Triumph

2025 Triumph TF 450-RC Edition Technical Information

Triumph’s first 450cc motocrosser has RC’s personalized flair, sponsor details, digit, and GOAT logo.

6 hours ago

CaptionBack on home soil: Our production 2025 Triumph TF 450-RC Edition photographed at Fox Raceway.Jeff Allen

Triumph continues making strides in the off-road sphere. After initially debuting the TF 250-X in 2024, a production version of the 2025 Triumph TF 450-RC Edition finally arrived in the Dirt Rider garage, where we were able to take an even closer look compared to our initial reception. While 2026 sees the continuation of motocross models, as well as Triumph’s introduction into the enduro market (with both a TF 250-E and TF 450-E debuting shortly), we’re still squarely focused on the task at hand: Learning about the 2025 Triumph TF 450-RC Edition. Read on to find out more about the all-new bike, seeing as more insight has been gained as more laps have been ridden.

Back on home soil: Our production 2025 Triumph TF 450-RC Edition photographed at Fox Raceway.Jeff Allen

The heart of any good race machine is its engine. Triumph has been building motorcycles since 1902, with the introduction of a 2.2 hp Minerva engine. As measured on Dirt Rider’s in-house dyno, the 2025 TF 450-RC Edition peaks at 55.8 hp near 10,500 rpm.Jeff Allen

Overall, Triumph’s 450cc engine design is quite compact. This allows both the TF 450-RC Edition and TF 250-X models to share the same hand-welded aluminum frame.Jeff Allen

An akadized Hinson Racing clutch cover matches nicely with the matte gray cylinder head and ignition covers. A five-speed gearbox and wet multiplate clutch assembly perform best with Triumph Performance Lubricants full synthetic engine oil. New owner tip: Keep a close eye on the plastic engine oil fill cap, as it can come loose under heavy duress.Jeff Allen

The stainless steel header has an integrated resonance chamber, which keeps the TF 450-RC Edition’s exhaust note rather pleasant. Many test riders note a perceived water pump whirl over any odd sounds emitted by the exhaust. Said whirl subsides after appropriate break-in hours and an oil change, but is an interesting Triumph trait nonetheless!Jeff Allen

A compact and repackable muffler fits into the head pipe, attached by two subframe-mounted bolts and held forward with a single mid-mount spring. Not as barky as a majority of the competition, this exhaust system helps put the power down in a smooth and productive manner.Jeff Allen

Twin Air supplies the stock air filter, which is adequately oiled with its proven Bio Liquid Power. No tools are required to remove the black plastic side cover or air filter, and the air filter itself shares a part number with the TF 250-X.Jeff Allen

A 1.8-bar radiator cap comes standard. My only cooling system-related complaint is that the clear radiator overflow line vents directly onto the head pipe: An extra foot or so of hose would keep the engine cases and head pipe a bit cleaner…Jeff Allen

The TF 450-RC Edition features an electronics suite that rivals modern 450cc competition. Launch control (LC), quick shift (QS), traction control (TC), and two engine maps (M) are selectable when riding for convenient back-to-back trackside testing. ODI clamp-on grips and reusable rubber wire-ties are a nice touch for any bike, let alone a first-year model.Jeff Allen

Engine start (smaller, gray) and stop (larger, red) buttons on the right side of the handlebar, with an indicator light at the top of the switch. The Domino throttle assembly and Brembo controls are all adjustable via Torx hardware.Jeff Allen

The 5mm fork height is the standard setting, right at an engraved line in the upper fork tube of the KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring components. Fork compression damping adjuster is in the center of the top cap, while the air bleed screw is barely detectable in this photo toward the front of the cap. The 5.0 Nm fork springs come standard, compression at 14 clicks (out from fully closed) and rebound at 12 clicks.Jeff Allen

KYB componentry in the rear as well. Shock preload is adjustable via the two aluminum lock rings, found on the threaded shock body at the top of the spring. This shot also showcases the intricacies of the aluminum frame: The hollow hole where the shock joins the frame’s backbone, casting cutout near the engine hangers—it’s all by design.Jeff Allen

A light brown 17mm nut is the high-speed compression damping adjuster, while the inset silver screw is the low-speed compression damping adjuster. Small adjustments can yield impressive results, so proper tuning and note-taking is always advised. Standard settings are 1.25 turns for high-speed compression and 14 clicks for low-speed compression.Jeff Allen

Shock rebound damping adjuster can be found down low on the clevis, above the linkage arm. Stock rebound setting is 12 clicks. Hollow linkage bolts contribute to the TF 450-RC Edition’s lighter-than-average wet weight of 242 pounds, as measured by our automotive scales.Jeff Allen

A dark gray 58 Nm shock spring contrasts nicely with the aluminum engine cases and brand-new light yellow shock bumper. The cast portion of the TF 450-RC Edition’s swingarm features the Triumph logo, just in front of the black mud flap. While 105mm of sag is recommended on the TF 250-X, Triumph specifies 102mm as the baseline for the TF 450-RC Edition (which is listed on page 69 of the owner’s handbook).Jeff Allen

