autoX Awards 2023: Harley-Davidson X440 Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2023: The Indian motorcycle market is rapidly evolving, and the very existence of the Harley-Davidson X440 is proof of this. Designed and developed in partnership with Hero Motocorp, the X440 was conceived to bring the Harley-Davidson experience to price-conscious new-age enthusiasts. Now, while this proposition might not sit well with those who expect a full-blown Harley experience, there is no denying the effort that has gone into making it a fun two-wheeler.

Powered by a 440cc single-cylinder engine generating 27bhp and 28Nm, the Harley-Davidson X440 exhibits a brief moment of hesitation before the torque comes in strong and hard. Notably, the best way to extract power from this engine is by quick shifting the six-speed transmission – I had to downshift while entering corners and upshift while exiting to carry the momentum. Not the best for a bike that is expected to offer more low-end grunt.

That said, we were really impressed by its handling. This motorcycle has excellent chassis dynamics and overall grip. If you’re in the right gear, the bike can be easily leaned into corners while carrying speed. Despite the practicality of the forward-set footpegs for daily riding, they consistently scraped around corners.

Also Read: Harley-Davidson X440 First Ride Review: Is this the Perfect Sports Cruiser?

All things considered, I truly like the balance that the Harley-Davidson X440 offers. While it’s got sophisticated KYB upside-down forks at the front, it’s surprising how well the bike performs with conventional twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the back. In our tests, the Harley-Davidson wasn’t as good as other sporty options in its class, but it did manage to outperform other practical alternatives and a 650cc cruiser. However, with the handling and comfort it has to offer, it won the hearts of the jury members. The X440 is a motorcycle that demands to be ridden rather than what the spec sheet would suggest it’s capable of.

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