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Test: Brixton Crossfire 500 (Baujahr 2020)

News from Austria

08.09.2020

Photos: Motorradtest.de

Brixton is slowly but surely moving into the middle class. If the brand was previously used for 125 and 250 motorcycles, we drove the first model with 500 cubic meters. Can Brixton do that? We took the Crossfire 500 for the test.

News from the southern neighbour

Brixton, there was something? Somehow a lost brand that was British and recently revived? You might think so, but it's wrong. These spontaneous associations are probably desired, but they do not strengthen the truth. Brixton is actually a very young motorcycle brand that started production in 2015.

The Austrians– not British – design the technology, and the in-house designers work closely with the Kiska design studio, which also works for Husqvarna and KTM. Although independent in design, some echoes of the Husqvarnas cannot be concealed, for example to the Vitpilen. The motorcycles are manufactured in China. Brixton is backed by the KSR Group, a multi-brand association and importer such as Lambretta, CFMoto, Malaguti, Royal Enfield or Benelli.

This makes an X

Now that the origin of the machine has been clarified, finally a look at the motorcycle. If there is an adult, there is no denying. The distinctive X on the side of the tank will decorate all Crossfire models in the future. The short, narrow rear of the machine is also striking. The whole picture seems coherent and professional in itself. In addition to the chic and matt silver-grey, there is a black version that does not visually emphasize the X. An additional X is used in the Brixton Crossfire 500 X, which makes scramblers with coarse tyres and wide handlebars. The attachments fit the impression, because Brixton uses, for example, front-wheel forks from Kayaba, Pirelli tyres or the ABS from Bosch – nothing seems cheap or unprofessional here.

The heart of the Crossfire 500 is the completely self-developed engine. It is a two-cylinder with 486 cubic meters and 48 hp, which takes full advantage of the limit of the A2 driving licence. The Brixtonians attest to 43 Newton meters of torque at 6,750 tours to their new child.

The rather flat LCD round cockpit shows nothing surprising, which is no wonder: there are no electronic gadgets, the standard ABS is already everything. The Brixton Crossfire 500 costs just under 6,000 euros, which is neither much nor little. In comparison, the ready-to-drive weight of 190 kilos is rather low. Of course, this is also due to the filigree rear, which has a side effect: The operation of the passenger is only possible to a limited extent, the bench is hard and short at the back.

Then let's go.

Light is and drives it

The blubbering of the exhaust is rather inconspicuous, but good. The high-contrast display is surprisingly good, but a little more towards the pilot would still be better. We wouldn't deny a slightly better feeling in the clutch lever, the actuation is light but indifferent. On the other hand, the brake, it is better. The stoppers can be dosed impeccably and there is nothing to complain about in their effect, although only a single disc performs its service at the front. The hand power is a bit high for this.

The low weight is positively noticeable. The Crossfire 500 is easy to rank and handy, Brixton takes full advantage of the physical benefits. Agile and agile in the cornering run, the driver always knows what will happen, but this is also due to the sporty crisply tuned chassis.

The engine starts strongly, continues to pull through well. At 5,000 revolutions, the two-cylinder engine tends to experience slight vibrations, and there is a slight constant driving jerk.

Sometimes something completely different

Otherwise, the Brixton is a pleasant companion thanks to its manoeuvrability without any special ups or downs. That raises a question – who should buy this, for whom is the Brixton Crossfire 500 suitable? Sure: For individualists who can warm up for a Royal Enfield, for example, but don't want a retro bike. Those who are looking for these pleasant companions and if they want to go on holiday alone.

The possible strongest group of buyers will take advantage of Brixton's biggest advantage: not everyone has it. And this exclusivity does not have to be paid expensively in euros or with possible defects.

The test bike was provided to us by the 2 Radhaus Stadie in Pinneberg near Hamburg.

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