Harley-Davidson X440 : Harley-Davidson has officially launched the X440, a bold new entrant in India’s mid-size cruiser segment. This motorcycle, a result of Harley-Davidson’s collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, blends classic American styling with Indian manufacturing expertise. Designed to compete with the iconic Royal Enfield Bullet, the X440 offers a fresh take on retro cruising, combining heritage aesthetics with modern performance and technology.
Retro Design Meets Modern Appeal
The Harley-Davidson X440 captures attention with its muscular yet elegant design. Inspired by Harley’s classic cruisers, it features a round LED headlamp, wide handlebars, and a sculpted fuel tank that exudes timeless appeal. The bike’s clean, uncluttered look avoids excessive graphics, focusing instead on refined craftsmanship. A one-piece seat with a slight step-up ensures comfort for both rider and pillion, while exposed twin shock absorbers and telescopic front forks add to its rugged charm.
A Strong Contender Against the Royal Enfield Bullet
For decades the Royal Enfield Bullet has absolutely ruled India’s retro motorcycle market with its style, its unmistakable thump and absolutely diehard following. But the X440 is looking to change all that with a new way of riding a bike. It maintains Harley-Davidson’s distinctive presence on the road, yet it caters to riders who want classic looks combined with modern performance.
Powerful and Smooth 440cc Engine
Powering the X440 is a 440cc air-oil-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine which produces 27hp and 38Nm of torque. This configuration result in easy going feeling at city traffic and wide open roads. The shifts from the six-speed gearbox are slick and the motor itself being pretty torquey in nature makes for an involving ride. The exhaust note isn’t quite as booming as Harley’s bigger V-twins, but the pleasant rumble does all the talking that needs to be said about this iconic make.
Balanced Ride and Handling
Based on a cradle-type frame that provides an open riding position, the X440 has telescopic front forks and gas-charged rear shocks so it handles smoothly for a more comfortable ride on a variety of road surfaces. With an 805mm seat height, it is suitable for most riders and complemented by wide handlebars giving an upright, assured riding position. Against typical cruiser machines, the X440 excels through corners, which you’ll be glad of if you use the bike in stop-start traffic in the city, but open ‘road time’ certainly isn’t a problem for the X440 either. You get dual-channel ABS and disc brakes at both ends for better safety and control.
Modern Features in a Classic Package
For all that it appears retro there’s plenty of hi-tech fitted to the X440. A completely digital instrument cluster comes with Bluetooth and you can receive turn-by-turn navigation, call and message alerts. This, fighter jet-inspired cowling design also enables LED lighting which is an LED head lamp, tail lamp and position lights;; all of them are brighter and ensures good visibility. Extras such as live mileage tracking, servoce reminders and trip information are available to make life with the scooter a little easier.
Competitive Pricing and Variants
There are three versions of the X440 on the market –Vivid, Denim and S–to suit varying tastes and prices. Priced from ₹2.39’s lakhs (ex-showroom), it’s a worthy rival against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Meteor 350 models and will be the gateway to the Harley-Davidson brand at a lucrative price point.
Final Verdict
More than another motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson X440 is a key weapon for capturing India’s burgeoning cruiser market. Mixing old-school with modern tech and performance at a price that’s hard to ignore, it could just be the perfect antithesis to Royal Enfield. For riders who want a dash of heritage, performance and specialness, the X440 could well be a game changer for its segment.
