The Brixton Cromwell 1200. Sounds posh, doesn’t it? Like something that should come with tweed jackets and tea at 4 PM. But what if I told you this “British” classic actually hails from China; and costs just under ₹8 lakh ex-showroom? That’s a whole lot of motorcycle for the money. But the question is… is it worth living with?
The Mysterious Brixton
Brixton has been around in India for a little over a year now, but spotting one on the road is like spotting a wild unicorn, rare and oddly confusing. My guess? Their “British design meets Chinese manufacturing” identity hasn’t really struck a chord with Indian buyers yet. But is that fair? Or are we all just being badge snobs?
Design: Classic by the Book
The Cromwell 1200 takes absolutely no risks when it comes to design (that’s not a bad thing) Teardrop tank, round headlamp, bench seat, twin exhausts, it’s as retro as retro gets. From a side glance, it honestly gives off Honda CB350 RS vibes. I know, I know, that’s not what you want to hear after spending nearly 8 lakh rupees, but hear me out—if you want something understated that doesn’t scream for attention, this hits the sweet spot.
It’s only after a double take that you realize, “Oh… that’s a big bike.” And when you start poking around, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The Cromwell is solidly built, tight panel gaps, neat cable routing, tactile switchgear, it all feels well put together.
There’s just one glaring issue: the speedo. In broad daylight, it’s about as readable as a newspaper under a disco light. But aside from that, this is a well-built, timeless machine. No drama, just effortless old-school charm.
Under the Skin: Meet the Big Twin
At the heart of the Cromwell sits a 1,222cc liquid-cooled parallel twin (the biggest engine Brixton’s ever made) and it’s clearly had a close look at the Triumph Bonneville’s homework. Both motors share a similar layout: single overhead cam, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooling, and a six-speed gearbox with chain drive. Even the catalytic converter placement screams “inspired by Bonneville.”
Numbers-wise, the Cromwell punches out 80.5 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 107 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, almost identical to the Bonneville T120. So, on paper, it’s a heavyweight hitter.
Features: Sensible, Not Showy
Brixton didn’t cut corners on the hardware either. You get KYB suspension, Nissin brakes with dual front discs, Bosch dual-channel ABS, LED lights, traction control, cruise control, and even an anti-theft key system. The TFT screen looks great (when you can see it) and there are two riding modes: Eco and Sport. It’s not overloaded with tech, but it’s got everything you need.
The Ride: Calm, Then Crazy
In the city, the Cromwell behaves like a gentleman. Eco mode dulls the throttle, the traction control is on high alert, and the whole bike just feels… chilled. It’s smooth, predictable, and surprisingly easy to manage for a 1200cc twin. It actually reminds me of a slightly more refined Interceptor 650, same easy-going character, just with more polish.
But switch to Sport mode and suddenly, that polite gentleman turns into a hooligan with caffeine in his veins. Twist the throttle and the Cromwell lunges forward with gusto. The bottom-end torque is immense, it doesn’t scream, but it rips. The revs climb slowly, but steadily, and by the time you hit the redline, you’re probably grinning like an idiot inside your helmet.
Thankfully, the Nissin brakes are up to the task, providing strong, confident stopping power. And if you’re the kind who loves a good soundtrack, those twin pipes deliver a deliciously throaty blip when you downshift.
Handling: Not Its Cup of Tea
Here’s where the Cromwell’s charm meets its limit. This isn’t a canyon carver. It’s a cruiser at heart. The high center of gravity and relaxed footpeg position mean you’ll need some muscle to wrestle it through tight bends. On highways, though, it’s brilliant! stable, comfortable, and just the right amount of lively.
So, if you were planning to attack the Ghats, maybe bring a different bike. But if your commute is more about enjoying the ride than chasing apexes, the Cromwell nails it.
Verdict: The Thinking Rider’s Retro
The Brixton Cromwell 1200 is a refreshing surprise. It looks great, feels solid, and rides like a big, lazy muscle bike with a charming old-school soul. Sure, the badge might not have the same cachet as Triumph, and the speedo might test your patience, but at under ₹8 lakh, it’s genuinely good value.
It’s not trying to impress anyone, it’s just being itself. A proper, well-mannered, occasionally wild retro roadster that just wants you to enjoy the ride.
No drama. Just retro swag.
