so I can ride it without abusing the clutch. If I’ m nitpicking, Map 2 sometimes feels a little less“ crisp” but that really is splitting hairs. The quickshifter is a surprisingly useful addition which I find myself using a lot; I’ m not sure it’ s gearbox-friendly long term, but it works well when you’ re hammering through gears under load. The gearbox itself is on the tighter, slightly notchy side— this is an area I think Triumph could look to refine, but it’ s also not something that gets in the way once you’ re dialled in. On slicker or hardpack tracks, the TF450 motor really shines. It hooks up and makes power you can actually use. I haven’ t had it in deep sand yet, but I reckon it’ ll be more about carrying momentum than muscling it with throttle. There is‘ sand map’ in the app, so I’ ll definitely be giving that a go when the opportunity comes.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS FEEL The KYB suspension fitted to the TF450-RC is one of the nicer stock set-ups I’ ve ridden. For my 96kg, it’ s a touch on the soft side, but overall very comfortable. The only spot it catches me out is on corner entry under braking; the front can dive a bit, which shifts the chassis and makes it feel unsettled on the way into some turns. Out back, the rear can ride low, especially if you get greedy on the throttle without settling the bike first. On grippy dirt, it’ s fine. On sketchy exits, it can kick sideways if you’ re not being smooth. I couldn’ t quite get the sag numbers bang-on with the stock spring, so I’ ve had to compromise a little for now. The suspension does seem sensitive to static sag, so it’ s something that’ s worth playing around with. I’ ve got the forks flush with the clamps to raise the front, which helps in some spots but it does dull a bit of that corner entry feel. I also stiffened the fork three clicks and the shock four clicks on lowspeed compression, which made a noticeable difference, especially out back.
HANDLING AND CORNERING Mid-corner is where the RC really feels at home. Once you’ re leaned in, it tracks straight and smooth, no drama. On exits, the motor’ s smooth delivery keeps it driving forward instead of
56 KIWI RIDER