Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr Review: Can This Austrian Newcomer Conquer the Adventure Bike World?

Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr

When it comes to adventure motorcycles, expectations run high—especially in the fiercely competitive A2 license-friendly segment. Riders want a bike that’s light enough for beginners, rugged enough for gravel trails, comfortable for long-distance touring, and priced accessibly. Enter the Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr, the Austrian brand’s first-ever foray into the adventure category. But does it deliver?

After putting the Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr through its paces across 300+ kilometers of Italian alpine roads—from motorways to mountain passes and gravel-laden switchbacks—we’ve got the definitive verdict. Spoiler: it’s not perfect, but it’s impressively well-rounded for a debut adventure machine.


First Impressions: Styling Meets Substance

At first glance, the Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr looks every bit the part of a modern adventure tourer. With its upright stance, 19-inch front wheel, rally-inspired bodywork, and aggressive LED lighting, it blends retro-modern aesthetics with functional design.

But looks aren’t everything—especially when you’re climbing Monte Zoncolan or navigating hairpin turns on the Nasfeld Pass. So, what’s under the skin?

Engine & Performance: Smooth Twin, But Needs Revs

The Crossfire 500 Storr shares its heart with Brixton’s popular Crossfire 500 Naked: a 486cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. It delivers 47.6 hp at 8,500 rpm and 43 Nm of torque—solid figures for an A2-compliant bike (which caps power at 47 hp in Europe).

However, this engine is rev-hungry. To cruise comfortably at 125–130 km/h on the highway, you’ll be spinning near 7,000 rpm. That might sound tiring, but thanks to excellent vibration damping, it’s surprisingly smooth. You won’t feel buzzed numb—even after hours in the saddle.

That said, low-end grunt is modest. Unlike single-cylinder rivals (like the Royal Enfield Himalayan), this twin doesn’t pull strongly from idle. You’ll need to keep it in lower gears and stay on the throttle for spirited riding—especially on steep alpine climbs.

💡 Pro Tip: If Brixton adds more mid-range torque in future updates (à la Honda CB500X), this bike could become a segment leader.


On the Road: Touring Comfort Meets Agile Handling

One of the biggest surprises? How planted and stable the Storr feels on pavement.

Ergonomics: Adventure-Ready, Rider-Friendly

With a seat height of 839 mm, the Storr is manageable for riders as short as 5'6" (168 cm)—especially with its slightly forward footpegs and relaxed reach to the bars. Taller riders (like our 185 cm tester) found the riding position comfortable but noted limited wind protection from the stock screen.

Good for: All-day comfort, relaxed touring posture
⚠️ Consider: Aftermarket windscreen for highway-heavy trips

Suspension: KYB Shines

Brixton didn’t cut corners here. The KYB suspension180 mm travel up front (USD fork) and 175 mm at the rear—is fully adjustable and impressively refined for a €7,000 bike.

  • On rough motorways? Smooth and composed.
  • On twisty mountain passes? Stable, precise, and confidence-inspiring.
  • Even when softened for comfort, it never felt wallowy.

This is arguably the Storr’s strongest asset—a suspension setup that punches well above its price class.


Off the Beaten Path: Light Adventure, Not Hardcore Enduro

Let’s be clear: the Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr is not a dirt bike. It’s an adventure-tourer with light off-road capability—and that’s perfectly okay.

Tires & Traction

It rolls on Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires (110/80-19 front, 150/70-17 rear)—a 90% road / 10% gravel compromise. On dry dirt and compacted gravel, they perform admirably. But in loose or muddy conditions, lateral grip fades quickly.

🔧 Upgrade Suggestion: Swap to true 50/50 tires (like Continental TKC 80) if you plan serious off-roading.

Off-Road Ergonomics: Room for Improvement

  • The short gear lever makes shifting tricky with bulky off-road boots.
  • Limited forward movement on the seat hampers aggressive standing posture.
  • At over 210 kg wet, it’s hefty for technical trails.

Still, for gravel forest roads, fire trails, or high-altitude passes, the Storr holds its own—thanks largely to that excellent KYB suspension and predictable handling.


