Harley Davidson X440: When Harley Davidson and Hero MotoCorp joined forces, many scoffed. A cruiser manufacturer and a mass-produced Indian giant? But once the X440 was launched, the motorcycle world was on the edge of its seat. With Harley’s badge, Hero’s local influence and a starting price of Rs. 2.29 lakh (Rs. 2.39 lakh after the introductory price hike), the X440 was more than just a flash in the pan. The bike brings real performance, practical usability and style that pays homage to the Harley XR1200, but pays homage to Indian roads with its round LED headlamps, flat handlebars and short tail.
As a rider who has ridden the Leh Ladakh and chases it through the Kolkata traffic every day, this is what appealed to me. 440cc of long-stroke, delivering 27 hp and 38 Nm. These figures easily surpass those of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, but the bike still manages to be smooth in city traffic. This motorcycle combines the features of a touring bike, a recreational cruiser and even a lightweight ADV without feeling like a patchwork. That’s what makes it so exciting.
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Design and Build Quality
Sliding into the cockpit, the X440 displays solid proportions with 18-inch front and 17-inch rear oval wheels, a spacious 13.5-liter fuel tank, and a trussed frame that uses the engine as a load-bearing member. Up close, you may notice that the frame’s crossbars are a bit abrupt. It looks more functional than aesthetically pleasing. While Harley’s details such as the badging are tasteful, some of the switchgear and plastic parts remind you that this bike was built to fit the price. The quality of the handlebar wiring and switch cubes could be improved.
Still, the rugged simplicity of the style adds to its charm. The bike doesn’t feel fragile or like a showroom product. It is built for the roads and everyday life in India. You can almost imagine fixing a small problem with the cable on the side of the road with the multitool and then moving on. In a world of plastic, the X440 feels like an honest bike. It doesn’t push too hard, and that’s one of the things that makes it stand out.
Engine, Performance and Ride Comfort
Let’s talk about the heart. The air-oil cooled single-cylinder engine is a real powerhouse. It delivers a lot of power at low speeds, and then ramps up smoothly as it approaches 7,000 rpm. It’s not a scream, it’s a pull. This engine allows you to drive comfortably in third gear without any knock or strain. On the open road, it can gallop at speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour without sounding nervous or jarring. It has a relaxed sense of urgency.
One Reddit user summed it up: “Great pickup, faster than the R15, and great ride quality, 23.5km/h in the city and about 30km/h on the highway. This is also in line with my impressions. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth in most situations, but when the car was new, shifting from the first to the second gear could feel a bit clunky. After the first service, that feeling goes away. Suspension is one of the bike’s strengths, with the 43 mm USD fork and twin rear shocks tuned for comfort and control. You can slide over potholes, climb over flyovers, and lean into corners without the stabbing sensation that sometimes comes with bikes in this price range.
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Tech Features and Safety
For a Harley under $300,000, the tech spec sheet is impressive. Even the base Denim model has a Bluetooth-connected dashboard that supports call alerts and navigation prompts. Upgrade to a higher version and you get e-SIM functionality, remote diagnostics, GPS tracking and SOS alerts. There’s even geofencing and service scheduling via the companion app.
In terms of safety, you get 320mm front discs, 240mm rear discs and dual-channel ABS as standard. It even has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for corners, which is very rare in this class. However, real-world testing has shown that the brakes’ bite leaves something to be desired. They’re not weak, but the brakes initially feel soft. Sometimes you’ll find yourself applying the brakes harder than you’d expect, especially when braking in a hurry. The engine brake can help, but it doesn’t have to. Hopefully future batches will have better brake pad compounds to improve bite and feel.
Touring Capability and Off-Road Use
This is where the X440 quietly surprises. Several riders have taken the X440 on long trips across the state, including a 2,500-mile journey from Mumbai to Kutch, and the X440’s reliability and fatigue-free handling won praise. The wide handlebars, solid front end, and long wheelbase work well on the highway. The engine won’t numb your hands, and the seat is properly cushioned for most drivers. However, it’s not thick. The narrowness around the thighs and slight upward recline may cause discomfort during long drives. If you’re planning a serious trip, a gel seat cushion or customized cushion will help a lot.
Light off-roading is well within its comfort zone. With careful throttle control and timely downshifting, it can handle gravel, broken tarmac and light trails. Don’t expect it to clear riverbeds or sand dunes, but it’s more than capable of doing so with a typical street car. In that sense, it’s a true all-rounder, not too fragile for the dirt and not too stiff for city commuting.
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Verdict: Should You Consider This Bike
The X440 doesn’t feel like a budget Harley; it feels like a Harley built for India. It offers the brand’s vision, a torquey engine, excellent ride quality, and a solid combination of touring and everyday use. Yes, you’ll find compromises on materials and braking smarts, but those are manageable trade-offs in a bike like this.
Consider it if:
- You want Harley’s brand and sound without paying through the nose
- You do a lot of urban riding with weekend trips in between
- You’re okay with basic but useful tech like Bluetooth navigation and alerts
- You’re upgrading from a 150-300cc bike and want more character
Think twice if:
- You demand flawless premium finish in every detail
- You regularly ride with a pillion on long trips and need a plush seat
- You prefer aggressive off-roading or true long-haul ADV geometry
Tags: Harley Davidson X440, Harley X440 review, X440 ride experience, Harley X440 India, Harley X440 test ride, Harley X440 user review, Hero Harley collaboration, 400cc bike India, Made in India Harley.