Harley-Davidson officially revealed its upcoming, made-in-India bike — X 440. This is the first machine to come from Harley’s partnership with Hero MotoCorp, and looks more like H-D’s old XR roadsters than its trademark cruisers, sporting a flat handlebar, neutral ergos and a butch design.
Not much has changed on the motorcycle since its first pictures emerged, but these new shots do give us a clearer look at the motorcycle. At its heart is a meaty-looking, oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that we now know will displace 440cc. Given its displacement, and the fact that it is oil-cooled, it looks more powerful and torquey than something like a Royal Enfield Classic 350 (20hp/27Nm). You can see as high as 40Nm from this motor, which should make for a fairly effortless urban experience. The final drive is in the form of a chain, making this only the second modern-day Harley after the Pan Am to employ chain-drive.
Ergonomics are fairly neutral, with no forward-set footpegs or swept back handlebar like you see on a typical cruiser. Instead, the pegs are mid-set and there is a flat handlebar (mounted on some large risers), which should make for fairly upright, perhaps slightly sporty seating.
