When Jonny Walker lined up at the 2025 Erzbergrodeo with a four-stroke Triumph 250F, the hard enduro world took notice.
“Wait… a four-stroke at Erzberg?”
Why Everyone Rides Two-Strokes at Erzberg
In extreme enduro, two-stroke engines are the go-to choice. They’re light, agile, and built for technical, stop-and-go terrain. Whether you’re balancing over slippery rocks or launching up a steep hill, the quick-revving, responsive power of a two-stroke is ideal.
Four-strokes, on the other hand, are heavier and tend to run hotter — especially on long, punishing climbs and tight sections like Carl’s Dinner. That’s why it’s so rare to see one at an event as brutal as Erzberg.
Can a Four-Stroke Survive the Iron Giant?
Before the race, one question was on everyone’s mind:
Could the Triumph handle the heat and abuse of Erzberg?
Surprisingly — yes, it could.
Jonny tackled one of the hottest Erzbergrodeo editions in recent years. There was a bit of rain, sure, but not nearly enough to cool things down. Despite the extreme conditions, the Triumph 250F performed impressively. It kept going through the toughest parts of the course — no overheating, no failures, no drama.
It was a bold move — and one that paid off.
Smart Setup or Solid Machine?
Some riders in the paddock speculated that Triumph may have used a rich fueling map in the most demanding sections to keep temperatures down — and switched to a leaner map for faster stretches. Whether or not that’s true, one thing is clear:
The bike made it through Erzberg.
And that’s no small feat.
This performance came shortly after Triumph officially introduced the new 250F, making this race a major moment in their off-road campaign. Jonny’s effort showed that this bike isn’t just for smooth trails — it can hang in the toughest terrain on the planet.
