise handling. The bikes also come equipped with D.I.D DirtStar 7000-series black anodised aluminium rims on Triumph-designed hubs and Dunlop Geomax AT82 tyres.
Off-road spec parts list
Both new TF-C models arrive equipped with a selection of components and electronics for XC use and utilise the app to help owners control engine management, maps, launch assist, traction control, and a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts between second and fifth gear.
Additional features include ODI lock-on grips, ProTaper Evo MX Alloy handlebars, and an Exedy racing clutch for precise engagement under pressure, a Dell’Orto 44mm throttle body and Triumph’s ECU, developed in partnership with Athena, a TwinAir air filter simplifies maintenance.
Both models also feature 8.3L translucent fuel tanks, enduro hand guards, heavy-duty bashguards, and side stand, completing a package built for uncompromising cross country performance.
Covering all off-road bases
The cross country models are a new ground for Triumph’s off-road programme but one you could have expected. The GNCC Series in the US draws top talent and massive fan engagement, while Canada, France, and New Zealand also have thriving off-road communities and competitive cross country racing scenes.
Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud, says the TF 250-C and TF 450-C bring the same competitive edge as the motocross and enduro versions to cross country for riders in the US, Canada, France and New Zealand: “these new bikes are built to highest standards and have been through relentless development and testing to deliver race-winning performance in the most demanding conditions. We’re excited to see them compete at the highest level.”
Triumph has a global network of more than 280 specialist Motocross and Enduro centres across Europe, the US, Canada and New Zealand, providing expert sales, servicing, parts, and race support.
They also have a 24/7 online parts and accessories system which allows riders to order directly from the track with express delivery or click-and-collect options.
Prices
The new TF 250-C is available from $9,695 USD / $12,295 CAD, and the TF 450-C starts at $10,695 USD / $13,195 CAD. Orders can be placed now at Triumph’s Motocross and Enduro centres. More information: Triumph website.
TF 250-C SPECIFICATION
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION |
|
Type |
Single Cylinder 4-Stroke DOHC |
Capacity |
249.95cc |
Bore |
78mm |
Stroke |
52.3mm |
Compression |
14.4 |
Maximum Power |
47.3 PS / 46.67 HP (34.8 kW) @ 13,250rpm |
Maximum Torque |
28.3 Nm (20.9 lb-ft) @ 9,000rpm |
Fuel System |
Dellorto Throttle Body, Athena EMS |
Exhaust |
Single Silencer |
Final Drive |
13/48 |
Clutch |
Wet Multi-Plate Belleville Spring |
Gearbox |
5 Speed |
CHASSIS |
|
Frame |
Aluminium, Spine & Double Cradle |
Swingarm |
Aluminium Fabrication |
Front Wheel |
21” x 1.6” |
Rear Wheel |
18” x 1.85” |
Front Tyre |
80/100 - 21 |
Rear Tyre |
110/100 - 18 |
Front Suspension |
KYB 48mm Coil Spring Fork, Compression/Rebound Adjustment, 310mm Travel |
Rear Suspension |
KYB Coil, Compression Adjustment (High and Low Speed), Rebound Adjustment, 305mm Travel |
Front Brakes |
Brembo Twin 24mm Piston Caliper, 260mm Disc. |
Rear Brakes |
Brembo Single 26mm Piston Caliper, 220mm Disc |
Instruments |
Hour Meter, Multi-Function Switch Cubes |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS |
|
Width (Handlebars) |
836mm (32.9in) |
Height |
1270mm (50.0in) |
Seat Height |
960mm (37.8in) |
Wheelbase |
1492mm (58.7in) |
Rake |
27.4 ° |
Trail |
116mm (4.6in) |
Wet weight |
109.9kg |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
8.3 litres (2.2 US gal) |
TF 450-C SPECIFICATION
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION |
|
Type |
Single Cylinder 4-Stroke SOHC |
Capacity |
449.5cc |
Bore |
95mm |
Stroke |
63.4mm |
Compression |
13.1:1 |
Maximum Power |
62.4PS @ 9500rpm (45.9 kW) 61.6 H |
Maximum Torque |
49.9Nm @7000rpm 36.8 lb-ft |
Fuel System |
Dellorto Throttle Body, Athena EMS |
Exhaust |
Single Silencer |
Final Drive |
13/48 |
Clutch |
Steel Wet Multi-Plate Belleville Spring, Hydraulic Actuation |
Gearbox |
5 Speed |
CHASSIS |
|
Frame |
Aluminium, Spine & Double Cradle |
Swingarm |
Aluminium Fabrication |
Front Wheel |
21" x 1.6" |
Rear Wheel |
18" x 2.15" |
Front Tyre |
80/100 - 21 |
Rear Tyre |
110/100 - 18 |
Front Suspension |
KYB 48mm Coil Spring Fork, Compression/Rebound Adjustment, 310mm Travel |
Rear Suspension |
KYB Coil, Compression Adjustment (High and Low Speed), Rebound Adjustment, 305mm Travel |
Front Brakes |
Brembo Twin 24mm Piston Caliper, 260mm Disc. |
Rear Brakes |
Brembo Single 26mm Piston Caliper, 220mm Disc |
Instruments |
Hour Meter, Multi-Function Switch Cubes |
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS |
|
Width (Handlebars) |
836mm (32.9in) |
Height |
1270mm (50.0in) |
Seat Height |
960mm (37.8in) |
Wheelbase |
1492mm (58.7in) |
Rake |
27.4 ° |
Trail |
116mm (4.6in) |