Entry-level motorcycles make up a sizeable chunk of the motorcycle market share. And after years of being absent, Harley-Davidson has gone all guns blazing into it this year. We’ve already seen two H-D-badged sub-500cc motorcycles, and now, the MoCo has gone full DJ Khaled to reveal another one – the much-anticipated X 440.
It first surfaced on the internet in May, and Harley’s India division never really stopped teasing it since then. The wait has finally ended, though, and here’s everything you need to know about H-D’s third entry-level bike. Starting with the fact that this is a product of the Harley-Hero MotoCorp partnership announced in 2020.
The 2023 X 440 Oozes Harley-Davidson DNA
The two bikemakers have taken the somewhat common neo-retro design approach for the X 440. But the little details make all the difference. Up top, the roadster flexes a round headlight that features triple LED elements. This is partnered by round LED turn signals (with H-D logos on the lenses) and blacked-out forks. Couple this with the edgy yet old-school fuel tank, and you get a front half somewhat reminiscent of the iconic XR1200.
The rear end and wheels follow in the same footsteps. The former’s rectangular, oval tail lamp is clearly a Sportster S inspiration, while the latter has a pattern exactly like the now-discontinued Iron 883’s dual-tone wheels. But you should know these wheels are only available on the top-end variant and the base model comes with spoke wheels.
The 2023 Harley-Davidson X 440 Seats You In An Upright Position
Comfort is synonymous with Harley-Davidson, and it seems the X 440 fits the bill too. You sit on a single-piece saddle, with your feet on mid-set footrests and hands on an upswept handlebar. These, along with the 805 mm seat height, ensure an upright riding posture, suitable for riders of all shapes and sizes.
Once atop, you get access to likable features. The crown jewel is the round, full-digital TFT instrument cluster that shows all necessary information (speed, efficiency, tachometer, fuel level, time). Other standard components comprise all-LED lights and a USB charging port. Bluetooth connectivity, meanwhile, comes only on the top variant to unlock turn-by-turn navigation, smartphone notification alerts, and call accept/reject.
The 2023 Harley-Davidson X 440 Promises 27 Horsepower And 28 Pound-Feet
A close up shot of the Harley-Davidson X 440
Coming to the engine, the X 440 is Harley-Davidson’s first single-cylinder motorcycle in the 21st century. It employs an all-new 440cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine that produces 27 horsepower (at 6,000 RPM) and 28 pound-feet (at 4,000 RPM). The power reaches the rear wheel via a chain-driven six-speed tranmission and there’s no mention of a slipper clutch. This makes it seven ponies more powerful than the Royal Enfield 350s (Classic and Hunter) while its other segment rivals like the BMW G 310 R and Honda CB300R are still seven and four horsepower ahead. The 40-HP Triumph Speed 400 is even farther away.
The 2023 Harley-Davidson X 440 Has Capable Underpinnings
The X 440 is the third entry-level Harley
Under the skin, the X 440 hides a double-cradle chassis, as is often the case with Harley-Davidsons. It relies on KYB 43 mm upside-down forks and dual shock absorbers for suspension duties, with only the rear offering adjustability (preload only). This pairs up with 18/17-inch wheels (spoke or alloy) that wear 320 mm and 240 mm fore and aft, respectively. ByBre calipers clamp these rotors, and they should be enough, considering the X 440 weighs 399 pounds (dry). Other dimensions include 170 mm of ground clearance, claimed 36-degree lean angle at each side, and a 13.5 liter fuel tank. The latter should mean a near-295-mile range., thanks to the claimed 82 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.
2023 Harley-Davidson X 440 – Price And Rivals
All things considered, the X 440 seems like a perfect entry point into the world of Harley-Davidson. It’s not a rebadged motorcycle like the X 350 or X 500, instead promising a unique experience of its own. But let’s not forget, the sub-500cc segment is a highly competitive space and the bike’s road to success is full of roadblocks. Its arch-rivals from an international point of view are the Honda CB300R, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, BMW G 310 R, and even the new-for-2024 Speed 400. In fact, if Harley doesn’t price it aggressively, the X 440 could end up going against the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 too.
Luckily, Harley-Davidson India‘s pricing is a good sign. It has priced the X 440 from INR 229,000 (it equates to $2,800), which positions the roadster right above the Hunter but under the CB and G 310 R by a big margin. If that’s what H-D does in the States, we think the motorcycle could do quite well. Sadly, though, the X 440’s American fate remains a mystery for now, as there’s been no mention of it so far. But we’re keeping our fingers crossed, and so should you.
