TF 450-X evolves for 2027 with race-developed updates ahead of its MXGP debut

• Revised engine calibration enhances torque delivery, refines the maximum engine rpm limiter strategy and improves throttle-to-rear-wheel connectivity
• Updated cylinder head components enhance durability, reliability and high-rpm stability
• New clutch pack and comprehensive gearchange updates improve durability, engagement and shift precision
• Revised KYB suspension settings and new toolless adjusters enhance control and rider feedback
• New 50-tooth final drive improves acceleration and drive out of corners
• Premium race-ready componentry and advanced rider technology as standard
• New all-black bodywork with Triumph Racing Yellow accents
• 24/7 parts support and specialist dealer network

Triumph Motorcycles has revealed the new TF 450-X for 2027, featuring a series of race-developed updates focused on improved rideability, sharper response and enhanced chassis control.

Developed through Triumph’s global racing programme, the TF 450-X benefits from revised engine calibration to enhance torque delivery, rear-wheel connection and driveability. The updated powertrain is connected to the chassis by new engine brackets, while the revised cylinder head features new valve guides and revised DLC-coated rocker shafts. A new clutch pack and comprehensive gearchange updates improve durability, engagement and shift precision.

Revised KYB suspension settings and new toolless adjusters enhance balance, control and rider feedback, while a new 50-tooth final drive improves acceleration and drive out of corners. The 2027 updates also include separate stop/start switches, new fork guards and a revised chain guide, with new all-black bodywork and MY27 graphics completing the changes.

The TF 450-X enters 2027 following its debut season in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross with Triumph Factory Racing. It will now take on its next major challenge as Triumph enters the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship for the first time in the 450cc class.

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles, said: “The TF 450-X has completed its first season of top-level competition, giving our racing and engineering teams valuable experience of the motorcycle in demanding race conditions. What we have learned through that programme has directly influenced the 2027 model, with refinements to power delivery, shifting, chassis performance and rider feel.

The success of the TF 250-X has demonstrated what Triumph can achieve at the highest level of motocross. We are now looking forward to bringing that experience to the 450 class as the TF 450-X takes on MXGP in 2027.”

RACE-DEVELOPED ENGINE AND POWERTRAIN

For 2027, the TF 450-X benefits from an updated cylinder head and revised engine calibration, enhancing torque delivery, rear-wheel connection and driveability. A revised maximum engine rpm limiter strategy further improves response. New valve guides feature a revised design and are manufactured from a high-wear-resistance material to improve durability, while revised DLC-coated rocker shafts enhance long-term reliability and high-rpm stability. The updated powertrain is connected to the chassis by new engine brackets, optimised for stiffness and chassis control. These revisions improve rider comfort in rough race conditions while increasing overall chassis feedback and response.

Delivering 62.4 PS at 9,500 rpm from its advanced SOHC 450cc engine, the TF 450-X features premium components including a forged König piston, Del West titanium valves and DLC-coated internals, combined with lightweight magnesium covers and a fully machined combustion chamber.

The new clutch pack, upgraded single clutch bearing and clutch hose improve durability and engagement feel, while an extensive gearchange update includes a new selector fork, drum, star, detent arm, selector shaft and gear lever for smoother, more precise shifts under load. A new 50-tooth final drive improves acceleration and drive out of corners. The chain guide also features revised material and geometry to improve resistance to lateral impacts and reduce the risk of chain derailment, while a revised sight glass completes the powertrain updates.

UPDATED KYB SUSPENSION

For 2027, the KYB suspension receives new settings front and rear, improving balance, damping control and rider feedback. The 48 mm AOS coil-spring forks feature new fork guards with improved strength and durability, revised styling and improvements derived from the race team, while the three-way adjustable rear shock and new toolless adjusters allow quick trackside suspension changes to suit different conditions.

PRECISION CHASSIS AND RIDER CONTROL

At its core is Triumph’s ultra-light aluminium spine frame, with a mass-centralised design, TIG-welded construction, hydroformed swingarm and forged-machined linkage system.

The chassis also features lightweight 7075-T6 Neken triple clamps, which provide precise, responsive front-end feel, while the rider-focused ergonomic layout is designed to support the movement required for aggressive motocross riding.

