The more adventurous version of the Brixton Crossfire has arrived in our garage. More equipped, more protected, and more irreverent, this Scrambler comes to the game “with everything,” and we will tell you about this experience.
The name may sound “British,” but in reality, Brixton is an Austrian brand.
For several years dedicated to the market of neo-classics, scramblers, and low-displacement café racers (more recently the Cromwell 1200 proved to be the exception), Brixton has been filling the mid-displacement segment with various Crossfire versions, which are now three at the moment.
In our test, we had the opportunity to test the XC version in various scenarios, which is the one that best suits a use that can go beyond the asphalt.
Various protections, a 19-inch front wheel, and adjustable suspensions give it more versatility and aptitude for “rough paths.”
Aesthetically very well achieved with its angular fuel tank, front optics with various design details, and a minimalist rear with a matching seat, the Crossfire XC embodies the scrambler precepts, only missing the traditional high exhaust.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
The parallel twin engine that powers this unit delivers 47hp (exactly the 35kW required for A2 license use), 42Nm of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The clutch is cable-operated and has a slightly hard feel.
The engine is quite smooth and flexible, being comfortable to use from as low as 2,300 rpm, and stands out above all for its almost complete lack of vibrations.
The power and torque produced are sufficient to energetically propel the entire unit, however the gear ratios of the 6-speed gearbox, especially the shorter ones, could be more linear. At times, especially off-road, we find ourselves thinking that the first gear already has the revs too high, but the second gear does not yet provide enough torque to smoothly release the rear wheel.
As for fuel economy, in our test we achieved an average consumption of 4.6L/100km, a perfectly normal value for the engine in question and the performance observed.
SUSPENSION AND BRAKING
Considering that we are facing a Scrambler, the suspensions meet what is required of them, but we cannot help but notice that being this the XC version (more suitable for off-road), the 150 mm of travel in the front and 130 mm in the rear, seem somewhat “short”… The inverted Kyaba fork is still adjustable in compression, extension, and spring preload, which facilitates adapting its behavior to the terrain (or road) where we ride, as well as to our personal taste. The original setting is quite suitable for road driving, with good damping and without sinking too much in harder braking. When the asphalt ends, the Crossfire 500 XC moves with ease and confidence, coping well with somewhat deteriorated dirt roads, small ruts, and potholes. As long as the pace is “civilized,” the available suspension travel is not limiting and will serve the majority of users well, but when the pace increases a bit and we try to imitate Kevin Benavides (the most recent winner of the Dakar Rally), a few more centimeters would make a difference for the better. THE BEST ROAD BEHAVIOR, RIDING POSITION, ABSENCE OF VIBRATIONS TO IMPROVE GEARBOX RATIOS. CLUTCH FEELOn the rear, the mono-shock absorber that is only adjustable in preload is competent, but somewhat limited. The behavior is balanced, but the remaining adjustments that would certainly benefit the set are missing.
Braking is ensured by a perforated disc on each axle, with the front one measuring 320 mm and operated by a 4-piston caliper, and the rear disc measuring 240 mm and operated by a 2-piston unit. Both sets are effective and have good feel, however the Bosch ABS cannot be deactivated, which often limits braking off-road at higher speeds.
To put all this on the ground, Brixton relies on the well-known and proven Pirelli Scorpion Trail STR tubeless tires on outer spoke wheels of 19 and 17 inches, front and rear respectively, allowing for a good compromise in both on-road and off-road use.
EQUIPMENT AND DETAILS
The tubular steel frame that serves as the base and is common to all Crossfire models appears to be quite rigid, and its geometry allows for a relatively narrow seat and a pleasant riding position, to which a high and wide handlebar also contribute.
The XC version is complemented with exclusive factory-mounted elements, highlighting the side protection bars, the front headlight protection (more decorative than protective), the small engine guard, and the raised fender, giving it a more distinctive look.
The lighting uses LED technology throughout the bike and gives a very unique visual signature to the front headlight, where you can read the brand and the cardinal points. The instruments are digital with inverted LCD and minimalist, displaying besides the obvious the gear indicator, fuel level, coolant temperature, and clock.
Several brands are currently investing in the scrambler/ café racer concepts of medium-displacement bikes, mainly with single and twin-cylinder engines. The Brixton Crossfire 500 XC is a good example of this. A well-built bike, enjoyable to ride, with a very unique design that will attract attention both in the city and in the countryside. We especially liked the behavior on the road, but a few kilometers on a dirt road should not be ruled out.
