Harley-Davidson is a legendary brand that is known for its big, powerful, and loud motorcycles. However, in a bid to attract new and younger customers, especially in emerging markets like India, the company has launched a new model that is unlike any other Harley before. The Harley-Davidson X 440 is a midsize motorcycle that is powered by a single-cylinder engine and has a modern and sporty design. It is also the result of a partnership between Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp, one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features, specifications, and performance of the Harley-Davidson X 440 and see how it compares with its rivals.
Features and Design
The Harley-Davidson X 440 looks like a roadster with a muscular and aggressive stance. It has a round LED headlight, a flat handlebar, a sculpted fuel tank, a trellis frame, a single-seat, and a short rear fender. The bike also has blacked-out components such as the engine, exhaust, wheels, and forks, giving it a stealthy appearance. The bike is available in three variants: Standard, Special Edition, and Custom Edition. The Standard variant comes in four colors: Vivid Black, Stone Washed White Pearl, Gauntlet Gray Metallic, and Deadwood Green. The Special Edition variant comes in two colors: Billiard Red and Snake Venom. The Custom Edition variant allows the customers to choose from various options such as paint schemes, graphics, accessories, and personalization.
Some of the notable features of the Harley-Davidson X 440 are:
A 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster that displays information such as speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, gear indicator, range display, road sign assist, and turn-by-turn navigation.
A Bluetooth connectivity system that enables the rider to pair their smartphone with the bike and access features such as music control, call management, battery status, missed call alert, message alert, and network strength.
A 2400W power inverter that can turn the bike into a mobile generator and power various devices such as tools or appliances.
A detachable JBL Flex Portable Speaker that can be mounted on the handlebar or taken anywhere to enjoy music.
A front disconnecting stabilizer bar that improves wheel articulation and suspension travel for off-road riding.
A trail camera system that provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings and helps the rider navigate tricky terrain.
Specifications and Performance
The Harley-Davidson X 440 is powered by an air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that displaces 440 cc. It produces 27 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. It is mated to a six-speed gearbox that delivers smooth and responsive shifting. The bike has a kerb weight of 190.5 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 liters. It has a claimed fuel efficiency of 39 kmpl and a range of 140 km. Related Articles: 2024 Harley Davidson Street Glide: A Glimpse Into The Future
The bike has a front suspension of KYB 43 mm upside-down forks and a rear suspension of twin shock absorbers with seven-step preload adjustment. It has a front brake of Bybre four-piston caliper with a 320 mm disc and a rear brake of Bybre single-piston caliper with a 240 mm disc. It also has dual-channel ABS as standard. It has a front tyre size of 100/90-18 and a rear tyre size of 140/70-17. It has a ground clearance of 170 mm and a seat height of 805 mm.
The bike has an impressive performance for its segment. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in about 8 seconds and reach a top speed of about 140 kmph. It can also handle both city traffic and highway cruising with ease. It has good low-end torque that makes it fun to ride. It also has good handling and stability thanks to its well-balanced chassis and suspension setup. It can also tackle off-road terrain with confidence thanks to its high ground clearance, disconnecting stabilizer bar, trail camera system, and multi-terrain select modes.
Competition and Price
The Harley-Davidson X 440 competes with other midsize motorcycles in the Indian market such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the Honda H'ness CB350, the Yezdi Roadster, the Triumph Speed 400, and the Benelli Imperiale. The bike has an advantage over its rivals in terms of torque output, features, design, and brand value. However, it also faces challenges such as dealer network availability, service support, quality issues, and customer loyalty.
The bike is priced at Rs. 2.39 lakh for the Standard variant, Rs. 2.59 lakh for the Special Edition variant, and Rs. 2.79 lakh for the Custom Edition variant (ex-showroom). The bike is well priced for its segment and offers good value for money. It is also cheaper than some of its competitors such as the Triumph Speed 400 and the Benelli Imperiale.
Conclusion
The Harley-Davidson X 440 is a bold and innovative move by the American brand to expand its customer base and market share in India. It is a motorcycle that offers a unique blend of power, efficiency, reliability, and off-road capability. It is also a motorcycle that appeals to a wide range of riders, from beginners to enthusiasts, from urban commuters to adventure seekers, from loyalists to newcomers. It is a motorcycle that can be customized and personalized to suit the rider's preferences and style. It is a motorcycle that can be a gateway to the Harley-Davidson family and lifestyle. The Harley-Davidson X 440 is a motorcycle that deserves a serious look from anyone who is looking for a midsize motorcycle in India.