The TF 450-RC Edition’s engine mounts differ from the hollow versions found on the TF 250-X. Cast then machined to dimension, they are secured to both the frame and cylinder head with Torx bolts. Choke knob is located above the left-side engine hanger, while the yellow idle adjust is found below said engine hanger and at the base of the Dell’Orto 44mm throttle body.Jeff Allen

Miniature in-line fuel filters can be changed by releasing this yellow clip and connector. The spark plug and cap are located directly in front of said connection, angled for proper clearance.Jeff Allen

The swingarm has more detail than initially meets the eye. Tapered with varying angles, the Cometic Gasket swingarm sticker fits the body lines perfectly.Jeff Allen

Brembo supplies the two-piston front brake caliper, while a steel-braided line and Galfer 260mm front rotor can get the TF 450-RC Edition stopped in a hurry. Front wheel axle nut (or spindle nut, as Triumph calls it) torques to 60 Nm. If front disc protection isn’t your thing, Triumph includes an optional axle collar to remove the protector entirely. It’s included in the Triumph new owners welcome bag, along with an Xtrig holeshot device, closed-off airbox cover, and clear KYB fork stickers. #NiceTouch!Jeff Allen

Polished hubs, two-cross double-butted spokes, and a brand-new solid Galfer disc gleam in the California sun. Inner and outer front axle bolts (or wheel spindle clamp bolts, as Triumph refers to them as) torque to 19 Nm.Jeff Allen

Brembo single-piston rear brake caliper, Galfer 220mm disc, and steel-braided brake line. Uniquely Triumph, 12mm and 13mm wrenches are required to adjust the rear axle adjuster bolts and nuts. Also, I found it easier to measure off the back of the axle block to swingarm rather than utilize the hard-to-see drilled axle block markings…Jeff Allen

Side view of the rear axle placement markings and also the swingarm taper, which narrows as it nears the axle. Rear axle nut torque is 120 Nm.Jeff Allen

JT Racing black aluminum rear sprocket (48-tooth) and 114-link non-O-ring D.I.D chain. Initial testing has found that a 13/50 gearing configuration combined with a 116-link chain improves both the chassis and engine character immensely.Jeff Allen

Two-bolt lower chain guide affixed with, you guessed it, Torx hardware. Triumph uses a symmetrical rear axle, rather unique. Also, another good angle of the swingarm contour.Jeff Allen

A Dunlop Geomax MX34 rear in 110/90-19 sizing is a smaller profile than many standard 450cc motocross bike tires, which more commonly utilize 120/80-19 sneakers. The 110/90-19 works well on the TF 450-RC Edition, and differs from the Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid Soft tires that come standard on the TF 250-X. Triumph could have spec’d Pirelli tires on the TF 450-RC Edition as well, for even lighter curb weight and at potential cost savings, but Ricky Carmichael himself called for both the Dunlop Geomax MX34 design and 110/90-19 sizing.Jeff Allen

Aggressive footpeg cleats, hollow profiling, along with tapered footpeg brackets keep mud packing to a minimum. While difficult to see in photos, a slight camber ensures riders remain locked into the Triumph chassis.Jeff Allen

An hourmeter comes standard, and the display is always viewable. Also located behind the front number plate, an included Wi-Fi Module Kit (part No. A9820130) allows for communication with Triumph’s MX Tune Pro smartphone app. Map 1 remains a standard/stock baseline, while map 2 is programmable within a list of 10 supplied parameters. Without alteration, an RC map comes set as standard in the second map.Jeff Allen

RC-inspired graphics, ODI Podium Flight MX RC4 Signature handlebar, ODI lock-on grips, Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires, Hinson Racing clutch cover, pleated seat cover, and front disc guard are some of Ricky Carmichael’s must-haves.Jeff Allen

Interestingly, graphics on the TF 450-RC Edition vary between sublimated designs and traditional stick-on graphics. The radiator shrouds, rear fender center, fork guards, and side panels are molded into the plastics, while the front fender, front number plate, swingarm, smaller TF 450-RC Edition side panel logo, and rear fender sides are removable.Jeff Allen

Beautiful in person, this second look revealed a couple of differences between our initial Georgia test unit. Gone is the introductory 13/49 gearing ratio, along with the preinstalled Xtrig holeshot device. It’s still included with your new owner’s Triumph booklet, but I was simply surprised to receive our SoCal test unit without it preinstalled. For a first-year model, Triumph deserves a pat on the back. Our testbike has surpassed 10 hours, and it continues to improve through break-in. In 2025 $10,995 buys you a lot of bike; it’s a good time to be alive!Jeff Allen

2025 Triumph TF 450-RC Edition Specs

MSRP:	$10,995
Engine:	SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	450cc
Bore x Stroke:	95.0 x 63.4mm
Compression Ratio:	13.1:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	55.8 hp @ 10,500 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	32.1 lb.-ft. @ 6600 rpm
Fuel System:	Dell’Orto EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Double-cradle aluminum
Front Suspension:	KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	KYB shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX34; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Trail:	27.4°/4.6 in.
Wheelbase:	58.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	N/A
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	38.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.8 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	242 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	triumphmotorcycles.com