Since Triumph announced its return to the purest offroad, we have been waiting for the arrival of the Triumph TF 450. And the first version that we know of is, neither more nor less, than a special edition: the TF 450-RC Edition. As you well know, Ricky Carmichael has been involved in the entire development process, and now the multiple champion is honored by the Hinckley factory, seeing how such a special motorcycle becomes a reality.
It must be recognized that the Triumph TF 250-X has left a very good taste in the mouth and, perhaps for that reason, the wait to find out what its older sister was going to be like has been even longer. Now we know what the Triumph TF 450-RC Edition will be like, which will be the first 450 to reach dealerships before the standard model.
Even so, this version shares mechanics with the standard version and it is only some aesthetic details that will differentiate it from the production motorcycle. We also know that it will arrive at the brand’s specialized motocross and enduro dealerships starting in February 2025 and that it will have a price of €11,795.
We review the technical part of the Triumph TF 450-RC Edition
As for the technical part of the Triumph TF 450-RC Edition, which as we say will be shared with the standard version, we find a 450 cc SOHC single-cylinder engine that, according to the brand, offers strong power with minimal weight. We don’t know the numbers, but we do know that the engine has a forged aluminum Konig piston and DelWest titanium valves.
The combustion chamber is machined as are the intake ducts that seek to offer maximum performance. And everything seeks the highest performance and, also, good durability. An example is the rockers with DLC coating. Regarding the transmission, the standard quickshifter allows you to change from second to fifth without touching the clutch.
To finish off the engine section, we find electronic management that allows different parameters to be regulated and only the MX Tune Pro application is required. By the way, the Triumph TF 450-RC Edition includes an exclusive injection map that Carmichael himself has developed .
But not all of Triumph’s strong work focuses on the engine. The cycle part has also been very pampered. The central spine and double cradle aluminum chassis has been created seeking the necessary rigidity in competition, being as light and agile as possible. We also find top-level components such as KYB suspensions.
The front fork has a KYB AOS with air and oil separation system, while at the rear the shock absorber is three-way. Logically, both are fully customizable and configurable in compression, extension and preload to adapt to the needs of the moment.
The brakes are not far behind and it is Brembo who is in charge of the calipers and levers, while the discs are Galfer. DID is the brand that has dealt with the rims and Dunlop with the tires.
For all this and many more details that we will learn about, we can affirm that the Triumph TF 450-RC Edition arrives to mark territory from the moment it hits the tracks, which, by the way, was this weekend during the Motocross of Nations.
