General Information · 03-12-2025
When Triumph announced its return to dirt competition, first with motocross and now enduro, the industry expected big things. The British brand has a long heritage on and off road, but an all-new enduro 450 is another level entirely. The TF 450-E is that statement bike: purpose-built from the ground up, carrying Triumph’s engineering DNA and a clear ambition to take on the best in the world of enduro racing globally, not just in the UK.
Our test was staged at Star Glen Lodge in Bonnie Doon, Victoria, surrounded by rugged hills, grass tracks and a single trail carved through the bush. It was a fitting proving ground. After a night of heavy rain, the test loop was churned into greasy clay and slippery ruts. Conditions that make bikes misbehave. Conditions where you can’t fake performance.
In the flesh, the TF 450-E looks like a factory racer. The aggressive plastics and razor-edged bodywork are slim and minimal. The magnesium engine covers and black anodised D.I.D DirtStar rims add a premium feel. Triumph has clearly sweated the small details, every weld, every fastener, every surface looks finished.
At 117.5kg wet, with an 8.3-litre tank and ADR compliance, the TF 450-E sits right in the sweet spot for serious enduro machines. Ergonomics are slim and neutral, giving you room to move forward for technical climbs or shift rearward for descents. The Pro Taper EVO ‘bars and ODI grips feel natural from the moment you climb aboard. Fire the engine, and the note is deep and purposeful. Triumph fitted a side-resonator in the silencer to tame volume without neutering the character. It has that classic 450 thump but delivered with a refined tone.
The Bonnie Doon course was a brutal mix of freshly cut grass track, creek crossings, slick clay climbs and a tight single trail. It was the kind of loop that forces you to use every aspect of a bike’s performance. From the first sighting lap, the 450-E showed its intent.
The motor is the star. Triumph deliberately gave the enduro version more flywheel inertia than the motocross TF 450-RC, broadening the torque curve and calming delivery. Instead of a light-switch hit, you get a long, tractable surge of torque that digs in from down low and keeps pulling. It’s smooth, predictable and confidence-inspiring.
On steep climbs, the TF 450-E made me look like a better rider than I am. The torque simply carried me up and over, even when traction was patchy. On descents, engine braking and progressive Brembo stoppers gave me full control, letting me pick my line rather than wrestle the bike. Through tight bush singletrack, the throttle’s precision meant I could creep over wet logs or loft the front on command without drama.
The electronic suite is one of the most impressive in the class. Two engine maps are standard: Map 1 gives full performance, while Map 2 softens response for technical conditions. On the day, Map 1 paired with traction control gave the perfect balance of drive and control. Map 2 was a welcome safety net in the trickiest off-camber ruts.
The traction control system is particularly well-tuned. Rather than cutting power abruptly, it modulates just enough to keep the wheel hooking up. On wet grass and clay, that meant the difference between spinning out and carrying momentum. The quick-shifter is another game-changer. Being able to shift clutchless without rolling off the throttle kept the bike driving forward on climbs and technical sections, where any loss of momentum can mean stalling or dabbing.
Launch control rounds out the package, less useful on our test loop, but undeniably valuable in competition settings. For riders wanting even more fine-tuning, Triumph offers the MX Tune Pro app with six additional maps via an optional WiFi module. It’s a system that gives everyday riders plug-and-play simplicity while still offering adjustability for racers. The KYB suspension package is a standout. With 300mm of fully adjustable travel up front and 313mm out back, the fork and piggyback shock are tuned specifically for enduro.
On the Bonnie Doon loop, they delivered both plush comfort and firm control. Rocks, roots and ruts were soaked up without harshness, while faster hits on the grass track saw the chassis remain composed. The Brembo brakes paired with Galfer discs were equally confidence-inspiring.
The 260mm front offered strong bite with excellent modulation, and the 220mm rear allowed precise control on steep downhills. Even in the muddiest conditions, feel remained consistent. From the rider’s seat, the TF 450-E feels slim and manageable. The Pyramid gripper seat locks you in without being harsh, crucial when you’re wrestling slick conditions.
Standing position is natural, with the cockpit encouraging aggressive riding without fatigue. The Michelin Enduro 2 tyres impressed in the wet, digging in on climbs and finding grip on surfaces where you’d expect wheelspin. Triumph’s aluminium spine frame and twin cradle design delivers excellent stability at speed while keeping agility intact. Through the fast grass track, the 450-E tracked straight and felt rock-solid, yet in the trees it was happy to flick side to side.
In a category dominated by the likes of KTM, Husqvarna and Beta, Triumph could have played it safe with a derivative package. Instead, they’ve delivered something polished and competitive on first release. The TF 450-E feels as refined as bikes that have evolved over decades. The blend of torque-rich power, premium suspension, high-spec brakes and genuinely useful electronics makes it immediately competitive.
The big difference is in the feel. Where some rivals deliver an aggressive hit, the Triumph focuses on smoothness and tractability. It’s less about shock and awe, more about getting you further into the ride with confidence. For long-distance enduro or technical trail riding, that’s exactly what you want.
By the end of the day, plastered in mud and rain-soaked, I didn’t want to hand the key back. The TF 450-E had proven itself more than capable in some of the toughest conditions a test could throw at it. This is not just a motocross bike with a headlight. It’s a fully developed enduro machine with a strong, tractable engine, supple suspension, world-class brakes, clever electronics and quality finishing touches throughout. It’s ready for competition, yet friendly enough for riders tackling weekend enduro loops.
Bike test: Dan Thomerson Photography: Dean Walters
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