Since Triumph’s entrance to the motocross and off-road riding world, their bikes have been nothing short of amazing. Using the same innovated design and testing methods that Triumph has been using for decades, these new bikes have launched their way into the market with sophistication and vigour. Back in March of 2024, Triumph released their all-new TF 250 X, and we at MXP were one of the first to test ride the bike at the famous Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville, FL. Instantly, this new bike became a favourite of ours, as the power and handling characteristics were outstanding. Next up was the TF 450 RC Edition, which we were able to test ride at the Triumph Factory Racing Training Facility in Georgia a year ago. Again, Triumph had done their homework with their all-new 450, and we really enjoyed riding the bike in the famous red Georgia clay. Thankfully, Triumph didn’t stop there as this past summer they introduced themselves to the Enduro market with their new TF 250 E and TF 450 E models. Two motorcycles tailor made for any type of trails you could encounter. Finally, one off-road segment of the market needed to be filled, so two weeks ago Triumph unveiled two brand new XC motorcycles with their 2026 TF 250 C and TF 450 C models.
The 2026 TF 250 C and TF 450 C are purposely built for cross-country riding and racing, and since they’re based off of the MX models, they come with the same premium components that we have come to expect from Triumph since their motocross inception 18 months ago. Some of the incredible items that make the Triumph TF models race-ready are Pro Taper Handlebars, ODI Lock-On Grips, Twin Air Filters, and for these two XC models, you’ll find superior Dunlop Tires on both the front and back. The rear tire is an 18-inch Dunlop AT82, the best tire in the business in my opinion, for the types of riding conditions you’ll be enjoying on this new bike. Also, both the TF 250 C and TF 450 C come stock with oversized 8.3 litre fuel tanks so riders will be able to enjoy tremendous fuel endurance on these two models. Before we get into the riding experience and how these bikes felt on the trails, here is an excerpt from the official Triumph PR that was released two weeks ago:
“Engineered to meet the demands of mass-start, multi-terrain cross country competition, the TF 250-C and TF 450-C are equipped with a premium selection of components and advanced electronics. Providing a competitive edge, both models feature app-controlled engine management, dual engine maps, launch assist, traction control, and a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts between second and fifth gear. These rider aids allow seamless adaptation to changing terrain and race strategy, enhancing confidence and control throughout every stage of the course.”
“Both models deliver smooth, controllable torque for technical terrain, linear power delivery for singletrack precision and explosive acceleration for high-speed racing. Forged aluminum pistons, DelWest titanium valves, and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings reduce friction and enhance durability. Lightweight magnesium covers and advanced cooling systems ensure consistent performance under pressure, making these engines as resilient as they are responsive.
“A high-capacity clutch with hard anodized basket, hydraulic Brembo calipers and master cylinders with Galfer discs, and a five-speed gearbox with quickshifter, provide seamless control and endurance. The narrow engine design improves brake pedal interaction, giving riders the confidence to push harder across varied terrain.”
As I boarded my plane in Toronto, I was extremely excited for the unique opportunity to do some trail riding on these new Triumph’s. The media all flew into Charleston, WV, met up for a detailed presentation on the new units, enjoyed a group dinner, and then we all got a good night sleep. Everything worked like clockwork on that first day, and during the presentation we not only learned all about the new bikes, but we also received an update on how Triumph as a company has been able to address a few of the early issues they had with their new MX models. Particularly with the clutch units on the TF 250 X. Trust me, no other OEM has been able to address and fix issues as quickly as Triumph has been able to in the past 18 months. Finally, during the latter part of the presentation we also learned in detail about the trail system that we would be riding the following day. West Virginia is a big State with a lot of inhospitable terrain, and as you most likely know, for a long time it was considered the USA’s largest producer of coal. Although, I’ve driven through WV several times, and witnessed the mountains lined with trees as far as the eye can see, when we were flying into Charleston (the State Capital), you really got to see up close that most of the State is filled with hills and trees. So with that mind, WV is a great place for off-road riding, and one of the best spots is the Hatfield-McCoy State funded trail system, located just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Inside the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system there are multiple trails for everything from ATVs, UTVs, and of course motorcycles. For this ride, Triumph chose the Tornado Trail System, that is designated for dirt bikes only. It had everything from wide track to single track, as well as just general tight woods riding, and the soil was made up of loam, rocks, roots, and just about everything in between. As you can imagine, WV is very proud of their vast trail network, and each year all levels of Government appear to be working together to expand, improve, and continue to use them as a popular tourism destination for riders from all over the USA, and Canada. Here is the link for all you want to know about the Hatfield and McCoy Trail System: Tornado » Hatfield-McCoy Trails
