When Harley-Davidson first revealed its partnership with Hero MotoCorp to create the X440 back in October 2020, the Indian motorcycling community met the news with a mix of intrigue and skepticism. The core question was whether an American icon, stripped of its traditional excess and thunderous exhaust note, could find a home on India's practical roads. The launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 in July 2023 answered with a resounding yes, carving out a unique niche. Now, the brand is doubling down with the Harley-Davidson X440 T, a more polished and technologically advanced iteration aimed at solidifying that foothold.
Design & Build: From Parts Bin to Cohesive Machine
The X440 T represents a significant visual and qualitative leap over its predecessor. The motorcycle no longer appears as an assembly of disparate parts but as a single, cohesive design. The silhouette is clean, supported by a redesigned rear subframe, slimmer side panels, a new tail-lamp, and integrated grab rails. The exhaust, once a modest stub, now features proper heat shields and a reworked end canister, giving it a more substantial presence.
Harley-Davidson claims 72 specific revisions in the X440 T, and a closer inspection reveals tangible improvements. The quality of components like the heel plates, footpegs, rear brake lever, and chassis welds is noticeably more robust. The switchgear has been upgraded with higher-quality plastics, offering a more tactile and premium feel.
Performance & Ride: Polished for Practicality
At its heart remains the 440cc air-and-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 27.3 bhp and 38 Nm of torque. While the outputs are unchanged, the refinement is markedly better. Vibrations are well-contained, and the engine feels more polished. The clutch and six-speed gearbox are light and precise, making city riding a breeze.
The real-world performance is where the X440 T shines. It pulls cleanly from low revs, perfect for congested traffic, and has ample mid-range grunt for confident overtakes. Cruising comfortably between 80–90 kmph is its sweet spot, though it remains composed up to 100 kmph. The riding position is a highlight—natural, neutral, and comfortable for both short errands and longer commutes, aided by a broad seat and intuitively placed handlebars.
Technology & Practical Features
The X440 T introduces a suite of modern features previously unseen on an accessible Harley. The key upgrade is a ride-by-wire throttle, enabling Road and Rain riding modes. It also gets traction control and switchable ABS for the rear wheel. These are practical aids, with Rain mode being a genuine asset for monsoon conditions.
The motorcycle is equipped with a TFT screen offering day, night, and auto modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. A curious choice is the inclusion of a USB-A charging port in a USB-C dominated world. On the practicality front, the X440 T boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of 35 kmpl and a 13.5-litre fuel tank, promising a riding range of over 400 kilometers. Heat management is also excellent, a critical advantage in stop-and-go urban traffic.
Handling, Braking & The Verdict
The suspension, with its KYB USD front forks, performs well on smooth tarmac, offering a planted feel. However, it can transmit harsh feedback over severely broken roads. The braking system, with a 320mm front and 240mm rear disc, is strong, progressive, and inspires confidence, effectively managing the motorcycle's 192kg weight.
Manufactured at Hero MotoCorp's plant in Neemrana, the X440 T starts at ₹2.79 lakh (ex-showroom). This positions it against rivals like the Triumph Speed 400 (₹2.33 lakh) and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 (up to ₹2.72 lakh).
The Harley-Davidson X440 T is not an American import with a local badge. It is a confident, well-executed Indian motorcycle that thoughtfully incorporates Harley-Davidson's design ethos and now, a more substantial dose of technology and quality. It successfully bridges the gap between weekday practicality and weekend cruising aspirations, making a compelling case for its space in the competitive mid-capacity cruiser segment.
