After unmatched prowess in triple-cylinder road bikes, Triumph announced its intention to take on the world of dirt in 2021. This was followed by the confirmation of a new MX and dual sport bike lineup last year. Now, several teasers later, we finally have our first look at the company’s first motocross bike in action. That too, on the dirt track under 10 times MX champion Ricky Carmichael and son of legend Tim Ferry, Evan Ferry.
Triumph 250cc Motocross Bike In Action
The video shows Ricky and Evan put Triumph’s 250cc motocrosser through its paces. Wheelies, whips, slides, massive air time–you can see the motorcycle take everything on the chin. Both riders praise the easy rideability, particularly thanks to the all-new chassis. To quote Ricky, “It’s really balanced, it’s good how it pulls coming out of the corner, it’s very nimble. When you see a line, boom, you can do it.” Whereas, Ferry said “They found something special with the frame. I don’t think I’ve ever felt something like that.”
The Triumph 250cc Motocross Bike Will Boast Modern Electronics
As exciting as all this sounds, the in-action video also reveals some first-time details. The on-board riding shot gives us a good look at the bike’s switchgear. While the right handlebar has the obvious ignition controls, the left handlebar boasts four switches marked ‘QC’, ‘TC’, ‘LC’, and ‘M’. It doesn’t take a genius to know QC means quickshifter, TC is traction control, LC is launch control, and M could either mean mode or engine map.
The exact details (number of maps, whether the shifter is two-way) remain unclear, but this already seems on par with the 2024 KTM 250 SX-F. Similarly, the video marks the first time we can hear Triumph’s new 250cc mill sing. It’s nothing special, though, as the sound is exactly like you’d expect from a motocross engine.
What about performance? Well, Triumph has remained tightlipped on the matter. But we do know the mill is a four-stroke, 250cc unit, with liquid cooling and fuel injection. The engine cases look identical to the above-mentioned KTM, so you can expect nearly 50 ponies at your mercy. According to Carmichael, the power is quite punchy and perfect for shooting out of corners.
Meanwhile, the suspension comprises the usual setup. Beefy upside-down forks (probably 48 mm) and monoshock, complete with 21/19-inch spoke wheels and single disc brakes. The brand of suspension is unclear, but the bright finish on the forks is reminiscent of the KYB units on the Yamaha YZ 250 F.
The Triumph 250cc Motocross Bike Will Break Cover Soon
This is Triumph’s last ‘teaser’ ahead of the full reveal. So we expect full specs and details to come out either next month or at the 2023 EICMA. An American launch should take place soon after, as the bikemaker plans to take part in the AMA MX championship in 2024.