Triumph TF450 transmission updates.

prozach
Posts
1250
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Eureka, CA US
7/8/2025 8:03pm

Man, very few warranties are worth a shit anymore. It seems there is always some loophole or cost associated with it where they get out of paying or get you to give up.  

6
mx1234
Posts
62
Joined
6/7/2012
Location
AD
7/9/2025 2:18am

Bad transmission, ecu, clutch, electical, torx...  and digital service manual.

 

4
7/9/2025 3:44am
BAD10 wrote:

The British have always been known for bad teeth and bad electrical systems. What makes you think they could build a reliable transmission?

Our motorsport engineering pedigree is fantastic. We really should be able to build such a simple thing like a motocross bike gearbox.

11
4
7/9/2025 3:53am

It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a month. Lucky for him, he's got his woods bike to ride

3
1

The Shop

davis224
Posts
7360
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Cornland, IL US
Fantasy
7/9/2025 4:07am
kylemenz1 wrote:
What would you do if you bought a brand new car and the transmission blew after 1000 miles?  Leave it in your driveway and call Hyundai...

What would you do if you bought a brand new car and the transmission blew after 1000 miles?  Leave it in your driveway and call Hyundai for help, or have it TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED?  

Please help me understand how that’s a stupid option. 

GrapeApe wrote:
The car has a warranty. I would take it to the dealership and tell them to fix the transmission and anything else they find wrong under...

The car has a warranty. I would take it to the dealership and tell them to fix the transmission and anything else they find wrong under warranty. They will tear through the car, find all kinds of stuff wrong but that probably doesn't really need fixing, do all the work, and invoice the manufacturer.

Not exactly how that works, dealers do not just invoice manufcaturers and fix a bunch of things because they want to, but yes, very different since...

Not exactly how that works, dealers do not just invoice manufcaturers and fix a bunch of things because they want to, but yes, very different since the car has a warranty.  I am not suggesting Triumph should not take some ownership here, but they do not have to.  Competition use bikes do not carry a warranty. 

When I worked at a dealer, we would sometimes eat repairs that we felt should be under warranty if it's a good customer, and pester the rep to get it paid for. That was for the odd failure though, not necessarily a known defect that's going to keep repeating.

9
SEEMEFIRST
Posts
13514
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Arlington, TX US
7/9/2025 4:13am
beamer wrote:
When you think about it, do you not think that RC would have not had test bike issues also? Yet somehow it carried over to production...

When you think about it, do you not think that RC would have not had test bike issues also? Yet somehow it carried over to production. Not a good look 👎

I seriously doubt that RC was ever on a "mass produced" unit out of Thailand for any length of time.

6
1
7/9/2025 4:52am Edited Date/Time 7/9/2025 4:55am
beamer wrote:
When you think about it, do you not think that RC would have not had test bike issues also? Yet somehow it carried over to production...

When you think about it, do you not think that RC would have not had test bike issues also? Yet somehow it carried over to production. Not a good look 👎

SEEMEFIRST wrote:

I seriously doubt that RC was ever on a "mass produced" unit out of Thailand for any length of time.

Triumph rep- “Throw a few whips on this bike for our photographer and we’ll cut you a fat check and give you free Tigers for life.”

Zero chance Ricky was burning 5 gallons a day production bike testing.

15
1
lowmass
Posts
183
Joined
6/19/2024
Location
LANSING, NY US
7/9/2025 5:13am

I bought the TF450 RC

 I only have 4 hrs on it, have a season ending injury so cannot continue with testing this season

what I have found so far........

Its seems to have mapping issues down low to mid? Very weak response down low, almost like a bog. Mostly noticed when landing in between rollers. I am not a rev ranger, more a lugger, so this may be exacerbaiting the issue

It shifts a bit notchy. Not as smooth as it should be , I am wondering if there is an issue here that will grow with time on bike?

It had  wads of brown scotch bright pad material and a half moon shaped chunk of an O ring on the oil screens. All was changed out at 1/2 hr mark. Then again at 2 hr mark with a few more suprises. By the third oil change at 3 hr mark  it was clean. I did pull clutch side case and opened up the large pump rotor cap to inspect. All looks ok but did see some marks under the large oil pump rotor cap that looked like maybe the scotch bright pads material went through there. Not bad looking but concerning

I love the chassis on this bike BUT I am quite concerned that there are real issues with the motors.

