Triumph confirms no two-strokes

Triumph has confirmed it has no current plans for two-stroke models, while refusing to rule out a cheaper, base-spec counterpart to its new 450cc motocross bike. 

The British firm launched the TF 450-RC motocross model to Australian media last week. The $16,995 bike features up-spec equipment and unique graphics that celebrate Ricky Carmichael’s involvement in the development program. 

Widely seen a “signature” Ricky Carmichael edition, the TF 450-RC marks Triumph’s debut in the 450cc motocross segment, almost a year after it launched its first-ever dedicated motocross model, the TF 250-X (from $14,250).

Speaking on a Zoom call from the UK, Triumph Senior Product Manager James Wood wouldn't elaborate on future models but confirmed there were “no plans for two-strokes”. 

“This is the equivalent to the question we get on will you build a 1000cc Daytona, which we get at every press conference,” said Wood. “But no, we are fully committed to the four-stroke platform and that’s what we’ll be doing going forward.” 

Wood also confirmed that the TF 450-RC was a “launch edition” but would not comment on the possibility of a cheaper lower-spec version. 

“At the moment, this is the only bike available – it’s the debut of the 450,” said Wood. “You’re quite right, it’s a launch edition. But, as always with these Q&A sessions, we can’t actually comment on anything else.”

When pressed further, Wood said: “This is a special launch edition from Ricky (Carmichael), and it’s a celebration, not only of the debut of the 450 powertrain, but also a celebration of Ricky’s involvement.”

Wood and his colleague Scott Lanzi (Off-Road Product Lead) also discussed the general strategy behind ‘Works Edition’ models.

“If you look at the Works Editions and Factory Editions (from other brands), you look at the timing of those,” said Wood. “What it allows people to do is introduce changes ahead of new racing seasons. 

“We spoke about homologation. You need a certain number of bikes in dealerships by a certain time. That is how you bring new changes to a race bike for the following season.”

Lanzi added: “The US requirement is the model-year bike you race is also the calendar year you’re racing in. Those homologation regulations are actually changing from next year. So, if we wanted to be competitive in the US, perhaps we’d need to do something similar (as a Works Edition), but that’s just something we need to think about into the future model strategy at this point.”