Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle brand, is all set to launch its latest offering in the Indian market: the X440 Roadster. The X440 is a single-cylinder, oil-cooled bike that promises to deliver a nimble, agile and powerful ride. The X440 is the result of a strategic partnership between Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp, India's largest two-wheeler manufacturer. The bike will be produced at Hero's plant in Haryana and will be sold through Harley-Davidson's dealer network across the country.
The X440 is a completely new platform for Harley-Davidson, designed to appeal to a younger and more diverse audience. The bike features a sleek and sporty design, with a low-slung seat, mid-mount foot controls, and a 3.5-inch TFT display with H-D Connect service. The bike also boasts of an all-LED lighting system, with a multi-projector headlamp and signature DRL, LED winkers and LED tail lamp. The bike is available in four color options: Matte Black, S, Vivid and Denim.
New 440cc single-cylinder engine
The heart of the X440 is an all-new 440cc single-cylinder engine that produces 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine has a long-stroke architecture that emphasizes low-rpm torque over high-revving power. The engine also features a fuel injection system and a powerful signature Harley-Davidson exhaust note. The bike has a six-speed gearbox and a chain drive.
The X440 is equipped with a USD 43mm double cartridge fork at the front and gas-filled twin shocks at the rear, with 7-step preload adjustment. The bike has a wheelbase of 1,418 mm, a ground clearance of 170 mm, and a seat height of 805 mm. The bike weighs 190.5 kg in running order and has a fuel capacity of 13.5 liters. The bike has disc brakes at both ends, with a 320 mm rotor at the front and a 240 mm rotor at the rear.
The X440 is priced at INR 2,39,500 for the Matte Black variant, INR 2,49,500 for the S variant, INR 2,59,500 for the Vivid variant, and INR 2,79,500 for the Denim variant. The bookings for the bike have already started online and offline, with a booking amount of INR 10,000. The deliveries of the bike will commence from October 15, 2023.
The X440 is expected to compete with other single-cylinder bikes in the Indian market, such as the KTM Duke 390, the BMW G310R, and the Honda CB300R. The X440 aims to offer a unique combination of style, performance and technology that will attract new customers to the Harley-Davidson brand. The X440 is also part of Harley-Davidson's global strategy to expand its product portfolio and reach new markets. Related Articles: 2024 Harley Davidson Street Glide: A Glimpse Into The Future
First Harley-Davidson to be made in India
The X440 is not only a new bike for Harley-Davidson, but also a new chapter in its history. The X440 is the first Harley-Davidson to be made in India, in collaboration with an Indian partner. The X440 is also the first single-cylinder Harley-Davidson since the Hummer model that was discontinued in 1966. The X440 is a bold move by Harley-Davidson to reinvent itself and redefine its roadster segment.
The X440 is a roadster reimagined by Harley-Davidson. It is designed to perform well on urban grid and high-speed ring roads. It is built to answer the call of the road. It is pure Harley-Davidson: heart and soul.
What makes the X440 special?
The X440 is special because it represents a new direction for Harley-Davidson in terms of product development and market strategy. Here are some of the reasons why:
It is the first product of the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp, which gives Harley access to Hero's manufacturing expertise, distribution network and customer base in India.
It is the first single-cylinder motorcycle from Harley-Davidson in over five decades, which shows Harley's willingness to experiment with new engine configurations and cater to different segments.
It is the first Harley-Davidson to be priced under INR 3 lakh, which makes it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers in India.
It is the first Harley-Davidson to feature modern technology such as H-D Connect service, which allows riders to access various information and functions through their smartphones.
It is the first Harley-Davidson to have a sporty and aggressive design, which appeals to the younger and urban riders who want a bike that stands out from the crowd.
The X440 is special because it is a Harley-Davidson like no other. It is a bike that combines the heritage and legacy of the brand with the innovation and adaptability of the present. It is a bike that challenges the stereotypes and expectations of what a Harley-Davidson should be. It is a bike that showcases the potential and possibilities of the future.