Okay, over the years Harley-Davidson has launched many ‘new’ models. Also ‘small’ models decades ago. But this and coming year they try something new for those who don’t have a lot cash or are to small to ride ‘heavy and big’ engines. So, on July 4, 2023, in India they launched the Hero-built Harley-Davidson X440.
But in China, Harley in collaboration with the Chinese giant Qianjiang Motor (owner of Benelli) launched the X350 and the X500 and it’s official: The 2024 Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 models are on their way to Australia as well. After the QJ-motors-built small-displacement machines first made an appearance in China earlier in 2023 and even in 2020, they’re now ready to roll out in other markets where small- and mid-displacement machines are already popular.
The X350 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 353cc parallel twin engine that makes a claimed 36 horsepower at 9,500 rpm, alongside 31 newton-meters (just under 23 pound-feet) of torque at 7,000 rpm. It’s mated to a six-speed gearbox. It’s almost the same as the Chinese 2020 model with 338cc.
The X440 – made in India – is powered by a 440cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single cylinder and has three variants. The Classic, the Vived and the Pinnnacle and costs between 2.700 and 3.300 USD
The X500 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 500cc parallel twin engine that makes a claimed 47 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, alongside 46 newton-meters (about 33.9 pound-feet) of torque at 6,000 rpm. Just like the X350, it’s mated to a six-speed gearbox and costs about 8.500 USD and the X350 about 5.600 USD in Autralia.
Anyway, you can buy just about any bike….. paint Harley-Davidson on the fuel-tank and voila, it’s ready to ‘Rock and Roll’……., but is it the same??? And can it be turned into a smart looking chopper???
Time will tell