Now Reading: Brixton Cromwell 1200 Review: Classic Soul Meets Modern Muscle
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Brixton Cromwell 1200 Review: Classic Soul Meets Modern Muscle
The retro-modern motorcycle segment is heating up, and Brixton is entering the competition with one of its most ambitious machines yet the Cromwell 1200. A motorcycle designed for riders who want emotion over electronics, charm over complexity, and timeless design over tech overload.
But is this new heavyweight retro worth your attention? Here’s our detailed review.
Design: Retro Done Right
The Brixton Cromwell 1200 looks like it has time-travelled straight into 2025. The design team has leaned heavily into classic British aesthetics, and the result is a motorcycle with serious road presence.
You get a circular LED headlamp, rounded indicators, spoked wheels, a striking green fuel tank paired with a brown seat, tank pads, metal mudguards and tasteful Brixton badging on the engine casing. The switchgear feels solid too, adding to the premium old-school impression.
This is easily one of the most distinctive-looking retro motorcycles currently on sale in India.
Ergonomics: Friendly on Paper, Wider in Reality
The seat height stands at 800 mm, which sounds accessible. But there’s a catch — the motorcycle is wide.
A rider of 5’7” who usually flat-foots 815 mm motorcycles will find themselves tiptoeing on the Cromwell. The width makes it challenging to plant both feet comfortably at a standstill. Once on the move, however, the bike feels far more manageable.
Features: Simple but Sufficient
Brixton has intentionally kept the feature list short, but everything offered here serves a purpose.
LED headlamp
Circular colour TFT display
Gear position indicator
Trip meter, time, fuel gauge
Traction control (On/Off)
Cruise control
Ride-by-wire
Two ride modes: Eco and Sport
Adjustable brake and clutch levers
Switch to Sport mode and the display layout changes — a small but neat touch. However, unlike its sibling, the Crossfire 500 XC, the Cromwell 1200 does not get adjustable suspension.
Engine & Performance: Strong Low-End, Easy Going
Powering the Cromwell is a 1222cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces:
82 bhp @ 6650 rpm
108 Nm @ 3100 rpm
Torque arrives early, giving the motorcycle an easygoing, relaxed character. You can stay in third gear for most city riding without the engine complaining.
Eco mode keeps throttle response gentle — ideal for commutes or relaxed highway runs. Switch to Sport mode, and things sharpen instantly. The bike reacts quicker, making it more engaging but also requiring more attention from your right wrist.
The only real downside here is the gearbox. It feels clunky at low speeds and only becomes smooth when ridden aggressively.
Ride & Handling: Heavy but Surprisingly Composed
At 235 kg, the Cromwell 1200 is no lightweight. Yet, once you start rolling, it masks its weight well. The motorcycle feels planted and stable, especially on long highway stretches.
The ergonomics are upright and comfortable, the seat is supportive, and the 16-litre fuel tank gives it decent touring capability. But the suspension could use better tuning for Indian roads. It handles slow bumps well, but sharp potholes or sudden speed breakers can send a harsh jolt up your spine.
The Pirelli tyres offer good grip and inspire confidence in corners, but the braking system is a mixed experience. While the Nissin calipers offer decent stopping power, the brake feel is vague, especially under hard braking, which doesn’t inspire total confidence.
Verdict: Charm Over Perfection
The Brixton Cromwell 1200 is a refreshing entry in the retro motorcycle space. It isn’t the most polished or refined bike you can buy at ₹8.24 lakh (ex-showroom), and the suspension and brakes could definitely be better tuned for our roads.
But what it lacks in finesse, it makes up for in character, presence and old-school charm — qualities that matter a lot to riders who prefer emotional connection over outright performance.
If you want a motorcycle that looks stunning, feels special and stands out everywhere you go, the Cromwell 1200 is worth considering.
