Harley-Davidson X 440 Roadster Unveiled, India Launch in July 2023
India's launch is scheduled on July 4, 2023. For a bike of this quality, one would expect to pay between Rs 2.6 and 3 lakh. Moreover, the 350cc models from Royal Enfield and Honda are expected to provide stiff competition.
By Divyam Dubey
Harley-Davidson has finally shown us images of the final, production-ready X 440, after months of teasing. This first product of Harley's collaboration with Hero MotoCorp has a flat handlebar, neutral ergos, and a butch design, making it appear more like H-D's vintage XR roadsters than the company's signature cruisers. On July 4, 2023, the first motorbike to result from the collaboration between Hero and Harley will debut in India. Unlike the typical laid-back cruisers that Harley-Davidson is known for, the H-D X 440 is more of a roadster—vintage, stylish, and full of character. It's an homage to Harley's XR-1200, a bike that strays from the cruiser mould more than the sport one. The bike's styling is reminiscent of the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. The motorbike now has a more aesthetically pleasing fuel tank and prominently displays the brand name.
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Harley-Davidson X 440: Features
A flat handlebar, neutral footpeg locations, and a hollowed-out seat all contribute to a relaxed and natural riding stance. Initial impressions are favourable regarding the quality of construction. Looking closer, the left switchgear seems to have many purposes. The circular LED headlamp, mirrors, and indicators may potentially stand out to keen fans, as would the expected completely digital instrument pod with Bluetooth connection.
Across the circumference of the headlamp is a strip of LEDs, and in the middle of the indicators is the brand's bar and shield symbol. There seems to be significant attention to detail. Photos show that the motorbike is appropriately sized, although we were hoping for a more aggressive-looking silencer. The currently photographed one is really unremarkable.
Harley-Davidson X 440: Engine and Transmission
The motorbike has a single-cylinder, 440 cc, chain-driven, oil-cooled engine. One can anticipate a 6-speed transmission. The power and torque remain unknown. Standard equipment includes dual-channel anti-lock brakes. The motorbike has MRF tyres on both the 18-inch front wheel and the 17-inch rear wheel. The motorbike has an upside-down fork up front and two shock absorbers in the back, each of which has a preload adjuster.
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Harley-Davidson X 440: India Launch
The official date of the India launch is July 4, 2023. A price tag of between Rs 2.6 and 3 lakh seems reasonable for this motorbike. Also, this is anticipated to compete with the likes of Royal Enfield and Honda's 350cc offerings.
It will very certainly be the cheapest Harley to ever go on sale in India. The bike will also face up against the first offering from the Bajaj-Triumph collaboration, which is also anticipated to feature a comparable engine displacement.