PREMIUM COMPONENTS AND RIDER TECHNOLOGY

The TF 450-X combines race-developed engineering with premium componentry selected for performance, durability and rider control. Lightweight D.I.D DirtStar 7000-series aluminium rims provide durability under repeated race-pace impacts and are paired with Pirelli MX32 mid-soft tyres for grip and predictable handling across soft-to-intermediate terrain.

ProTaper ACF carbon-core handlebars, ODI lock-on grips and a motocross-profiled seat create an optimised handlebar-seat-footpeg triangle, while the 960 mm seat height supports rider movement and control.

A complete Brembo braking system works with high-performance Galfer discs to provide consistent stopping power, feel and modulation. The Athena ECU with GET Power Assist integrates Traction Control, Launch Control, Quickshifter and dual engine maps, allowing riders to adapt the bike to different conditions and preferences. For 2027, new separate stop/start switches update the rider interface, while an accessory Wi-Fi module and MX Tune Pro app unlock ten additional engine maps.

NEW ALL-BLACK BODYWORK AND GRAPHICS

For 2027, the TF 450-X sports all-black bodywork, with Triumph Racing Yellow accents and updated model year graphics. The darker, more cohesive finish reinforces the motorcycle's focused competition character while delivering a sharper, more contemporary appearance.

DESIGNED TO KEEP YOU RACING

The TF 450-X combines race-developed durability with Triumph’s specialist off-road support infrastructure, helping riders maintain performance throughout training and competition.

Triumph's worldwide network of more than 300 specialist Motocross and Enduro Centres provides expert servicing, technical support, parts supply and race-day assistance, ensuring riders have access to factory-level expertise whether training locally or competing internationally.

A dedicated 24/7 online parts and accessories platform gives riders access to genuine Triumph components, with express delivery and click-and-collect options available to minimise downtime between training and competition. The TF 450-X is available to order now, from £8,695. For more information or to find your local dealer visit the Triumph website.

article supplied

The technological advancements in rider safety have evolved significantly over the last decade, driven by a greater understanding of how accidents happen, what risks a rider is exposed to, and how riders can be better protected. Now, two of the industry's leading innovators are combining their expertise with a shared ambition: to accelerate personal protection for motorcyclists of every level.

Mips is a Swedish company and a leader in helmet-based safety backed by over 30 years of research and development, recognised for its unique expertise in rotational motion. In late 2025, Mips acquired Koroyd, a pioneer in advanced impact protection technology based on aerospace safety research. While both companies continue to operate independently, they bring together complementary technologies and decades of research into impact protection.

As expectations around helmet performance continue to rise across off-road and road racing disciplines, as well as day-to-day wear for motorcyclists, the ability to combine expertise will play a key role in driving future innovation.

Over the decades, Mips has refined and evolved its solutions with the motorcyclist in mind. From the well-known yellow low-friction layer visible inside the helmet, to the nearly invisible and highly integrated textile-based solutions. Today, the product line includes several different solutions, all built on the same purpose, to help redirect harmful rotational motion away from the head in certain angled impacts.

Beyond helmets, Koroyd's innovative material technology has the potential to enhance rider experience across a wide range of applications. By combining lightweight construction, breathability and advanced impact absorption, Koroyd continues to explore new ways to support rider safety, comfort and confidence, helping riders enjoy their time on two wheels with greater peace of mind.

Mips and Koroyd will both be at EICMA (3-8 November) to present their latest innovations in personal protection for motorcyclists. Media contacts are welcome to the stand to meet the team, find out more about both technologies and discuss the latest developments in rider protection. Find them at Pad 14 / Stand M41.

Rider’s Workshop Digital has launched a 24-page motorcycle maintenance logbook designed to help everyday riders keep servicing, repairs, running costs and other bike records together.

The £3.99 download includes three editions: a premium printable PDF, an ink-saving printable PDF and a digitally fillable PDF. It is intended as a simple record-keeping resource for owners of all styles of motorcycle.

