Iconic American motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson has created a stir with the launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 in India, a game-changer in the mid-segment motorcycle market. Introduced on July 3, 2023, in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, the X440 is the most affordable Harley ever in India, designed to take on bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Triumph Speed 400.
With its neo-retro styling, powerful performance, and affordable price, the X440 is set to attract young riders and urban commuters. This article explores the launch details, specifications, features, and price of the Harley-Davidson X440, a motorcycle set to redefine the premium biking experience in India.
A historic collaboration
The Harley-Davidson X440 is a significant milestone as it is the first motorcycle born out of a partnership between India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp. Manufactured at Hero’s Neemrana factory in Rajasthan, the X440 combines Harley’s iconic design principles with Hero’s affordable manufacturing expertise. Launched at a starting price of ₹ 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom), the X440 has garnered over 25,000 bookings globally till August 2023, reflecting the strong enthusiasm in the market. The collaboration aims to bring Harley’s premium biking experience to a wider Indian audience.
Design: Neo-retro with a modern twist
The X440’s design is inspired by Harley’s classic XR1200, blending retro charm with contemporary elements. Its key features include:
Muscular styling: A round LED headlamp with an integrated Harley-Davidson logo, a sculpted 13.5-litre fuel tank and a side-slung exhaust create a bold, commanding presence.
Compact Dimensions: With a seat height of 805 mm, a kerb weight of 190.5 kg and 170 mm ground clearance, the X440 is agile and well-suited to Indian roads.
Colour Options: Available in seven colours including Mustard Denim, Metallic Thick Red, Goldfish Silver and the recently launched Baja Orange, catering to a variety of tastes.
The bike’s retro-styled round indicators and all-LED lighting enhance its aesthetic appeal while ensuring visibility.
Performance and Specifications
At the core of the X440 is a 440cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine that churns out 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, with 90% of the torque available from 2,000 rpm. Paired to a six-speed gearbox and slip-and-assist clutch, the engine delivers effortless, torquey performance, ideal for city riding and highway cruising. The X440 gets an ARAI-claimed mileage of 35 kmpl, while in the real world it is around 32 kmpl.
The bike’s steel trellis frame, 43mm USD front forks and twin rear shock absorbers ensure a balanced ride. Braking is handled by dual-channel ABS with a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, complemented by MRF Zapper Hike tyres on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.
Specifications and Variants
The X440 is available in three variants – Denim, Vivid and S, priced from ₹2.39 lakh to ₹2.79 lakh (ex-showroom). The base Denim variant gets spoke wheels and single-tone colour, while the Vivid variant gets alloy wheels and a dual-tone scheme. The top-spec S variant gets diamond-cut alloy wheels, a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation and call/SMS alerts. A 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster provides essential data such as speed, gear position and distance-to-end.
Price and Competition
The Harley-Davidson X440 is priced at ₹ 2.39 lakh for the Denim variant, ₹ 2.59 lakh for the Vivid and ₹ 2.79 lakh for the S variant, ex-showroom. On-road prices range from ₹ 2.75 lakh to ₹ 3.20 lakh, depending on the city. It competes with the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda H’ness CB350 and Triumph Speed 400, offering a unique blend of Harley heritage and modern technology at a competitive price.
Market impact and reception
The X440 has been praised for its torquey engine, agile handling and comfortable ergonomics, making it a strong contender in the 350-450cc segment. However, some users note that spare parts can be expensive compared to rivals, potentially increasing ownership costs. With Hero’s expanded Premia dealership network, the X440 is well positioned to capture the growing premium motorcycle market in India.