BTW I have seen other photos of the scotch bright pad material on screens. When the material is soaked up with oil it will sort of look like sealant. Some are thinking they are seeing sealant on there screen BUT its actually scotch bright pad soaked with oil.

Also, the large pump rotor (the one below the counter shaft sprockert) and the oil pump drive gears are plastic. Unfortunatly the KTM steel pump drive gears will not fit. However the the large pump rotor from a KTM will fit and many are swapping that out. Use one from a 2024 SXF350

I have contacted Taco moto about making steel pump gears. They are considering it BUT no idea when?

Its a great chassis with real potential BUT I am concerned that many of us will get a motor with issues

 

8
1
MotoDad32
Posts
234
Joined
7/23/2017
Location
Beverly Hills, CA US
7/9/2025 5:21am
Rickyisms wrote:
KTM has been pretty good at standing behind abnormal failures that were obvious craftsmanship/material failures. I had a friend snap the frame at the head tube...

KTM has been pretty good at standing behind abnormal failures that were obvious craftsmanship/material failures. I had a friend snap the frame at the head tube on a 2019 250sx with 80 something hours on it and KTM paid for the frame. He was dead honest about the time put on the bike and KTM stood behind it. They haven’t been perfect with it, but they’ve done better than the Japanese manufacturers in this department IMO. 

Same experience here with a frame.  Also had a failure with an electric motor in a freeride (well outside of the warranty period) - they covered most of that cost as well.

4
7/9/2025 5:25am
lowmass wrote:
I bought the TF450 RC I only have 4 hrs on it, have a season ending injury so cannot continue with testing this seasonwhat I have found...

I bought the TF450 RC

 I only have 4 hrs on it, have a season ending injury so cannot continue with testing this season

what I have found so far........

Its seems to have mapping issues down low to mid? Very weak response down low, almost like a bog. Mostly noticed when landing in between rollers. I am not a rev ranger, more a lugger, so this may be exacerbaiting the issue

It shifts a bit notchy. Not as smooth as it should be , I am wondering if there is an issue here that will grow with time on bike?

It had  wads of brown scotch bright pad material and a half moon shaped chunk of an O ring on the oil screens. All was changed out at 1/2 hr mark. Then again at 2 hr mark with a few more suprises. By the third oil change at 3 hr mark  it was clean. I did pull clutch side case and opened up the large pump rotor cap to inspect. All looks ok but did see some marks under the large oil pump rotor cap that looked like maybe the scotch bright pads material went through there. Not bad looking but concerning

I love the chassis on this bike BUT I am quite concerned that there are real issues with the motors.

BTW I have seen other photos of the scotch bright pad material on screens. When the material is soaked up with oil it will sort of look like sealant. Some are thinking they are seeing sealant on there screen BUT its actually scotch bright pad soaked with oil.

Also, the large pump rotor (the one below the counter shaft sprockert) and the oil pump drive gears are plastic. Unfortunatly the KTM steel pump drive gears will not fit. However the the large pump rotor from a KTM will fit and many are swapping that out. Use one from a 2024 SXF350

I have contacted Taco moto about making steel pump gears. They are considering it BUT no idea when?

Its a great chassis with real potential BUT I am concerned that many of us will get a motor with issues

 

My buddy had to have his reflashed almost immediately. 

2
FGR01
Posts
6002
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
AZ US
Fantasy
7/9/2025 5:54am
lowmass wrote:
I bought the TF450 RC I only have 4 hrs on it, have a season ending injury so cannot continue with testing this seasonwhat I have found...

I bought the TF450 RC

 I only have 4 hrs on it, have a season ending injury so cannot continue with testing this season

what I have found so far........

Its seems to have mapping issues down low to mid? Very weak response down low, almost like a bog. Mostly noticed when landing in between rollers. I am not a rev ranger, more a lugger, so this may be exacerbaiting the issue

It shifts a bit notchy. Not as smooth as it should be , I am wondering if there is an issue here that will grow with time on bike?

It had  wads of brown scotch bright pad material and a half moon shaped chunk of an O ring on the oil screens. All was changed out at 1/2 hr mark. Then again at 2 hr mark with a few more suprises. By the third oil change at 3 hr mark  it was clean. I did pull clutch side case and opened up the large pump rotor cap to inspect. All looks ok but did see some marks under the large oil pump rotor cap that looked like maybe the scotch bright pads material went through there. Not bad looking but concerning

I love the chassis on this bike BUT I am quite concerned that there are real issues with the motors.

