when Harley-Davidson X440

Introduction

 Meet the first-ever motorcycle to come out of the Harley-Hero collab.  It is not just a worthy effort, it is a motorcycle capable of giving the likes of Royal Enfield 350cc bikes - and the new Triumph Street 400 - a few restless nights. We say that because not only is the Harley-Davidson X440 well-priced, it is an impressive motorcycle on the road, too. Here's our take on the bike after spending a couple of hours riding it at Hero’s R&D center in Jaipur,

 The X440 is a reasonably large motorcycle. It is longer, and it sits on a longer wheelbase, compared to its main rival - the Classic 350. In fact, Hero and Harley have so closely benchmarked the Classic that the X440 has the exact same seat height, ground clearance and front suspension travel. The X440 is however slightly lighter. 

In terms of design, the X draws cues from Harley’s own XR 1200, somewhat. As a result, the Harley connection is more than obvious. And if it wasn't, there are over 12 logos all around the bike to remind you of that. The 440 is a good looking-motorcycle; well-proportioned and easy on the eye. The attention to detail in the places is well-executed, and unless you pick and prod, it comes across as a motorcycle that's been well put-together

 The Harley X440 is a mixed bag of modernity and old-school approach when it comes to mechanical. The engine is an air- and oil-cooled, single-cylinder, long-stroke thumped. It displaces 440cc and puts out 27bhp and 38Nm of torque. Both these figures are significantly higher than the Royal Enfield Classic 350.  It is a simple engine, it is mated to a six-speed gearbox to give it added flexibility. 

 The chassis is a trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. It’s not the best-looking trellis frame we have been, but Harley and Hero's engineers say, the focus was on function more than form. This is a more modern take on a frame, nonetheless, which is good to see

 Harley-Davidson X440 is a cruiser bike available in 3 variants and 4 colors. X440 price starts at Rs. 2,39,500 in India with top variant price starting from Rs. 2,79,500. The Harley-Davidson X440 is powered by 440cc BS6 engine which develops a power of 27 bhp and a torque of 38 Nm. With both front and rear disc brakes, Harley-Davidson X440 comes up with anti-locking braking system. This X440 bike weighs 190.5 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 liters

 Harley-Davidson India has announced the launch of its most affordable motorcycle, the X440. The motorcycle is available in three variants. The base model uses single-tone paint and comes with wire-spoke wheels. Then, the mid-version gets alloy wheels and a dual-tone finish. The top-spec model comes loaded with premium features such as diamond-cut alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, and 3D logos. The Bluetooth module brings the turn-by-turn navigation function to the top model

Meanwhile, the styling cues across the range include a round headlight with integrated Harley-Davidson branding, a single-pod instrument cluster, a flat handlebar, a side-slung exhaust, machined alloy wheels, and retro-style round indicators

Then, the new Harley-Davidson X440 uses a 440cc, single-cylinder, oil and air-cooled engine with a two-valve setup that makes a maximum output of 27bhp at 6,000rpm and 38Nm of peak torque at 4,000rpm

The motorcycle is built around a trellis frame, and it uses 43mm upside-down front forks and gas-charged, preload-adjustable twin rear shocks to handle the suspension duties. The braking tasks are handled by single disc brakes on both wheels, while the safety net comprises a dual-channel ABS and a side-stand engine cut-off function.

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 Harley-Davidson X440 Review

 Good Things

• •  Handles really well
  •  Comfortable ergonomics
  •  440cc engine has good mid-range performance

 Could be Better

• •  Fit and finish could have been better
  •  Engine vibrations could have been lesser

      

        The X 440 is the most affordable Harley-Davidson one can buy in India. It is equipped with a new 440cc engine that churns out good performance and also gets some modern features like LED lights and a fully digital instrument cluster. Plus, the bike is really fun to ride. But it lacks good overall fit and finish also churns out vibrations when the engine is at its mid-range

       Harley-Davidson X440 Expert Opinion

     

     Meet the first-ever motorcycle to come out of the collab. It is not just a worthy effort, it is a motorcycle capable of giving the likes of Royal Enfield 350cc bikes - and the new Triumph Street 400 - a few restless nights. We say that because not only is the Harley-Davidson X440 well-priced, it is an impressive motorcycle on the road, too. Here's our take on the bike after spending a couple of hours riding it at Hero’s R&D center in Jaipur

  •  Before we rode the X440, we thought its aggressive pricing would be its key differentiator. But, we were wrong. Because, the way the motorcycle rides and feels gives it a very distinct and likeable aura. 

    The engine is a long-stroke unit. Not surprisingly, then, it packs in handsome amounts of low and mid-range torque. This makes the 440 feel alive and willing and easy to ride. But it’s not a lazy engine. So, it likes to rev, and it doesn't mind hitting its limiter at 7000rpm quickly and repeatedly. 

    

    The throttle response is crisp, the gear ratios are well spread, and it is picks up seamlessly - and potently - from as low as 2000rpm, making it properly tractable. It also sounds good when you open the throttle at low rpm, with the exhaust note sounding brawny and sweet at the same time. 

    In terms of refinement, the new 440cc could be a bit quieter. It could also do with lesser vibes post 4500rpm. Not that the vibes will leave you with buzzy hands within 30 minutes of riding, but given how smooth it feels under 4000rpm, the same could have been translated in the mid-range too. Now, if you choose to ride at 90kmph in sixth gear, the bike is at its sweet spot and makes for a fatigue-free riding experience. In fact, at 100kmph in sixth, even though there are some vibes that can be felt on the handlebar, seat and foot pegs, these aren't pronounced enough to cause concern. So in that sense, the X440’s powertrain should help the bike’s touring abilities if you choose to stick to speed limits. 

    

    The X440’s highlight, however, is its dynamic ability. Now, we only rode the bike inside CIT, so we can't really comment on its ride quality. Handling wise, though, it did pleasantly surprise us. The function-over-form approach for the chassis, the USD forks upfront, and the tires, make for a predictable, friendly, and exciting combo come a series of corners. 

    The X440 flows into corners, tracks true when leaned over, and even with the 18-inch front tire, 190kg of wet weight, and the long wheelbase, it handles quick direction changes like a boss. It doesn't weave or squirm or slip or slide, it just stands up and drops onto the other side till you start scraping the foot pegs. 

    

    The brakes are good too. These offer a strong bite, good progression, and have the ability to overwhelm the tires quite easily. I do wish travel for the front brake lever wasn’t as much to catch your gloved finger between the lever and the handlebar grip when you squeeze the lever fully