Brixton Crossfire 500X vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Spec Comparison

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has always been a nice entry-level point to big bikes. Leaving aside a few caveats here and there, it’s one of those few fun-to-ride motorcycles that does not come with a heavy price tag, like typical multi-cylinder 650 cc bikes in India do. However, there is a new Austrian in town called the Crossfire 500 X, and it's from Brixton Motorcycles. It might not be a direct competitor to the Interceptor 650 per se. But both are quite fundamentally similar. Which begs the question, is the new Brixton Crossfire 500 X a fundamentally better bike than the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?

Brixton Crossfire 500X vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Engine

Despite the difference in displacement, the Brixton Crossfire 500X produces as much power as the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, and at slightly higher rpm. Thus suggesting that this will be a rev-friendly mill. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 edges past the Crossfire 500X, with more peak torque produced much earlier in the rev range, and with a proven record of solid low and mid-range performance – the Interceptor 650 is quite the friendly engine. A six-speed gearbox is available with both, so both should feel comfortable doing long-distance tours.    

Brixton Crossfire 500X vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Suspension and Brakes

When it comes to their respective hardware component, the Brixton Crossfire 500X goes for higher spec and convenience, with a KYB-sourced USD fork and monoshock. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 gets a telescopic fork and dual-shock absorbers, instead. The latter has been one of our biggest disappointments. However, on the braking front, both bikes equip 320 mm/ 240 mm disc brakes, with dual-channel ABS available as standard. 

Brixton Crossfire 500X vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Dimension

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is clearly the more regal-looking bike of the two. The Brixton Crossfire 500X feels more purpose-driven and rugged. Due to this, it gets a smaller, but taller and lighter body which should make the Crossfire 500X more agile and easy to manoeuvre in tight traffic conditions. Unlike the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, with its twin-exhaust design, and with a kerb weight of 202 kg, feels quite the hefty bike to handle. 

Brixton Crossfire 500X vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Features

Keeping matters retro and classy, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is a welcome sight with its dual-pod analogue instrument cluster. Either way, we approve the limited yet adequate connectivity options that are on offer here. On the other hand, the Brixton Crossfire 500 X, keeps matter modern with a fully digital LCD cluster, and LED headlight and tail light are standard here. But the Interceptor 650 just gets LED headlights, wherein the turn indicators and tail lights are still bulb units. 

Brixton Crossfire 500X vs Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: Price 

As we mentioned at the start, one of the biggest USPs of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was the fact that it was one of the most affordable 650 cc bikes in India. And it continues to remain so with prices starting from ₹3.03 lakh and going up to ₹3.31 lakh with a full-chrome version. The new Brixton Crossfire 500 X, on the other hand, starts from ₹4.75 lakh onwards (both ex-showroom price, Delhi), which is quite an expensive proposition in comparison. So, our pick based on the spec sheet will continue to be the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. But will the Brixton Crossfire 500 X be able to win back our vote with an exciting ride quality? Stay tuned to find out.