Harley-Davidson X440 T First Ride Review - Tail Tidy

Back in 2023, the Hero-Harley collaboration gave us the X440 – a gritty, single-cylinder roadster that made a strong first impression. It was comfortable, grunty, and, most importantly, proved that the partnership had real substance. That said, it was not without flaws.

Fast forward to today, and we have the Harley-Davidson X440 T. With a price tag of Rs 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom), it sits exactly where the old ‘S’ variant used to. So, is it simply a different letter on the tank, or is the X440 T genuinely a better motorcycle?

X440 T Design & Styling

I’ll be honest – the original X440 had an awkward rear design. It looked imposing in the rearview mirror, but once it passed you, the tail section felt tacky and underwhelming. The X440 T addresses this decisively. Drawing inspiration from the iconic XR1200, Harley has completely redesigned the tail section, giving the X440 T a much more cohesive and premium presence.

Up front, the changes are subtle but impactful. You get bar-end mirrors as standard, along with new tank graphics. While Harley claims that the tank dimensions have changed, the difference is largely visual, stemming from the new graphics replacing the old embossed logo. The exhaust also gets a new heat shield and end can, eliminating the slightly ‘afterthought’ appearance of the previous version.

The X440 T gets new shades like Pearl White and Pearl Red, which offer excellent contrast against the blacked-out components. It now looks like a complete, high-end motorcycle rather than a work-in-progress.

X440 T Ride-by-Wire, Ride Modes & Power Delivery

The most significant mechanical update is the introduction of a ride-by-wire throttle. And, it actually makes a substantial difference in terms of refinement. The older X440 felt jerky and gruff during low-speed riding, often catching the rider off guard. The new system considerably smoothens these transitions, making the motorcycle easier to manage.

The X440 T offers two ride modes – Road (100% power) and Rain (90% power with gentler delivery). Interestingly, Harley has also added switchable rear ABS and traction control. On the other hand, the 440cc single-cylinder engine’s specs haven’t changed, but the way it delivers power has. The mid-range is still the star of the show – between 2,750 and 5,000rpm, the bike feels genuinely lively. It’s punchy and refined, but there is a catch. The low-end grunt is still lacking, and the top-end feels flat. Because the usable power band is decently wide but concentrated in the mid-range, you’ll find yourself working the 6-speed gearbox often to stay in the sweet spot.

The ride quality, meanwhile, is a tale of two halves. The rear suspension has been excellently retuned, allowing it to remain pliant and comfortable over most surfaces. The front USD forks, however, have been stiffened up for sportier dynamics. On smooth tarmac, they are great. But hit a sharp pothole or a rutted section, and the front end thuds loudly as it bottoms out. While it doesn’t unsettle the bike, it makes it clear that the front-end has little chill when the roads turn ugly.

X440 T Review Verdict: Is This the Best Version of Harley’s 440 Platform Yet?

The Harley-Davidson X440 T is undeniably the best execution of this platform. For Rs 2.79 lakh, you get a more premium design, smoother throttle response, and a better electronics package. It bridges the gap between a laid-back cruiser and an engaging roadster with much more success than its predecessor.