Triumph opens a new chapter in its storied history with the announcement of plans to launch a comprehensive line of motocross and enduro motorcycles, which will include dual sport machines. The British firm plans to go racing as well, with a full factory-backed program committed to competing at the highest levels of both Motocross and Enduro championship series. 

To aid in this effort, the Hinckley-based manufacturer is enlisting the help of two of the biggest names in off-road racing who will spearhead the project — Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and five-time Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes. The two ex-champs will be involved in all aspects of development and testing of the new models, as well as preparation of the new race program. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to join this historic brand, and I am honored and humbled to be a part of the development and release of their off-road motorcycles,” says Carmichael. “Building something from the ground up is something that really is intriguing to me at this stage of my career. I can’t wait to see the reactions when these models hit the dealer’s showroom floors.”

This is sure to be one of the iconic British brand’s most ambitious moves since coming back from the brink of bankruptcy in the early 90s. The off-road segment is highly competitive with many established players offering models with fingernail-thin differences in suspension, power and weight. No doubt, the recent COVID-fueled boom in demand for off-road models has spurred Triumph to throw their hat in the ring, but development is said to be ‘well underway,’ which suggests the company has been working on this project for some time. 

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Triumph brand. We are 100% committed to making a long-lasting impact in this highly competitive and demanding world, with a single-minded ambition to deliver a winning motorcycle line-up for a whole new generation of Triumph riders,” says Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor.

No information has been shared yet on which models will be produced or when they will hit dealer floors, but Triumph says an announcement of the model launch timetable and a reveal of the motorcycles, as well as details on the factory race program, is coming in the next few months — further evidence that this endeavor is in an advanced stage. 

We look forward to seeing what Triumph says will be a ‘comprehensive line’ of off-road motorcycles, with Dual Sport machines also in the mix. We’ll likely see the off-road models appear first, which will be the basis for the Dual Sport versions. Less stringent regulations will aid in getting these dirt-only machines to market faster. 

Only time will tell how well Britain’s offerings will match up with other high-performance European Dual Sports from KTM, Beta and Husqvarna. But if Triumph’s track record in the Adventure Segment is any indication, we can expect a high-quality machine that is ready to throw down with the best in the category.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.