Let’s be real—when someone says Harley-Davidson, your mind probably flashes to thunderous engines, long highways, and those iconic American cruisers that seem to roar freedom. But the Harley Davidson X440? That’s a different beast. It’s Harley’s bold foray into India’s middleweight segment—a bike designed with India in mind, not just for India.
So the question is: Does the X440 live up to the Harley badge or is it just another badge-engineered attempt at appealing to the masses? Well, I took the bike out for an extended ride—through city traffic, winding country roads, and even a cheeky highway blast. And here’s what I found.
Harley Davidson X440 Design
At first glance, the Harley-Davidson X440 makes a solid impression. It’s got the DNA you’d expect—chunky proportions, wide handlebars, and a stance that screams “I belong on the road.” But it’s not trying to be a mini-Street 750. It’s got its own thing going on.
Design Highlights:
- Metal tank with bold Harley badging—no cheap plastic nonsense here.
- Round LED headlamp with a cool DRL ring, giving it a modern-retro vibe.
- Stubby tail section and a minimalist rear fender—clean and aggressive.
- Dual-tone paint options that genuinely pop in the sunlight.
What I appreciated the most? This doesn’t look like a 440cc bike. Park it next to bigger cruisers and it holds its own—visually and physically.
Ergonomics and Comfort – Built for Real-World Riding
Once you swing a leg over the X440, you’ll notice how natural the ergonomics feel. I’m about 5’10″, and the seating triangle felt just right—not too leaned back like the bigger Harleys, and definitely not hunched forward like a naked sportbike.
- Seat height: 805mm – accessible for most riders
- Wide handlebar: Gives great leverage, especially in tight city corners
- Footpeg position: Slightly rear-set, balancing comfort and sportiness
The seat cushion? Plush enough for a 2-hour ride without a sore bum. Trust me, that’s a big win in this segment.
Also Read: Why the Yamaha RX 100 Is Still the King of Indian Roads
Harley-Davidson X440 Engine Review
Let’s cut to the chase: the X440 doesn’t sound like your average 400cc bike. Fire it up and there’s a low rumble that’ll make any enthusiast grin. No, it doesn’t thump like a Royal Enfield, but it growls in a uniquely Harley way.
Specs Breakdown:
- Engine: 440cc, oil-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power: 27 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 38 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed
What’s impressive is the torque delivery—it comes in early and stays strong across the rev range. Whether you’re pulling out of a traffic light or overtaking on the highway, the X440 doesn’t hesitate.
How It Rides – City, Highway, and Beyond
In the City:
Smooth low-end torque makes it a breeze to ride in stop-and-go traffic. The clutch is light, gear shifts are slick, and you won’t feel drained even in bumper-to-bumper chaos.
On the Highway:
Cruises comfortably at 100-110 km/h with enough grunt left for quick overtakes. I took it up to 125 km/h and it still felt composed—not jittery or strained.
Twisty Roads:
The X440’s chassis is surprisingly agile for its size. It’s not a corner carver, but it holds a line well and gives you the confidence to lean in a little more than you’d expect from a cruiser.
Harley Davidson X440 Ride Quality Review
Harley’s teamed up with Hero MotoCorp for this bike, and the engineering quality really shows.
Suspension Setup:
- Front: USD forks (yes, you read that right!)
- Rear: Dual gas-charged shock absorbers
The suspension tuning strikes a nice balance. It absorbs potholes and broken roads without wallowing in corners.
Braking System:
- Front Disc: 320mm with ByBre caliper
- Rear Disc: 240mm
- ABS: Dual-channel (standard)
Brakes bite well and the lever feedback is reassuring—not overly sharp, but progressive and controlled.
Harley Davidson X440 Features
This is where the X440 surprises you. Harley hasn’t skimped on modern-day essentials.
Feature List:
- Fully digital LCD console – Easy to read, Bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation – Super handy in cities
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Hazard lights
- USB charging port
It’s not crammed with gimmicks, but you get everything you need, especially at this price point.
Also Read: Rajdoot 350 New Model Review: The Legendary Comeback
Real-World Mileage and Service Experience
Now, let’s talk numbers—because while we love Harleys, we still need them to make financial sense.
Real-world mileage:
I consistently got around 32-35 km/l in mixed riding conditions. For a 440cc bike with this kind of torque, that’s respectable.
Service interval:
Every 6,000 km, and being backed by Hero MotoCorp’s extensive network, service shouldn’t be a headache.
Harley-Davidson X440 Pros & Cons
👍 Pros:
- Meaty low-end torque
- Premium build and design
- Great ride quality
- Feature-rich
- Reasonably priced
👎 Cons:
Limited dealership availability in some regions
No slipper clutch
Slight engine vibrations at high RPMs
Harley Davidson X440 Price in India
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Denim | ₹2,39,500 |
| Vivid | ₹2,59,500 |
| S (Top Variant) | ₹2,79,500 |
Honestly, even the base Denim variant packs everything essential. But if you like alloy wheels, fancy finishes, and Bluetooth-enabled navigation, the S variant makes the most sense.
Rivals Compared – Royal Enfield, Jawa, Honda
In this segment, you’ve got serious competition—Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa 42, Honda H’ness CB350, and even Yezdi Roadster.
Here’s what gives X440 the edge:
- Best-in-class torque (38 Nm!)
- Superior build quality
- Harley badge – let’s be honest, that’s a big flex
- More modern chassis and features
While Royal Enfield wins on nostalgia, the Harley wins on freshness, feel, and finesse.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the Harley-Davidson X440?
If you’re a young rider looking for a legit, torque-rich machine that turns heads without breaking the bank, the Harley-Davidson X440 is a no-brainer.
It’s not trying to be a mini-Harley. It is a Harley, just leaner, meaner, and more suited to our roads. For many Indian riders, this is the first real chance to own a Harley without selling a kidney.
If you’re dreaming of that Harley growl in a more accessible, Indian avatar—the X440 won’t disappoint. Head to your nearest dealership and take a test ride. Trust me, once you twist that throttle, it’ll be hard to walk away.