The Harley‑Davidson X440 marks a pivotal step for the iconic American brand, offering its earliest adventure into the sub‑500 cc segment. Introduced through a collaboration with Hero MotoCorp in India, this 2025 model redefines what it means to ride a Harley by combining heritage design with modern technology. It’s where classic cruiser charm meets accessible everyday riding.
Background
Once known solely for heavyweight V‑twin cruisers, Harley‑Davidson has recently broadened its horizons. Facing stagnating sales and dealership closures in 2024, the company pivoted toward smaller, entry‑level bikes to reach new audiences—riders who might have been daunted by large displacement bikes.
Through its strategic alliance with Hero MotoCorp, Harley began producing and marketing the X440 in Neemrana, Rajasthan. First launched in July 2023 at an attractive price of around ₹2.29 lakh, it quickly became the most affordable Harley in India .
Today, with the 2025 refresh, the X440 emerges as a stylish, technologically capable cruiser designed for both expert riders and those exploring the Harley universe for the first time.
Design & Styling: Classic Cruiser DNA
Retro Aesthetics with Modern Flair
Visually, the X440 stays true to Harley’s cruiser lineage. It features the signature “turtle” teardrop fuel tank, minimalist LED round headlamp, and a muscular stance reminiscent of larger Harley models. Wide, flat handlebars provide that classic commanding posture, while smart finishing touches—like LED lighting, DRLs, and classic paint options—underline its modern-retro charm .
Three Distinct Variants
The X440 comes in three trims:
- Denim (base) – Spoke wheels, single-color finish, no TFT display or Bluetooth.
- Vivid (mid-range) – Alloy wheels, tubeless tyres, retained classic dial design.
- S (top) – Diamond-cut alloys, 3.5″ TFT, Bluetooth with voice commands, navigation and call handling.
This tiered offering lets buyers choose their balance of nostalgia, practicality, and tech.
Performance & Powertrain
Engine & Driveline
Underneath its classic styling, the X440 hides a thoroughly modern powerplant—a 440 cc single‑cylinder, air‑oil‑cooled engine delivering 38 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. This setup delivers strong low‑end punch and effortless highway cruising.
Fuel Efficiency & Emissions
Using the WMTC cycle, the X440 scores an impressive ~35 km/l, making it practical for daily commuting as well as weekend rides.
Rider Safety Tech
Harley-H-D’s Rider Safety Enhancements bundle includes cornering ABS and traction control, helping riders maintain stability during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Chassis & Handling: Refined Comfort
Suspension & Ride Comfort
A KYB 43 mm upside-down front fork with 43 mm travel and twin gas-charged rear shocks with adjustable preload ensure a comfortable yet engaging ride.
Ergonomics
At 1,418 mm, the wheelbase provides a stable yet agile ride. With a seat height of 805 mm, moderate rake and trail, and a low centre of gravity (~194.5 kg running order), the X440 is accessible for riders of varying heights.
Braking & Handling
Twin discs—320 mm up front, 240 mm rear—paired with MRF tyres (100/90-18 and 140/70-17) ensure stopping power and grip, reinforced by ABS and electronic aids.
Technology & Connectivity
Instrumentation
Denim and Vivid trims come with a classic round gauge, while the S trim boasts a 3.5″ TFT display with RTMI, gear indicator, range, ABS and high-beam alerts.
Infotainment & Connectivity
On S trim models, Bluetooth enables turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, call handling, and voice recognition. A USB-C charging port is included ﹘ a rarity in this segment .
Pricing & Availability
The 2025 X440 carries a starting MSRP of ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom), slightly higher than its 2023 launch price but still firmly in approachable territory.
Manufacturing in India and Hero’s expansive dealership network make availability robust. Hero plans additional variants, possibly a scrambler, solidifying the X440 as a modular platform.
Market Context & Strategic Importance
Harley’s Turn to Smaller-Vehicles Strategy
Following global declines—47% drop in revenue and 53% shipment fall in Q4 2024—Harley aimed for cost-effective, smaller-displacement bikes like the X440 to regain market traction.
India’s Growing Premium Segment
Hero MotoCorp’s push into premium bikes (Xtreme 250R, XMR 250, XPulse 421) highlights a shift in Indian consumer appetite toward performance-oriented, aspirational two-wheelers. Harley’s tie-up with Hero leverages this trend.
Rider Feedback & Critical Reception
- Praise: Reviewers note the X440’s “perfect balance of power, comfort, and style”.
- Segments: It fills Harley’s vital entry-level niche, especially where middle‑weight classics (e.g., Honda Rebel 500, Kawasaki Eliminator 500) dominate.
What Lies Ahead
Harley and Hero are already exploring derivative models of the X platform, including potential scramblers and the X440 Nightster, to widen its appeal across varied riding styles .
Final Takeaway
The 2025 Harley‑Davidson X440 is a well-rounded mid-capacity cruiser that does justice to Harley’s heritage, while embracing modern-day relevance. It offers a compelling blend of:
- Iconic design with retro hallmarks,
- 670 km riding range and robust fuel efficiency (~35 km/l),
- Safety tech like cornering ABS and traction control,
- Smartphone integration and full TFT in higher trims,
- Accessible pricing for aspiring riders or Harley newcomers.
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser rider or a beginner exploring the segment, the X440 offers a stylish, capable, and affordable path into Harley ownership. And with future variants on the way, it appears poised to catalyse a new chapter in Harley-Davidson’s global resurgence.