2023 Harley-Davidson X440 – First Look
All-new platform unveiled for the Indian market
Today, Harley-Davidson made further inroads into the huge Indian motorcycle market by announcing the 2023 Harley-Davidson X440. A project with Hero MotoCorp, we first posted about this bike back in April. This joint venture with Hero shouldn’t come as a surprise since Hero will be the official sales, service, and merchandising organization for Harleys in India. At the time of our original post we also noted: “Hero will also be developing ‘a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name,’ as part of a licensing agreement.” All of which brings us to where we are now.
Hero Motocorp Teases Harley-Davidson-branded Model for India
The styling of the X440 matches the previously leaked photos exactly, showing more than just a nod towards Harley’s air-cooled Sportsters. Take a gander at the wheels that could be straight from the Iron 883. Still, given the 55.8-in. wheelbase points to it being a small displacement motorcycle.
What we know about the engine is little more than its specifications, but they are interesting nonetheless. The 440cc engine is an air-oil-cooled Single. Bore and stroke are 79.6mm x 88.4mm with a relatively tame 9.5:1 compression ratio, which is likely to make it run smoothly on a wider variety of fuel octanes. The EFI breathes through an unspecified valve train into a single-sided exhaust. Harley claims 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm, translating, we surmise, into roughly 22 hp at the rear wheel. Given the displacement, peak torque is roughly a claimed 28 lb-ft.
The 3.6 gal. tank delivers a calculated range of 140 mi. from the claimed 39 mpg. Other interesting specs include the 36° lean angle, left and right. The twin shocks are seven-step preload adjustable, and the fork is a KYB 43mm dual-cartridge unit. Rake is 25.5°, and trail is 4.0 in. Bybre calipers squeeze the single front 320mm disc, which has a 240mm mate in the rear and both are controlled by dual-channel ABS. No other rider aids are listed.
The instrument cluster is a 3.5-in. TFT featuring: Range Display, Gear Indicator, Speedometer, L/R turn Indication, High Beam Indicator, ABS Alert, Side Stand Alert, Service Indication, Low Fuel Indicator, Neutral Position Indicator, Check Engine Light Indication, Smart Phone Features, which include Turn By Turn Navigation, Music Control, Accept and Reject Calls, Phone Battery Status, Missed call Alert, Message Alert, and Network Strength. The phone-based information requires the accessory Connect 2.0 Package.
Overall, the 2023 Harley-Davidson X440 looks to be an intriguing entry into the Indian market and is clearly taking aim at other premium models offered by manufacturers such as KTM and Royal Enfield. The MSRP for the 2023 Harley-Davidson X440 converts to $2,766. [previous typo corrected]
If you're curious, here's a 56 minute video about the 2023 Harley-Davidson X440.
2023 Harley-Davidson X440 Specifications | |
|---|---|
TYPE | Single-Cylinder Air-Oil Cooled Engine, 4-stroke |
DISPLACEMENT | 440 cc |
BORE X STROKE | 79.6 x 88.4 mm |
COMPRESSION RATIO | 9.5:1 |
POWER | 22 hp @ 6,000 rpm (claimed) |
TORQUE | 28 lb-ft |
FUEL INJECTION | Electronic fuel injection |
GEARBOX | 6 speed |
FINAL DRIVE | Chain |
CLUTCH | Wet, multi-plate |
FRAME | Steel trellis frame |
FRONT SUSPENSION | Inverted 43 mm fork |
FRONT TYRE | 100/90 X 18 |
REAR SUSPENSION | Twin shocks, seven-level ramped preload |
REAR TIRE | 140/70 X 17 |
FRONT BRAKE | 320mm disc, twin piston ByBre caliper, ABS |
REAR BRAKE | 240mm disc, single piston ByBre caliper, ABS |
CLAIMED WEIGHT | 420 lbs |
SEAT HEIGHT | 31.7 in. |
WHEELBASE | 55.8 in. |
RAKE | 25.5° |
TRAIL | 4.0 in. |
FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 3.6 gal. |
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Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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I think I would rather choose the HD X-500 with the Benelli 500cc twin engine and chassis. This 440 looks to Chinese design in every way.
With "real" Harleys, you could always say, "Yes, it's heavy, slow, and unreliable, but at least it looks good." (even if you don't like the style, you have to admit they execute the styling well)
This POS has absolutley no redeeming qualities, whatsoever, and there is no way to polish that turd.