BTW I have seen other photos of the scotch bright pad material on screens. When the material is soaked up with oil it will sort of look like sealant. Some are thinking they are seeing sealant on there screen BUT its actually scotch bright pad soaked with oil.

Also, the large pump rotor (the one below the counter shaft sprockert) and the oil pump drive gears are plastic. Unfortunatly the KTM steel pump drive gears will not fit. However the the large pump rotor from a KTM will fit and many are swapping that out. Use one from a 2024 SXF350

I have contacted Taco moto about making steel pump gears. They are considering it BUT no idea when?

Its a great chassis with real potential BUT I am concerned that many of us will get a motor with issues

 

Be careful with any aluminum pump gears made by Taco moto.  They ain't the great solution you hope they will be.

3
7/9/2025 6:30am

Having read all the posts here i can say i wil not be buying a Triumph for a least another 3 years now. & if these problems persist i wont ever own one. KTM has always been fantastic with sorting issues iv had in the past. A new bike is too much money for it to give these sorts of problems. Plus mx is dangerous enough without having shift & false neutral problems. Triumph, in business your reputation is everything!

15
1
7/9/2025 8:12am
Hey guys. I’ve also heard from a couple people through email that their TF-450s are going into neutral. If you can email me the exact problems...

Hey guys. I’ve also heard from a couple people through email that their TF-450s are going into neutral. If you can email me the exact problems and maybe I can see what’s up and possibly help. I can’t guarantee anything but I at least can try. Doesn’t hurt to at least give er’ a try. It’s not my job but happy to help if I can. You can email me through my website. 

You are legitimately the most helpful person to the public in this sport. 

I've emailed you multiple times, and you always respond to my questions. 

21
1
7/9/2025 9:09am
Having read all the posts here i can say i wil not be buying a Triumph for a least another 3 years now. & if these...

Having read all the posts here i can say i wil not be buying a Triumph for a least another 3 years now. & if these problems persist i wont ever own one. KTM has always been fantastic with sorting issues iv had in the past. A new bike is too much money for it to give these sorts of problems. Plus mx is dangerous enough without having shift & false neutral problems. Triumph, in business your reputation is everything!

Its unfortunate because by most accounts both bikes perform very well. A young local A rider I know, who came off a Honda, loves his 250. Another friend, who came off a new gen KTM 450, raved about his Triumph 450 chassis. Subsequently, that bike is back at the dealership with under 10hrs on it. With the buzz that Triumph is going to make a 350, its a bummer for a guy like me who worships at the Church of The 350. I wont be buying any of the first gen bikes if they do make one. So its either KTM or Husky for me for awhile

2
1
7/9/2025 9:21am

If I had one of these bikes with a bad transmission they were refusing to fix, I’d make sure the CPSC knows about the problem.  This is a safety issue they could force them to remedy.

4
500 Mike
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Location
Kingwood, TX US
7/9/2025 9:23am

With the reputation that Triumph is starting to get via threads like this, I wonder if they will still be producing dirt bikes in 3 years due to lack of buyers.  It’s a shame since many people were really looking forward to them entering this market.  Maybe I’m too conservative, but I would never spend that kind of money with the possibility I would end up with a bike with major engine issues and then Triumph telling me to stick it.  Unfathomable.  🤦🏼‍♂️

13
2
NSP139
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Location
Temecula, CA US
7/9/2025 9:50am
500 Mike wrote:
With the reputation that Triumph is starting to get via threads like this, I wonder if they will still be producing dirt bikes in 3 years...

With the reputation that Triumph is starting to get via threads like this, I wonder if they will still be producing dirt bikes in 3 years due to lack of buyers.  It’s a shame since many people were really looking forward to them entering this market.  Maybe I’m too conservative, but I would never spend that kind of money with the possibility I would end up with a bike with major engine issues and then Triumph telling me to stick it.  Unfathomable.  🤦🏼‍♂️

I can't believe the lack of PR damage control for a new brand trying to compete with the established companies! Either they really don't care or have their heads buried in the sand! This is a hard no on there brand for me long into the future!

2
1
Hammer 663s
Posts
3072
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Location
Forest Grove, OR US
7/9/2025 9:59am

My son really liked the Triumph 250 when we demo'd it, but I was hesitant to buy after being burned before by first year releases (Ford ecoboost 3.5) so we went with the Gas Gas Factory Edition. Now reading all this I'm glad we did. The GG has been flawless after 25 hours of hard use. Well, I have to keep up on the spokes. Big deal.