The product is available from Rider’s Workshop Digital:

https://payhip.com/RidersWorkshopDigital

New dealership to bring Triumph’s motorcycle range to riders in Petersfield and the surrounding area

Triumph Motorcycles is pleased to welcome South Downs Triumph to its UK dealer network, further strengthening the brand’s presence across Hampshire and Surrey.

Part of family-owned Winchester Motor Group, the new dealership will represent Triumph’s motorcycle range, offering local riders the opportunity to explore the latest models and connect with the brand.

The transition will see South Downs Motorcycles extend and develop their existing showroom facility and grow their experienced team, led by Chris Cooke, who are excited to support existing Triumph riders as well as welcome new customers.

Chris Cooke, General Manager at South Downs Triumph, said: “I've been in the motorcycle industry for over 20 years now and been part of the Triumph family since 2011.This is an exciting new project for South Downs taking on the new Triumph Franchise for the Hampshire area and I'm honoured to be part of the family here and continue the relationship with Triumph Motorcycles. With a lot of hard work and determination our aim is give the Triumph customers in the area a great customer experience whether it's for the purchase of their new or used motorcycle or service/parts requirements. Everyone will be welcome and we can't wait to show you our new showroom once it's complete.”

The new appointment further strengthens Triumph’s dealer network, giving riders in the region greater access to the brand and its motorcycle range. 

Devron Boulton, General Manager, UK & Ireland, Triumph Motorcycles, said: “We’re delighted to welcome South Downs Triumph to our UK dealer network. Winchester Motor Group has an established presence in the area, making them a strong partner for Triumph as we continue to grow our representation and support for riders across Hampshire and Surrey.”

For more information and to register interest, visit https://www.southdownsmotorcycles.co.uk/ or contact South Downs Triumph directly.

With Christmas toy runs and charity rides approaching, Phoenix Motorcycle Training announces sponsorship of Unity Support Riders to help keep UK charity events safe and bring joy to thousands.

Phoenix Motorcycle Training has long roots in charity events, with over a decade of its own toy runs to support Rutherford School, an independent specialist day school for students aged 19–25 with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).

This year, the UK’s largest and highest rated motorcycle training provider has gone even further with its charitable work, and announced a sponsorship deal with Unity Support Riders (USR), the volunteer motorcycle group that has marshalled and supported charity rides since 2005.

Phoenix has supplied the group with new uniform jackets and opened its training facilities to USR members for their ongoing rider skills training, as well as developing new training programs for the riders, specific to the role of on road motorcycle marshalling

USR's 65 active riders are all volunteers who give their time for free. Everyone is a qualified advanced rider and has completed First Bike On Scene (FBOS) medical and incident training, refreshed regularly alongside ongoing rider training.

That commitment carries real costs. The group estimates it spends around £250 to train and equip each new rider, before ongoing training, communications kit and replacement PPE. Phoenix's support goes straight at those costs:

• Uniform jackets – 60 new jackets in USR livery, giving marshals a consistent, high-visibility presence at events.
• Training facilities – access to Phoenix's training sites for USR's skills refreshers and new-member training, plus online training resources, hosted on the Phoenix Learner Management System (LMS)

Since 2005 USR has supported more than 250 rides for 23 charities, from small local runs to the Lee Rigby Memorial Ride, the Ring of Red and the Ride of Respect, which peaked at 22,510 bikes. Its riders also support cycling events across the South, including Basingstoke's Big Wheel, the London to Canterbury Challenge and KSS's 100/100.

Phoenix Motorcycle Training and USR will be working together on the roads too. The annual Phoenix Toy Run will be taking place again this December, supported by the newly kitted and trained USR riders.

Mark Jaffe, owner of Phoenix Motorcycle Training, said: "Unity Support Riders do exactly what we train people to do – ride with skill, read the road ahead and look after everyone around them. They give their time for nothing, so it's right that the riding community gives something back. Kitting them out properly and giving them a place to keep their skills sharp is the least we can do."

Chris Pine, Chairman of Unity Support Riders, said: "As a volunteer charity, we rely on donations to make sure the charities we support get the very best support on the day. Phoenix's sponsorship gives our riders professional training and new uniforms, which means a stronger, more visible presence at every event we attend. We're hugely grateful for their backing."