While I adore regular-old dirt bikes, i.e. dirt bikes sans headlights and brake lights and those meant for jumps and whoops and kicking Ricky Carmichael in the teeth, my heart lies elsewhere. Indeed, it's still dirt-based, but I'd rather have the freedom to literally go anywhere, any time. To live my Calvin & Hobbes dreams and get out and have an adventure.
Apparently, as does Triumph.
While the company launched its first-ever dirt bikes last year, the motorcycles didn't come with anything that'd really allow you to traverse any terrain at any time. They could go literally everywhere, but whether you wanted to head out into the woods in the early morning, or return late after dark, you were SOL as neither the company's TF 250 or TF 450 had headlights or brake lights. And that made sunrise or sunset running sketchy.
But that's all changed now with Triumph's TF 250-E and TF 450-E, the brand's first enduro models. They're still not street-legal, as in they don't have blinkers, but Triumph teased that might be coming soon, too. Get hyped.
What you'll immediately notice is that the regular TFs and the TF-Es aren't just the same bikes with headlights separating the two. Triumph understood that the rigors of the dirt bike track and those of backwoods and enduro races are different animals requiring different things. So Triumph changed quite a bit from one series to the other, chief among them being the engines powering the two.
The conceit for these two motorcycles was an "optimum blend of unparalleled low-speed agility and confidence-inspiring high-speed stability," along with giving riders great ergonomics and "exceptional handling and stability across all terrains." Albeit two bikes designed for competition first, and the sort of adventuring I personally love second.
Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent, stated, "We are entering the competitive Enduro scene with new models that introduce cutting-edge advancements in Enduro performance and technology. Featuring a brand-new chassis and engine platform, the 2026 Enduro models are designed to elevate performance, handling, comfort, and usability, meeting the diverse needs of both professional and amateur riders."
As for the motorcycles themselves, the 250cc and 450cc engines have been retuned, somewhat redesigned, and reengineered for enduro riding, i.e. a smoother, more linear power band. Likewise, "Both powertrains have been developed to have more inertia than the motocross engine, providing a more stable, tractable power delivery across diverse, unpredictable race conditions. This is complemented by the six-speed Exedy racing clutch, which allows smooth, clutchless upshifts, maintaining momentum in tight, technical sections," says the release.
There's also a new Athena Engine Management System, which allows riders to switch between two different engine maps, one for for "aggressive performance," while the other aims to deliver "smoother, more controlled delivery on technical terrain." Triumph says you can also add other maps to the bikes via its app.
Suspension is handled by fully adjustable KYB coil-sprung 48mm forks, while a 3-way adjustable linkage-driven suspension is at the rear. Compared to the motocross models, the Enduro TF-Es are about 10mm shorter in height, making them easier to pitch around. Michelin Enduro 2 wrap DirtStar wheels, while Galfer and Brembo handle the braking. Likewise, there's a digital display that lets the rider toggle critical information, change riding maps, access traction control, and other necessary items like how much gas you have left in the tank.
Lastly, the Pro Taper ACF Carbon Core handlebars are adjustable to get the right fit for the rider, and the non-slip Pyramid seat was designed to work in both wet and dry conditions. Seat height is set at 37 inches, and the fuel tank is about 2.2 gallons. LED lights both front and rear complete the enduro packages.
All in all, they're some pretty sweet enduro bikes that have me itching to find some single track to play on. That said, according to Triumph, those coming to North America aren't road legal. Specifically, " The TF 250-E and 450-E Enduro bikes will have a head light and taillight and are off-road, race-spec only. They will not be street legal and will not include blinkers, license plate holder, nor be homologated for street use."
That said, the following sentence teases...something, stating, "Triumph is actively working to continually grow our off-road and on-road model offerings." Here's hoping a set of these come out ala Honda's CRF300 L Rally.
As for price, the TF 250-E starts at $9,795 USD, while the TF 450-E will command
$10,795 USD, and they are available to order right now through Triumph's dealerships. Deliveries of the motorcycles will begin in June of this year. And I'll start planning my next adventure starting in three, two, one...
