Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E: Built for the Real World
The Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E arrived in South Africa late last year without much fanfare. A few bikes were handed to local athletes, including Charan Moore, who rode the TF 250-E to an impressive result at last year’s Roof of Africa, winning the time trial and finishing a very respectable fifth in Silver.
Then things went a little quiet.
There was no great rush of media launches or opportunities to get some saddle time. Eventually, however, we received a call from Triumph Pretoria. They had both bikes standing on the showroom floor and wanted to know if we’d like to ride them.
Well… yes please.
We’re a dirtbike magazine, after all. And something new is always worth a ride.
The bikes were already well run-in when we collected them. Rather than heading straight for the rocks, we brought them back and set up a proper cross-country trail ride.
Because here in South Africa, the majority of dirtbikes sold aren’t destined for the starting gate. Most of us buy them to go riding.
So that’s exactly what we did.
A Trail Ride, Not a Race Test
This test wasn’t about finding out which Triumph was fastest or which one could put down the quickest lap. We wanted to know what these bikes are like on a proper day out.
What is the power delivery like? Is it a snarling race bike or something smoother and easier to manage? Are they comfortable after a full day in the saddle? How does the suspension work? And, most importantly, how usable are they when the stopwatch isn’t running?
After the lads returned from more than 100 kilometres of proper riding, we had a very good idea.
One other detail was worth noting: despite plenty of throttle stretching, both bikes completed the ride with fuel to spare.
Ergonomics and Comfort
After some basic setup to suit each rider’s preferences, both bikes proved comfortable and well laid out.
The ergonomics work particularly well for the kind of riding we enjoy. The handlebar position feels upright and natural when standing, while remaining relaxed when seated. The speedo is easy to read, the switchgear feels solid and the wide footpegs provide plenty of grip.
The seats deserve a mention too. Both bikes have well-made, grippy seats that are surprisingly comfortable when the ride stretches into a full day.
For trail riding, that matters.
Electronics and Riding Modes
The left-hand switch cluster gives the rider access to a useful collection of electronic features, including traction control, launch control, quickshifter and selectable engine maps.
There are some noticeable differences between the three map settings, but for our riding we simply selected the most aggressive map on both bikes and got on with it.
The electronics are there when you want them, but they don’t dominate the experience.
KYB Suspension and Handling
Both Triumphs use KYB suspension, and given how many manufacturers rely on KYB for serious off-road performance, that’s hardly a surprise. Brembo brakes supply the stopping power.
The suspension on our test bikes had already been set up for the riders who normally use them, so we weren’t working with a completely standard showroom setup. For the type of riding we were doing, however, our riders had no complaints.
Both bikes feel light and nimble on the trail, with the TF 450-E being particularly impressive for a bigger capacity motorcycle.
The 450 constantly surprised us with just how agile it feels. A big-bore four-stroke can sometimes feel like a lot of motorcycle to manage, but the Triumph carries its weight well and changes direction with far less effort than you might expect.
Smooth, Usable Power
Engine character is where both bikes really impressed us.
Both the TF 250-E and TF 450-E deliver smooth, linear power. In technical terrain, you can crawl along at walking pace in second gear and roll on the throttle without drama. There’s no need to constantly fight the engine.
That makes both bikes very user-friendly.
Of course, the throttle is still connected to your right hand. Twist it harder and both Triumphs are more than happy to get moving.
The faster sections of a trail are just as enjoyable. When the dirt opens up, 90 or 100 km/h comes easily, and neither bike feels out of its depth.
TF 450-E
Obviously, the 450-E is faster and more powerful than its smaller sibling. But what surprised us most was how manageable it is.
it is a bit stiffer and moreracey than the 250, but It isn’t the arm-stretching, constantly-angry 450 that can turn a relaxing trail ride into hard work. Instead, the Triumph delivers its power in a remarkably controlled way.
In fact, we were genuinely surprised by how forgiving the big Triumph is.
And we simply couldn’t get Kyle out of the saddle.
TF 250-E
The TF 250-E delivers impressive power of its own.
It’s strong, meaty and tractable, with relatively long gearing and a very usable spread of power. It doesn’t feel like a motor that needs to be revved endlessly to get going.
Instead, it delivers the sort of predictable, usable performance that works particularly well on South African trails.
Tristan spends his life on a 250, and he had a seriously good time on the Triumph.
The Verdict: Which Triumph Dirtbike Is Best for Trail Riding?
After a full day of trail riding, we walked away impressed by both bikes.
The Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E are genuinely enjoyable trail bikes. They’re smooth, quiet, cool-running, comfortable and easy to ride quickly—or simply cruise along at a relaxed pace.
Triumph has clearly done its homework.
For our market and the kind of riding most South African riders actually do, the TF 250-E is probably our pick. It’s fun, comfortable and has enough grunt and suspension capability for just about everything we’d want to throw at it on a weekend ride.
The TF 450-E, meanwhile, is perhaps the choice for the ‘Manne’ out there. But don’t mistake that for meaning it’s difficult to ride. In fact, it’s one of the most forgiving 450 trail bikes we’ve ridden to date.
We like ’em.
Now let’s hope Triumph does a bit more with them in South Africa.
The Triumph TF 250-E and TF 450-E are available through Triumph dealers.
