Triumph TF 250-X - The new star in mx bikes?

As we all know, you only get one chance to make a first impression, which was granted to 1000 Horsepower for the first official test ride of the new Triumph TF 250-X to Florida on the legendary Gatorback motocross track. However, it wasn't just the track that offered legend status, but also the people gathered on site. Because Triumph didn't just rely on its experienced engineers for its motocross project, but also enlisted the help of some of the greatest dirt bike heroes such as Ricky Carmichael, Jeff Stanton, Clement Desalle, Ivan Tedesco and Ivan Cervantes. Carmichael is known as the "GOAT" - the greatest of all times - in American motocross and supercross. Journalists around the world were eagerly awaiting the traditional forge's first foray into the mx bike market.

The development goal was clear: to enter the market directly at the top of the class and launch a bike with the most complete package for a wide range of riders, from beginners to world champions, and top performance in all respects. With this claim, you can already recognize the attitude that top athletes also display: you are not satisfied with compromises and reach for the stars.

The Triumph TF 250-X is powered by a potent engine at its core. The 250cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine features Dellorto fuel injection and a 5-speed transmission, delivering an impressive 48 horsepower. This lightweight and compact engine is designed to minimize user costs with a service interval of 45 hours. Starting the engine is effortless with the electric starter, and it can be customized with various electronic driving aids, including Quick Shift for clutchless shifting, two mapping options, Launch Control for optimal starts, and GET traction control. The default settings of these driving aids can be expanded significantly with the WLAN module through a smartphone app, available for an additional €250. In terms of pricing, the Triumph TF 250-X is priced at €10,895 in Germany and €11,195 in Austria. These bikes will be available at dealerships starting in May, with test rides possible through dealers starting in April.

The hand-welded aluminum frame of the TF 250-X is equipped with KYB's proven steel spring suspension, perfect for motocross racing. With a total weight of 104 kg when ready to ride (excluding the seven-liter tank), it is the lightest bike in its class. Premium components such as Brembo brakes, Galfer brake discs, a lightweight stainless steel exhaust, Neken triple clamps, and Pro Taper oversized handlebars with odi lock-on grips ensure top-notch performance. Thoughtful details include two air filter covers for easy tool-free changes, one with increased air supply holes and one closed for humid conditions. An hour meter is included as standard. The bike also features high-quality DID Dirtstar rims and Pirelli Scorpion MX32 midsoft tires.

Triumph has equipped the TF 250-X with impressive technology and a stylish design. The bold black and neon yellow color scheme, along with the sleek lines of the plastic components, give the bike a modern and aggressive appearance that mirrors its performance. The bodywork was designed with smooth transitions to provide ample freedom of movement and optimal contact points for the rider.

With the Triumph TF 250-X, the renowned motorcycle manufacturer enters the world of motocross bikes with a bang. It's like hitting a "hole in one" in golf: right on target, the first impression is a success! There was some skepticism beforehand: how well can a bike like this, developed from scratch, perform? But Triumph has achieved the feat and created an absolutely top-notch bike from the ground up that is definitely one of the best in its class. The bike leaves nothing to be desired and excels in all areas. The neutral balance and KYB suspension provide a lot of security and confidence in all riding situations, ensuring you always know what to expect in the next moment. The bike is very stable on fast track sections and easy to maneuver into tight corners. Additionally, the engine is powerful yet easy to handle. Its linear power delivery ensures strong acceleration at all times, while remaining manageable. Whether you're riding at low revs with plenty of torque, shifting up early, or letting the gears wind out for an extended period, the bike always propels forward. It's impressive how high the Triumph can rev without losing momentum. The electric riding aids also enhance performance. The Quick Shift function is impressive, making gear shifts even faster and eliminating the need to use the clutch, saving the rider energy. The powerful engine also reduces the need for frequent clutch use, making riding easier. In the smoother mapping, the engine responds more gently and doesn't rev up as dynamically as in the more aggressive standard mapping. However, there's no sense of the engine being restricted. The softer mapping might be the better choice for casual riders, while the aggressive mapping offers an edge for competitive racers. In the standard setting, the traction control intervened a bit too much for my liking in very slippery areas, but the app allows you to adjust the intervention level in ten steps. This enables riders to find their optimal setting. I recommend investing in the optional WLAN module for additional electric rider aid settings. The components such as brakes and clutch performed excellently and were easy to adjust. The bike's ergonomics were also impressive, accommodating both tall and shorter riders with ease.