2024 Triumph TF 250-X Review | First Look
Triumph Motorcycles has launched the new 2024 Triumph TF 250-X motocross bike. Recognizing that the 250cc motocross market is highly competitive, Triumph said it worked in close collaboration with racing champions Ricky Carmichael and Iván Cervantes to develop the 4-stroke competition model from the ground up, including a new engine, chassis, and electronics.
A network of Triumph dealers will offer sales, service, parts, and a new dedicated range of apparel, and the network will be backed by a mobile-optimized 24/7 online parts supply system, so owners can order for express delivery, straight from the track. Additionally, Triumph says that with the development of the bike, it is well-placed to begin its motocross racing program in 2024.
“The launch of the TF 250-X is the culmination of a significant commitment and investment from Triumph, to not just bring a totally new bike to the motocross world, but to deliver a winning performance,” said Steve Sargent, Triumph’s chief product manager.
“To achieve this,” he continued, “we are focused on delivering the most complete package for any riding level, from champion to amateur.”
As part of the Triumph TF 250-X development, the company developed an all-new performance racing powertrain. The new competition Single with DOHC is compact and lightweight, with a forged aluminum piston and titanium valves, and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The engine also has DLC low-friction coatings, lightweight magnesium covers, and an Exedy Belleville clutch.
Advanced engine management and tunability is complemented by the optional accessory MX Tune Pro app, enabling riders to use real-time user-selectable mapping, a real-time engine sensor dashboard, and live diagnostic functionality through a controlled and programmable engine management system.
The aluminum chassis has a lightweight, high-strength spine frame with twin cradles, designed for a balance of performance, mass, and flexibility. Triumph says the total weight of the bike, with a claimed curb weight of 229 lb, will see the TF 250-X set a new benchmark for the best ‘power-to-weight’ ratio in the category. It also delivers a high level of tunability to suit different riders and styles.
For suspension, the bike has KYB components, with a 48mm AOS coil fork adjustable for compression and rebound, forged and machined 7075-T6 aluminum triple clamps, and a three-way piggyback coil rear shock adjustable for rebound and both high- and low-speed compression. Travel is 12.2 inches in the front and 12.0 inches in the rear.
For stopping power, the bike features a Brembo 2-piston front caliper with a Galfer 260mm disc and a 1-piston rear caliper with a 220mm disc. DirtStar 7000 Series aluminum rims and machined aluminum hubs are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 mid-soft tires (21-inch front, 19-inch rear). Finally, Pro-Taper ACF carbon core bars and ODI half-waffle lock on grips complete the set up.
In addition to the specifications already included as standard, Triumph has worked with premium brands to create a dedicated range of competition accessories to further enhance performance and capability, including the following:
Akrapovič full titanium exhaust system
XTrig hole shot device
Athena LC-GPA launch control module with rider-selectable enhanced traction control and launch control settings and LED engine speed indicator
MX Tune Pro wi-fi module
Performance gripper seat and seat cover
Bodywork replacement kit
Starting in spring 2024, specialist Triumph Off-Road/Dual Sport dealers will begin carrying the new TF 250-X. These dealers will be fully trained to provide a comprehensive sales, service, parts, clothing, and race support experience that meets the needs and expectations of off-road riders.
This network will be backed up with a unique 24/7 parts and accessories supply system. Riders can select what they need, check availability and price, and place an order for express delivery, standard delivery, or click and collect from their local Triumph off-road dealer.
The 2024 Triumph TF 250-X will start at $9,995 in the Triumph Racing Yellow and Black graphics scheme, and orders can be placed now at Triumph’s new motocross dealers. For more information or to find your local dealer visit the Triumph Motorcycles website.
Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
Racing Pedigree Behind Triumph TF 250-X
Some of Triumph’s racing achievements include the Moto2 championship where Triumph engines have helped to transform the class, setting new Moto2 lap and speed records at tracks around the world. From factory World Supersport racing to multiple Supersport wins at the Isle of Man TT and the Daytona 200, the Triumph teams are focused on success.
Ricky Carmichael, one the greatest MX rider of all time, worked with the Triumph chassis and engine teams across the journey of scoping, prototyping, testing, and development.
“This is the bike that we set out to build,” Carmichael said of the TF 250-X. “When you talk about the chassis, the powertrain, the components – it’s the best of everything you could ever want. And whether you’re a professional rider or an amateur rider, you will not be disappointed.”
Iván Cervantes, five-time enduro world champion, five-time Spanish MX champion, and Dakar Rally finisher has also worked across the project with Triumph’s in-house teams to bring his experience to the Triumph bike development and prototyping.
Triumph Racing will be entering the prestigious FIM Motocross World Championship for 2024, competing with a factory supported program set-up in partnership with Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, one of the sport’s most experienced and successful team owners. Thierry will start his campaign with two of Triumph’s TF 250-X bikes in the MX2 class, supported by Monster Energy. The team will be managed by Vincent Bereni. Chizat-Suzzoni’s and Bereni’s past racing records include over 80 MXGP World Championship victories.
Clément Desalle, who joined the TF 250-X team as test rider, is a very experienced racer, competing at the highest level in the MXGP World Championship for 15 years. As one of the most consistent racers in the series, he claimed three Vice Champion finishes, was third in the World Championship three times and twice finished fourth. Finishing on the top step of the podium 23 times in his career, he was also crowned the Pro Open Belgian champion.
Triumph Racing’s U.S. SuperMotocross World Championship Team is headed up by Bobby Hewitt and team manager Steve ‘Scuba’ Westfall. They brought in a team that includes Dave Arnold, an industry AMA Hall of Fame legend for chassis development, and Dudley Cramond, who has over 25 years of experience building race-winning engines. The team will field the all-new TF 250-X motorcycles in the 2024 World Championship.
See all of Rider’s Triumph coverage here.
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