12
1
7/9/2025 10:42am Edited Date/Time 7/9/2025 11:34am

What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people who don't own one or are just repeating what they've heard but really don't know? That too is usually not good.

I can say I rode a 250 for awhile. Put about 35hrs on one and about 10hr on another. Not one problem with either (besides the updates done by Triumph). Yes, they shifted a bit notchy when new but smoothed out substantially after a couple oil changes, to the point I didn't notice. Triumph definitely stepped up by updating the 24 models to the 25 version (at their cost). Most manufactures don't do that. Most all of the japanese warranty cover for 30 days. After that you are usually SOL.

I know a couple people who bought the 450 and are really happy with them. Anyway, I feel Triumph has done great and the bikes will only get better.

8
5
7/9/2025 12:08pm
What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people...

What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people who don't own one or are just repeating what they've heard but really don't know? That too is usually not good.

I can say I rode a 250 for awhile. Put about 35hrs on one and about 10hr on another. Not one problem with either (besides the updates done by Triumph). Yes, they shifted a bit notchy when new but smoothed out substantially after a couple oil changes, to the point I didn't notice. Triumph definitely stepped up by updating the 24 models to the 25 version (at their cost). Most manufactures don't do that. Most all of the japanese warranty cover for 30 days. After that you are usually SOL.

I know a couple people who bought the 450 and are really happy with them. Anyway, I feel Triumph has done great and the bikes will only get better.

I agree completely, The OP does not have one but of course he knows of 8 people and 12 bikes in the midwest with problems. Not sure why he is so emotional over problems of a bike he doesn't even own. Now if you own a Triumph that has problems that's one thing but to say things like "Dealers don't know what to say but are completely OK with telling buyers to fuck off and pay" maybe we should take his post with a grain of salt because his feeling are getting in the way. 

7
13
NITRODOG
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448
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Location
TEMECULA, CA US
7/9/2025 12:37pm
Smith246 wrote:
This is not good to hear. I have a TF450 with 15hrs in it now, it has always been hard to upshift but I don't get...

This is not good to hear. I have a TF450 with 15hrs in it now, it has always been hard to upshift but I don't get many false neutrals. Had alot of metal on my plug at the 10hr oil change and was a bit worried. Just did 15hr change and it was pretty much spotless. 

It really sucks if the dealers aren't covering this cos the bikes are awesome. Easily the best 450 I have owned.

one false neutral is too many.....

12
aees
Posts
2669
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8/20/2015
Location
US
7/9/2025 1:18pm

I was in-between getting sxf 450 25/26 and Triumph 450 mostly due to KYB suspension and the positive feedback on chassi. But also have people around me who race them and for being so few out there on the market, its to many problems coming up. 

This about them denying to fix a clear problem, that's just to much. If you hav problems and stand behind them when you release a new model of like this a new manufacturer coming in, its less of an issue tbh. 

So it will be a KTM again.

1
1
7/9/2025 1:31pm
It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a...

It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a month. Lucky for him, he's got his woods bike to ride

Buddy I have a 24 kx with 52 hrs with a completely grenaded motor and a head that was on back order for weeks and a 22 kx that destroyed itself at 44 hrs do you think anyone Kawasaki or my dealer cared it was peak moto season in the northeast 

4
1
7/9/2025 1:53pm
It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a...

It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a month. Lucky for him, he's got his woods bike to ride

Buddy I have a 24 kx with 52 hrs with a completely grenaded motor and a head that was on back order for weeks and a...

Buddy I have a 24 kx with 52 hrs with a completely grenaded motor and a head that was on back order for weeks and a 22 kx that destroyed itself at 44 hrs do you think anyone Kawasaki or my dealer cared it was peak moto season in the northeast 

Two blown up bikes with under 52 hours seems rare. That’s bad luck. 

1
7/9/2025 3:34pm Edited Date/Time 7/9/2025 3:35pm
It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a...

It really sucks that Triumph owners are losing their bikes for the peak time of riding season. The dealer has had my buddies 450 for a month. Lucky for him, he's got his woods bike to ride

Buddy I have a 24 kx with 52 hrs with a completely grenaded motor and a head that was on back order for weeks and a...

