2023 was a great year for both Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero MotoCorp. The debut of the X440 in India marked a first for both brands. For MoCo, it was their first small-displacement motorcycle specifically designed for the Indian market, as well as the only single-cylinder model in their current lineup. For Hero MotoCorp, it was their first step into the premium segment to cater to the growing motorcycle enthusiasts market in India.
As is usually the case when two companies come together to launch a new model, each brand presents their own version of the machine. We have seen this with KTM and CFMOTO, with the latter launching the 800NK, a motorcycle with similar technical foundations to the Austrian Scalpel. The same is expected to happen with Harley and Hero, as Hero MotoCorp is rumored to have launched their own version of the retro-inspired 440cc roadster at the Hero World event, scheduled for January 22, 2024. This rumor has been shared by several Indian motorcycle publications, although Hero MotoCorp has not provided any specific details about the new model.
However, given that Hero was the one who developed and manufactured the X440, it is likely that we can expect the Hero-branded machine to have an identical base to the X440. It is also likely to be a retro-inspired machine, as motorcycles like the Honda CB350 H’Ness and Royal Enfield Classic 350 have proven to be extremely popular in India.
Hero developed the engine that powers the X440: a 440cc air-cooled and oil-cooled single-cylinder with fuel injection, delivering a respectable 27 hp and 38 Nm of torque. This power is transferred to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual gearbox. As for its base, the X440 features high-quality KYB inverted forks and a dual rear shock absorber. The brakes consist of a single 320mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear, both controlled by dual-channel ABS.
Once the Hero-branded version of the Harley X440 makes its official debut, Hero MotoCorp will have two models in the premium segment. Not long ago, it launched the Karizma XMR, a sport bike with a powerful 210 cc engine and modern style and technology. As mentioned, the bike is expected to be revealed on January 22, 2024, with reservations and test rides expected to start in February.
