There’s a sense of freedom and liberation associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles. Riders often sing praises about their superior engine thrum and more so about the bliss that’s felt when riding these machines on open roads. The American giant had been operating in India since 2009, but 2020 saw a disappointing exit from the desi market. That same year, though, the Mikwakee-headquartered outfit struck a deal with Hero Motorcorp to jointly develop Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India. The X440 is the first offspring of this matrimony.
Straying from tradition
The legacy of Harley-Davidson rests in the company’s traditional V-twin approach that gives the motorcycles their trademark tenor, apart from sheer power, of course. But the X440 has opted for a single-cylinder engine that makes it the only such Harley-Davidson motorbike in the global market right now. Developed with India in mind and manufactured locally, the X440 is not just a badge exercise. It’s a serious attempt to blend Harley’s brand ethos with practical riding and ownership experience for Indian roads.
Muscle Meets Minimalism
The Harley-Davidson X440 commands attention not because it’s flashy but because it feels solid and clean. The design is classic Harley: muscular tank, broad shoulders, a round LED headlamp with the signature DRL bar, wide handlebars, and a minimalistic tail section. Unlike most single-cylinder bikes in India, this one actually looks like a “big bike,” with its generous proportions, thick tyres, and metal-heavy construction. And it does this without opting for futuristic gimmicks. There’s an aura of premiumness here, from the machined detailing on the engine fins to the gloss finishes and tight panel gaps. The exposed double-cradle frame adds to its rugged appeal, while the flat seat and upright stance give it a relaxed, urban-cruiser silhouette.
Adding to the package is a Bluetooth-enabled TFT display, turn-by-turn navigation, a USB charging port, and all-LED lighting. Things have been kept modern without being overdone, staying true to Harley’s DNA while making sense for Indian streets.
Punchy, Planted, and City-Friendly
The biggest departure for the X440 is under the tank. Instead of a traditional V-twin, it houses a single-cylinder, 440cc air-oil cooled engine, which is a first for any Harley globally. It churns out 27 bhp and 38 Nm of torque, tuned for low-end grunt and everyday usability. On the road, this translates to a ride that’s effortless in the city and stable on the highway. The torque kicks in early, making stop-and-go traffic feel easy to deal with. It’s not a rev-happy motorbike, but that’s by design. With the X440, it’s all about relaxed cruising and not high-speed antics.
The six-speed gearbox is slick, and the clutch is light, which is again, ideal for daily commutes. The engine hums with a deep note that, while not quite a thunderous Harley roar, is throaty enough to stand out in traffic. The chassis is another highlight. Thanks to a robust trellis frame and upside-down KYB forks at the front, the bike feels well-planted in corners and over bad roads. The rear gets twin gas-charged shock absorbers, offering a firm yet comfortable ride. Dual-channel ABS comes standard, with disc brakes at both ends ensuring solid stopping power.
The X440 is well-suited for weekend getaways. With a relaxed riding posture, large 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and 170mm of ground clearance, it handles highway patches and rural roads with equal poise. The seat is broad and supportive, and there’s enough legroom even for taller riders, making it a great companion for long hours in the saddle.
A Premium That Feels Justified
The Harley-Davidson X440 is priced between Rs 2.39 lakh and Rs 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant. That makes it Harley’s most affordable offering globally. But does it justify the price? The answer is yes. While it’s slightly more expensive than most of its rivals, the X440 offers better hardware, a larger road presence, and, of course, the Harley-Davidson badge, which adds an intangible premium to the ownership experience. Also worth noting is the Hero MotoCorp service and dealership network, which significantly enhances the ease of ownership compared to Harley’s earlier premium-only touchpoints.
A Harley That Gets India
The Harley-Davidson X440 is a bold, well-calibrated response to what Indian riders truly want. It’s an aspirational, premium-looking motorcycle that doesn’t break the bank, is fun to ride in daily conditions, and carries a global brand appeal. It may not have the V-twin rumble of a Fat Boy or the freeway presence of a Street Glide, but it delivers a slice of the Harley lifestyle in a way that’s practical and accessible. If you’re looking for a machine that blends style, substance, and legacy, the X440 makes a strong case for itself. It’s not just Harley’s comeback bike in India. It’s a statement that the brand is evolving.
