Triumph TF 450-RC 2025 Review

When Triumph entered the motocross scene in 2024 with the TF 250-X, expectations were uncertain. However, the British brand did not hold back, with legends like Ricky Carmichael and Ivan Cervantes directly involved in the bike's testing and development. Every test pilot who rode the bike upon its release was impressed with its overall level of refinement. Not only was the bike's build quality and finish top-notch, but the performance it offered was exceptional. 

It’s been eight months since the TF 250-X was released and, so far, it has also addressed initial concerns regarding the reliability that most people have with a brand-new model.

Now we have Triumph's latest offering, the TF 450-RC, which pays tribute to the man who has given this bike an unparalleled level of credibility. Carmichael is undoubtedly the "GOAT" of motocross, holding the record for the most AMA Motocross and Supercross titles, with a total of 15 championships and 150 outdoor motocross wins.

I know that both Triumph and Ricky take their brands very seriously, so with this new 450 emblazoned with the RC logo, it's only natural to expect something a little special.

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Related: Triumph TF250-X 2024 Review

The TF 450-RC has reached the top of the specification list with impressive power and weight claims, and it’s also among the most expensive options in the current 450cc motocross price range, with a retail price of $16,995. The leading competitors include the KTM 450SX-F priced at $15,905, the Yamaha YZ450F at $15,399, and the Honda CRF450R at $14,898. While the Triumph is the priciest option, it’s important to note that this is a special “launch” edition, which comes with several additional features as standard. These include signature RC ODI Podium flight handlebars and pad, DID Dirtstar rims, a gripper seat, and a front disk guard.

I was a bit surprised to see that Triumph did not introduce a more competitively priced base model option in this segment out of the box. However, if you can align yourself with the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) in the sport, why wouldn't you capitalise on that association in every way possible? And, while Triumph won’t admit it, there is the chance of a cheaper “standard” version soon.

Triumph deserves kudos for its single overhead camshaft 450cc engine, which offers a class-leading power-to-weight ratio from the outset. This achievement is made possible by using high-quality components, such as a König-forged aluminium piston and DelWest titanium valves. Fuel is delivered through a Dell'Orto 44mm throttle body, managed by the Athena engine management system.

The engine is paired with a five-speed gearbox that features a quick-shifter and a Brembo hydraulic lever. There are no hidden surprises, and nothing in the engine package appears overly radical compared to the competition. Triumph has invested significant time in extensive research and development to ensure they've gotten it right.

This impressive electronics package includes features such as quickshift, launch control, traction control, and selectable engine maps.

A Wi-Fi module kit enables you to utilise Triumph's MX Tune Pro smartphone app, allowing you to choose between 10 pre-programmed maps, including the signature RC map. You have the option to select between two maps: the number 1 base map, which serves as a benchmark (indicated by no light on the left-hand switch block), and map 2, which can be easily loaded via your smartphone in seconds (indicated by a blue light). This feature allows you to efficiently tailor the engine tune to suit your riding style and conditions on the fly.

The bike features a hand-welded lightweight aluminium chassis, supported by KYB 48mm spring forks and a KYB rear shock absorber.

For the clutch, a Brembo hydraulic system is used, complete with a Hinson clutch cover. The braking system consists of Brembo brakes, featuring a twin-piston 24mm floating caliper at the front and a single 26mm piston floating caliper at the rear, utilising Galfer discs.

For our on-track test, Triumph Australia booked the entire Ride Park motocross facility, located just an hour outside of Melbourne. To say Ride Park is impressive would be an understatement. The facility features multiple tracks set on the side of a hill, carved through rich loamy soil and all prepared to perfection. While I wouldn’t consider myself a motocross expert, I enjoy the discipline and can often be found at this very track riding my KTM 450 when I'm not watching my kids on the junior tracks at the same facility.

Having a good understanding of the track from riding other bikes gave me an instant benchmark for how the TF 450-RC performed, and I was impressed right away.

On our test day, the track hadn't received the usual pre-practice watering, which resulted in soft, fluffy ground—perfect for absorbing a bike's power and the rider's energy! 

The Triumph’s engine is quite the achiever in two ways: the exhaust is designed to meet the strict new FIM world motocross 111 dB benchmark, making the bike easy on the ears. Combined with its linear power delivery, it can trick you into thinking there’s less power available than there is. Don’t be fooled; when you open the throttle, the TF 450-RC accelerates like only a fire-breathing 450 MX bike can. There were two loamy berms where I would typically ride my KTM 450 in second gear, but I found that the TF 450 RC could effortlessly handle the same turns in third gear with just a slight flick of the clutch to keep the engine engaged. 

Speaking of the clutch, the Brembo lever is feather-light, allowing for precise actuation without any finger strain. The bike's quickshifter and positive gearbox shifting further confirmed that this is a seriously refined first offering.

The chassis straddles the fine line between stability and responsiveness as the KYB suspension absorbed everything I could throw at it. I did overhear some of the more experienced riders’ comments that the stock setup felt a bit on the soft side, but I found it nearly perfect for my 47-year-old frame, which appreciated the plushness.

Loading the signature "RC" map into the bike demonstrated just how easy it is to use the MX Tune Pro app via my iPhone. 

What would you expect in terms of power delivery from the “GOAT”? If you were anticipating a sonic boom of acceleration—something many believe is key to the pros' mind-bending lap speeds—you would be sadly disappointed. The map was incredibly smooth, characterised by two words: strong and refined. This confirmed the adage that "smooth is fast." When the power delivery is manageable, you can apply more throttle, holding it open longer, and ultimately shaving seconds off your lap times.

The number of laps I was able to complete at my personal best pace before exhaustion set in showed me that Triumph has truly nailed the TF 450-RC.

If motocross is your passion, then the new TF 450-RC should be on your radar as a top-tier option. The TF 250-X has been performing reliably for the past eight months, so you can trust that reliability shouldn't be a concern with these new models. Without a doubt, this bike is the most user-friendly racing 450 among the current options available. With that in mind, I am chomping at the bit to see how this bike transforms into a 450 enduro model, which is expected to hit Australia in the coming months.

Engine & Transmission
Type: Single cylinder liquid-cooled 4-Stroke DOHC
Capacity: 449.5 cc
Bore x stroke: 95mm x 63.4mm
Compression: 13.1:1
Fuel System: Dellorto Throttle Body, Athena EMS

Performance
Claimed maximum power:
Claimed maximum torque:

Transmission
Gearbox: 5 speed with quick-shifter
Clutch: Wet multi-plate
Final Drive: 13/48

Chassis and Running Gear
Frame type: Aluminium, Spine
Swingarm: Aluminium-Fabrication
Front Suspension: KYB 48mm Coil Spring Fork, fully adjustable,310mm travel
Rear Suspension: KYB Coil, fully adjustable, 305mm travel
Front Brakes: Brembo Twin 24mm Piston, 260mm disk
Rear Brakes: Brembo Single 26mm Piston, 220mm disk
Instrument Display: Multifunctional switch cubes, functions and hour meter
Front Tyre: 80/100-21 Pirelli Scorpion
Rear Tyre: 110/90-19 Pirelli Scorpion

Dimensions & Weights
Handlebar width: 836mm
Height: 1270mm
Seat Height: 960mm
Wheelbase: 1492mm
Rake: 27.4 deg
Trail: 116mm
Fuel capacity: 7 litres
Claimed wet weight: 108.6kg