Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E28
In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have
I finally got my hands on Triumph’s new enduro weapons — the TF 250-E and TF 450-E — and let me tell you, these bikes mean business. I’ve been hanging out for this ride, and straight away it was obvious Triumph have taken a fresh approach with these machines. You can check out the full video from my first ride here, but here’s the lowdown from the seat.
Both bikes feel incredibly well balanced. The moment you throw a leg over, they urge you to sit further forward than you might on other brands — right up over the tank. With what feels like a slightly steeper rake angle, they’re “nosey” bikes, pointing into the corner before you even think about it. That translates into a super nimble, agile feel that just makes you want to push harder.
The 250 is an absolute gem. It’s the kind of bike that begs to be ridden aggressively, wound out, and muscled around the trail. It doesn’t just want you to ride it — it dares you to. Light, fast-revving, and ridiculously fun, it’s the perfect partner for riders who want to attack every section like it’s their last.
Then there’s the 450. Big, fat power on tap — twist the throttle and it’ll light up with authority. But here’s the twist: unlike a lot of 450s that can feel heavy or a bit of a handful, Triumph’s version somehow manages to keep that nimble, flickable character. It’s powerful, yes, but not a lumbering brute. Respect it, and it rewards you with control and corner speed that’s borderline addictive.
Both bikes share a very similar setup: high pegs, a flat seat, and a crazy light feel — not just when you’re riding, but even pushing them around the driveway. The weight sits low, which adds to the agile handling and makes them feel almost effortless to throw around.
And I’ve got to give a shout out to the factory OEM Michelin tyres. The grip is astounding — literally everywhere I pointed the bike, they just hooked up. Whether I was pushing the 250 hard or unleashing the 450’s torque, the Michelins gave me the confidence to really explore what these bikes can do.
These aren’t stripped-back barebones machines either. Triumph have loaded them with some seriously impressive tech:
Triumph have absolutely nailed it with these first entries into the enduro world. The 250 is cheeky and loves to be revved, the 450 is powerful but refined, and both are ridiculously agile and confidence-inspiring. Add in modern tech, sharp ergonomics, sticky Michelin tyres, and that unmistakable Triumph feel, and you’ve got two bikes that are going to ruffle some feathers out on the trails.
I can’t wait to spend more time on them — but for now, the first ride left me seriously impressed.
Watch the full ride and review here: https://youtu.be/rq1tOvRTgQw