So I rode the new Triumph TF-450 RC Edition with all of the other media a couple weeks ago. If you’re interested in this bike I am sure you watched all of the videos that are out, but you still want more? I get it. I understand. Let me walk you through some commonly asked questions that I have been getting about the new Triumph TF-450 RC Edition. You guys love comparisons so we tried to predict the future on which comparison questions I will get the most. This RC Edition doesn’t land in dealers until February but maybe this can help guide you on what you want to purchase in 2025.
What Does The Triumph TF-450 RC Edition Compare To On The Track?
What’s funny is everyone wants a comparison or a similarity to another machine but quite frankly the TF-450 feels like its own machine when sitting or riding it. It does have some similar parts that are shared with other brands but on the track it just doesn’t feel like another bike. I have had plenty of time on this machine compared to other bikes and the Triumph has it’s own feel when riding. The rider triangle is roomy yet comes with a nice RC Edition ODI handlebar bend that fits a wide range of riders.
How Does The Engine Stack Up Against Other 450s?
The Triumph engine builds RPM’s smoothly and climbs into a very powerful mid top end pull. If you want “comparisons” like I know you do, I will play along. The engine has a smoother roll on power like a KTM yet climbs longer than its orange competition. The Triumph has a freer spool up feel (lighter crank mass feel) like a Yamaha but doesn’t provide as much hit or excitement down low. In other words, it’s a smoother roll on power out of corners that transitions to an engine feel that you better be ready for once out of the corner (mid range). It’s a very connected roll on throttle feel with minimal engine braking (off throttle). The engine can feel a little lazy below 5000 RPM but what’s nice about the Triumph engine is for a smoother type of roll on power, it has a nice amount of recovery (AKA, getting back into the meat of the power) if you’re lugging it too much. One fan of the clutch and the engine comes back into the meat of the power fairly quickly (similar to the YZ450F). I will say if you’re on a very tight track and you’re below 5000 RPM it can get a little lazy feeling (engine feel) which can lead to a lethargic/quiet sensation out of the engine. The Triumph is super quiet as the muffler is up to date on the new FIM sound spec. Having a muffler that is very minimal on sound can lead to a perception of a too smooth feeling low end. To me, if you’re looking for an in-between from the Yamaha and the KTM engine character, the Triumph slots right in the middle.
Is The Chassis Rigid Feeling?
Remember this is a “FEELING”. I am not an engineer nor am I the smartest guy in the room, but I can feel a dirt bike around the track fairly well. The Triumph DOES NOT have a rigid feel. This is the first time in a LONG time that a chassis from a manufacturer hasn’t felt too rigid to me around a rough track. The new crop of 450s have been going stiffer with their chassis’ (except for KTM group) and although some have gotten better (like the Honda) they are still on the stiff feeling side when riding. The Triumph has a nice blend of cornering ability and stability that allows the rider to push more on the edge of tire. This is a welcome feeling. The Triumph does vibrate more than the Yamaha but feels much better through the handlebars and feet compared to the Kawasaki. The Triumph has good front end feel and still can be steered around with the rear if need be.
How Does The Suspension Compare To The YZ450F?
The KYB suspension on the Yamaha still has more comfort but the fork also rides lower in the stroke off throttle. The Yamaha has a heavier off throttle sensation compared to the Triumph. The Triumph has a slightly better balanced feel off throttle but the Yamaha still takes the cake for most comfort from the suspension. The Triumph is a little soft out back when loading the bike heavy (end stroke feel). The Triumph also can feel front end tall for some riders on throttle so dialing in fork height is key on the Triumph in order to get the correct front end lean angle grip for you. The KYB suspension isn’t a copy paste replica of the YZ450F but it does have similar characteristics when it comes to bump absorption. The YZ450F just picks up all the small chop, square edge as well as slap down landings a little better than the Triumph does.
Does The Triumph Feel Light?
YES! But there’s a caveat. If you’re below 5000 RPM the engine could use a little more pick up and that could make the bike feel lighter in that situation (if it had a little more low end RPM response). This is something that can be fixed via an aftermarket muffler (like an Akrapovic) but in stock form this bike is easy to lean as well as whip around the track. Being that the Triumph is slightly below 240 pounds wet, it invites you to start your lean earlier, stand up longer in corners as well as throw a nice carve up a jump. Being that it comes with a spring fork and it is this lightweight is great news to all you moto dietitian freaks out there. 
Is It A Good First Year Machine?
YES! Absolutely. Look, I am not going to sit here and type all of this out to try and BS you about what to buy. That will be up to you, but I think the Triumph is a viable option for someone that is looking for an easy to ride 450 engine character with a chassis that has a blend of stability and cornering ability. I understand the “first year bike worries” some of you have, so that will be up to you if you feel like jumping off that cliff, but hopefully I can get a TF-450 RC Edition (before they are available) to put through some type durability program so I can check to see how well it can take some abuse in order to ease your minds some. Triumph, can we make this happen?
Where Would Have The Triumph Ranked In 2025 Shootouts?
Oh you guys love shootouts don’t you? I mean if there is a ranking, you all love it! I don’t have a crystal ball but from the bikes that I have ridden so far I think it’s in the top three for sure. If you were to pick a track and pick a winner for individual areas of that track, I think the Triumph wins in some areas and gets top three in some areas. (For example my top three is Yamaha YZ450F, KTM 450 SX-F, Triumph TF-450 RC) All of the bikes are great but some cater to some riders better. All of the new bikes have strengths and weaknesses, you will have to decide what type of rider you are and what you want from your new bike. You need to figure out your weaknesses as a rider and get a bike with those types of strengths. That’s the key to getting a great purchase! Triumph just gave us another option in the world of new MX machines, which is awesome for us consumers. The TF-450 has a wide range of function around a motocross track for a first year machine. Is there things that can be improved? Sure, but we can say that about every bike as well! I for one am excited to go race one in 2025 to see where it stacks up against other colored bikes in my shop!
If you have any questions about the Triumph TF-450 RC Edition please email them to me at kris@keeferinctesting.com and I will be happy to help as much as I can.
