The more adventurous version of the Brixton Crossfire has arrived in our garage. Better equipped, more protected and more irreverent, this Scrambler comes to the game “with everything”, and we’re going to tell you about the experience.
The name may sound “British”, but in reality Brixton is an Austrian brand.
For several years now, Brixton has been dedicated to the market for neo-classics, scramblers and low-displacement café racers (most recently the Cromwell 1200 proved to be the exception), but it has been making its way into the medium-displacement market with various Crossfire versions, of which there are now three.
In our test, we had the opportunity to test the XC version in various scenarios, which is the one best suited to use that can go beyond tarmac.
Various protections, a 19-inch rim at the front and adjustable suspension give it more versatility and suitability for the “bad roads”.
Aesthetically pleasing, with its angular fuel tank, front optics with various design details and a minimalist rear with a matching seat, the Crossfire XC takes the scrambler precepts to heart, with only the traditional loud exhaust missing.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The parallel twin-cylinder that powers this unit delivers 47hp (exactly the 35kW that allows it to be used with an A2 license), 42Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The clutch is cable-actuated and has a slightly hard feel.
The engine is very round and elastic, and can be used comfortably from 2,300 rpm. Above all, it is almost vibration-free.
The power and torque produced are enough to push the whole thing along energetically, although the 6-speed gearbox could be more linear, especially in the shorter gears. Sometimes, especially off-road, you find yourself thinking that the first gear is already revving too high, but the second still doesn’t transmit enough torque to make the rear wheel come loose naturally.
As for economy, in our test we obtained an average fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km, which is perfectly normal for the engine in question and for its performance.
SUSPENSION AND BRAKING
Considering that this is a Scrambler, the suspensions are up to the job, but we can’t help noticing that since this is the XC version (more suitable for off-road riding), the 150 mm of travel at the front and 130 mm at the rear seem a bit “short” to us…
The Kyaba inverted fork is also adjustable in terms of compression, extension and spring preload, which makes it easy to adapt its behavior to the terrain (or road) we are riding on, as well as to our personal taste.
The original setup is very suitable for road riding, with good damping and without sinking too much under heavy braking. When the tarmac ends, the Crossfire 500 XC handles with ease and confidence, coping well with somewhat deteriorated roads, small ruts and potholes. As long as the ride is “civilized”, the available suspension travel is not limiting and will serve most users well, but when the pace picks up a bit and we try to emulate Kevin Benavides (the most recent winner of the Dakar Rally), a few more centimetres would make a difference for the better.
BETTER HANDLING ON THE ROAD, DRIVING POSITION, NO VIBRATIONS
IMPROVED GEAR RATIOS. FEEL OF THE CLUTCH
At the rear, the monoshock, which is only preload-adjustable, is competent but somewhat limited. The handling is balanced, but the other adjustments that would certainly benefit the whole thing are missing.
Braking is guaranteed by a perforated disc on each axle, with the 320 mm front disc actuated by a 4-piston caliper and the 240 mm rear disc by a 2-piston unit. Both sets are effective and tactile, but the Bosch ABS cannot be deactivated, which often limits off-road braking at faster speeds.
To put it all on the ground, Brixton uses the tried and tested Pirelli Scorpion Trail STR tubeless tires on 19-inch and 17-inch outer-spoke rims, front and rear respectively, which offer a good compromise when riding on and off the tarmac.
EQUIPMENT AND DETAILS
The tubular steel frame that serves as the base and is common to all Crossfires appears to be quite rigid, and its geometry allows for a relatively narrow seat and a pleasant riding position, to which the high and wide handlebars also contribute.
The XC version is complemented by exclusive, factory-fitted elements, including the side protection bars, the front headlight guard (more decorative than protective), the small sump guard and the raised mudguard, which has given it a more distinctive look.
The lighting uses LED technology throughout the bike and gives the headlight a very distinctive visual signature, where you can read the brand and the cardinal points. The instruments are inverted LCD digital and minimalist, displaying the obvious gear indicator, fuel level, coolant temperature and clock.
A number of brands are currently focusing on the medium-displacement scrambler/ café racer concept, mainly with single- and twin-cylinder engines. The Brixton Crossfire 500 XC is a good example of this. A well-built bike, pleasant to ride and with a very distinctive design that will catch the eye both in town and in the countryside. We mainly liked the handling on the road, but a few kilometers on the highway shouldn’t be ruled out.