Buddy I have a 24 kx with 52 hrs with a completely grenaded motor and a head that was on back order for weeks and a 22 kx that destroyed itself at 44 hrs do you think anyone Kawasaki or my dealer cared it was peak moto season in the northeast 

Were those stock motors and ECUs?  If so, that is some terrible luck, for sure.

3
Smith246
Posts
416
Joined
1/21/2024
Location
Jerramungup , WA AU
7/9/2025 4:35pm
Smith246 wrote:
This is not good to hear. I have a TF450 with 15hrs in it now, it has always been hard to upshift but I don't get...

This is not good to hear. I have a TF450 with 15hrs in it now, it has always been hard to upshift but I don't get many false neutrals. Had alot of metal on my plug at the 10hr oil change and was a bit worried. Just did 15hr change and it was pretty much spotless. 

It really sucks if the dealers aren't covering this cos the bikes are awesome. Easily the best 450 I have owned.

NITRODOG wrote:

one false neutral is too many.....

I would say probably more of a missed shift rather than a false neutral. I think it is probably due to the stiff shifting though. I've got a yz shifter which did help a little but I still feel the position of the shifter could be part of the problem for me. It's slightly too low to get my foot under it properly but one spline up is too much. Goona try put it in the press and tweek it a little. 

1
EVH4Ever
Posts
1857
Joined
3/6/2025
Location
Atlanta, GA US
7/9/2025 4:47pm
Its unfortunate because by most accounts both bikes perform very well. A young local A rider I know, who came off a Honda, loves his 250...

Its unfortunate because by most accounts both bikes perform very well. A young local A rider I know, who came off a Honda, loves his 250. Another friend, who came off a new gen KTM 450, raved about his Triumph 450 chassis. Subsequently, that bike is back at the dealership with under 10hrs on it. With the buzz that Triumph is going to make a 350, its a bummer for a guy like me who worships at the Church of The 350. I wont be buying any of the first gen bikes if they do make one. So its either KTM or Husky for me for awhile

Chris, a KDX200. You can thank me later.

2
6
OFalk280
Posts
310
Joined
6/27/2012
Location
Elwood, IL US
7/9/2025 6:38pm

Triumph seems to be having issues on the corporate level understanding what they should cover out of goodwill on the initial warranty claim.

If you have problems with your Triumph push your dealer to explore other avenues with Triumph corporate beyond the initial basic warranty claim. It seems that they automatically deny if it’s beyond the 30 day warranty without taking into account whether it’s premature failure of an item that shouldn’t happen.


Myself and plenty of other Triumph owners with phenomenal dealerships have had Triumph cover repairs beyond the warranty period.


This is where picking the right dealer is super important…

9
1
7/9/2025 6:44pm
What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people...

What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people who don't own one or are just repeating what they've heard but really don't know? That too is usually not good.

I can say I rode a 250 for awhile. Put about 35hrs on one and about 10hr on another. Not one problem with either (besides the updates done by Triumph). Yes, they shifted a bit notchy when new but smoothed out substantially after a couple oil changes, to the point I didn't notice. Triumph definitely stepped up by updating the 24 models to the 25 version (at their cost). Most manufactures don't do that. Most all of the japanese warranty cover for 30 days. After that you are usually SOL.

I know a couple people who bought the 450 and are really happy with them. Anyway, I feel Triumph has done great and the bikes will only get better.

So the guy I ride with weekly who's Triumph is back at the dealership with under 10hrs on it is lying or I'm lying?

8
2
7/9/2025 6:56pm
What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people...

What a bummer some people are having issues with their bikes, that's never good. Seems a lot of the input on these threads are from people who don't own one or are just repeating what they've heard but really don't know? That too is usually not good.

I can say I rode a 250 for awhile. Put about 35hrs on one and about 10hr on another. Not one problem with either (besides the updates done by Triumph). Yes, they shifted a bit notchy when new but smoothed out substantially after a couple oil changes, to the point I didn't notice. Triumph definitely stepped up by updating the 24 models to the 25 version (at their cost). Most manufactures don't do that. Most all of the japanese warranty cover for 30 days. After that you are usually SOL.

I know a couple people who bought the 450 and are really happy with them. Anyway, I feel Triumph has done great and the bikes will only get better.

So the guy I ride with weekly who's Triumph is back at the dealership with under 10hrs on it is lying or I'm lying?

What does the first sentence of my post say? Why you trying to make this about you? 

2
3

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