like you can with a green sticker bike.
Triumph arranged for us to ride the new
bike on a challenging 10-mile loop in the
SoCal High Desert. Twisty single-track,
steep sandy hillclimbs, and rocky whoops
awaited the new Triumph.
Right away, the bike feels very comfort-
able. The cockpit is super neutral, and the
rider triangle is laid out well. The footpegs
are exceptionally sharp and offer good
grip. The ProTaper handlebars are notice-
ably taller than the ODI's on the RC Edition,
but the lock-on grips and Brembo compo-
nents feel like the motocrosser—great. I
started out in the more aggressive map-
ping option (light off) and off I went.
Right away, I was impressed with the
throttle response and the lively feeling
of the engine. The larger 51-tooth rear
sprocket is a modification I've been want-
(Top) The Triumph's SOHC, four-valve, fuel-
injected engine is this bike's standout feature
with its strong midrange. It has a heavier
crank than the MX engine and is fitted with a
six-speed, rather than a five-speed, wide-ratio
transmission. (Middle) The Triumph comes
with its familiar control cluster, including two
maps, traction control, quickshifter and more.
The switchblock for the lights is new on the
enduro model. (Bottom) The KYB
suspension is tuned for off-roading.
(Right) The 51-tooth rear sprocket
helps the TF spool up quicker, which is
good for the tight stuff.
P126
RIDE REVIEW I 2026 TRIUMPH TF 450-E