Braking System: Front Strong, Rear Fades

The J.Juan braking components offer mixed results:

  • Front: 320mm disc with 4-piston radial caliper—powerful, progressive, and easy to modulate.
  • Rear: 240mm disc with single-piston floating caliper—adequate on-road but fades quickly under heavy use, especially on steep descents.

During our Italian alpine run, the rear brake started squealing and lost bite after repeated hard use on mountain switchbacks. For casual gravel riding, it’s fine—but don’t expect enduro-level endurance.

Good news: Rear ABS can be switched off for off-road control.
⚠️ Watch out: Rear brake heat management needs work.


Tech & Features: Packed for Adventure (Out of the Box)

Here’s where Brixton wins big: standard equipment.

For €6,999 (Austria, 2025), you get:

  • 5-inch full-color TFT display (vertical Enduro-style layout)
  • LED headlights + auxiliary lights
  • Handguards (basic plastic, but functional)
  • Engine guard plate
  • Luggage rack (SW-Motech compatible!)
  • Tank bags & rear pad (yes, really—pre-installed!)
  • USB charging port
  • Adjustable KYB suspension
  • Switchable ABS & traction control

Compare that to rivals like the KTM 390 Adventure (which often requires costly accessory packs), and the Storr offers exceptional value.

🎒 Real-World Bonus: We mounted a SW-Motech tail bag directly to the factory rack—no adapters needed.


Fuel Economy & Range: 360 km on a Tank

With a 16-liter fuel tank and 4.63 L/100 km consumption on the highway, the Storr delivers a real-world range of ~360 km. That’s enough for a full day of alpine exploration without constant fuel stops.

Perfect for weekend getaways or multi-day tours across Europe’s scenic backroads.

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: The Retro Adventure Bike That’s Actually Fun Off-Road?


How It Stacks Up: Storr vs. The Competition

Engine
486cc Parallel-Twin
390cc Single
411cc Single
Power
47.6 hp
43.5 hp
24.3 hp
Seat Height
839 mm
855 mm
800 mm
Weight (wet)
~215 kg
~177 kg
~199 kg
Suspension Travel
180/175 mm
225/225 mm
200/180 mm
Price (EU)
€6,999
€6,499+ (w/ accessories)
€5,299
Best For
Road-biased touring + light gravel
Aggressive off-roading
Budget adventure, relaxed pace

Verdict: The Storr isn’t the lightest or most off-road capable—but it’s the most complete touring package right out of the box.


The Good, The Bad, and The “Could Be Better”

Strengths

  • Outstanding KYB suspension
  • Balanced 19"/17" wheel setup for road + light off-road
  • Exceptional standard equipment
  • Comfortable ergonomics for long rides
  • Smooth, refined engine (despite needing revs)

Weaknesses

  • Heavy for its power output (~215 kg)
  • Rear brake fades under load
  • Limited wind protection
  • Short gear lever hampers off-road shifting
  • Modest low-end torque

🔧 Wishlist for Brixton 2.0

  1. Add mid-range torque (flywheel tuning?)
  2. Upgrade rear brake heat dissipation
  3. Offer optional taller windscreen
  4. Extend gear lever for off-road boots

Final Verdict: A Remarkable First Attempt

For a first-time adventure bike, the Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr is a triumph of balance. It won’t win Dakar, but it excels at what most riders actually do: weekend tours, mountain escapes, and the occasional gravel detour.

At €6,999, it undercuts premium rivals while offering more standard gear and superior road manners. If your adventures lean more “asphalt with a sprinkle of dirt” than full-on off-roading, this bike deserves a spot on your shortlist.

🏁 Who Should Buy It?

  • A2 license holders wanting a true adventure tourer
  • Road-focused riders who occasionally explore gravel
  • Budget-conscious travelers who hate buying accessories
  • Fans of parallel-twin smoothness over single-cylinder thump

Ready to Ride?

The Brixton Crossfire 500 Storr proves you don’t need to spend €12,000 to enjoy capable, stylish, and well-equipped adventure touring. It’s not flawless—but it’s honest, capable, and refreshingly complete.

And in a market flooded with half-baked “adventure” bikes, that’s saying a lot.


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