As we made our way out of the city and toward the Tornado Trial on the morning of the ride day, the rain was falling, and the temperatures were cool for mid-September in WV. When we arrived at the trail head, there was a large Triumph transporter with a fleet of new 2026 TF 450 C sitting in front of it. Each test rider had their own machine for the day so the first thing I did was grab one of the Triumph mechanics and together we set the bars, levers, and sag to how I like them. We then had a brief riders meeting to discuss how the day was going to work, as well as which trails within the Tornado system we were going to use for riding, and for photos throughout the day. After that, we all geared up, fired up the bikes for the first time, and headed out as a group for a sight lap. Thankfully, just as we released our clutches and started moving, the rain stopped, and we disappeared into the WV wilderness with clearing skies above us. The sight lap took about 15 minutes to complete and during that lap I was able to get my first glimpse of what we would be riding throughout most of the day. Since I am more of MX guy, at times riding off-road trails can be a little intimidating, depending on the terrain and conditions. However, as the years have gone by, I’ve become more and more experienced on how to handle all types of riding conditions, and how different terrain can affect the motorcycle. After riding at the famous Erzberg facility back in 2017, and also racing the Red Bull Outliers in 2019, I do feel confident that I can handle anything a track or a trail can throw at me. Still, during this opening sight lap last week in WV, I paid close attention to every rock, root, and steep slippery downhill that we encountered.
Just as I did last year when I first threw a leg over the Triumph TF 250 X, I instantly felt comfortable on the new TF 450 C. Since these new models are based on Triumph’s MX bikes, everything from the Pro Taper Bars to the ODI Lock-On Grips, to the frame are the same. Basically, the TF 450 C is the TF 450 X with softer suspension, an 18-inch rear tire, and different ECU mapping. So, as I traversed the Tornado Trial System my comfort level was high, and I had little trouble making the bike do exactly what I wanted it to. Although, the 2026 TF 450 C comes with multiple ECU maps that can be changed on your phone via the Triumph Connectivity App, I ran the ‘stock’ map for most of the day. I also tried the Traction Control that can be activated with a push of a button on the handlebars. Even though the trails were slippery for the better part of the day, due to all of the overnight rain, I ended up turning the Traction Control off as I felt it gave the throttle response a ‘flat’ feeling when it was on. As far as the suspension goes, I was impressed with the settings that Triumph and KYB came up with for these models. Both the forks and rear shock felt plush and compliant, without feeling slow and mushy on the trails. Other than making sure the sag was adjusted correctly (for this ride I ran 108mm of sag), I didn’t touch the suspension clickers all day long. Other than the handling characteristics and overall feeling of the new TF 450 C, the one thing I notice (and liked), was that in tight trails when I was riding slow and then RPMs were low, the bike didn’t have that tendency to stall out the way most 450s do. To me, this is a very important trait to have when it comes to an off-road bike as the last thing you want is for the motor to quit while trying to navigate a challenging tight section of trail. Whether I was riding fairly wide-open double-track trails, or tight single-track trails, the 2026 TF 450 C was a joy to ride, and honestly, I cannot think of one thing that I didn’t like about this new Triumph. This model would even work for a motocross rider who wanted a bike that they could ride both a MX track, as well as in trails. Even though the TF 450 C stock with an 18-inch rear wheel, the Dunlop AT82 has a stiff enough sidewall that you could use it on a MX track, and not have it affect performance.
As you can tell, I had a great day of riding in WV, and it only enhanced my admiration for this new line up of dirt bikes from Triumph. As a company they have sure done their homework when it comes to making these bikes extremely rider friendly. As far as price goes, the new TF 250 C is listed at $12,295 CDN, while the TF 450 C will be listed at $13,195 CDN. For a complete list on all of the features as well as the premium components that come stock on these new bikes, please visit the Triumph website at: Triumph Motorcycles | For the Ride
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone from Triumph for having MXP out to another media launch. With the addition of these new “C” models, Triumph now has multiple bikes in the motocross, enduro, and XC markets in North America, and this is all within 18 months.
