Harley-Davidson’s explorations in the Asian market have been making headlines in recent months. The brand’s partnership with Hero MotoCorp in India has led to the X440, a small-displacement single-cylinder model that makes the brand accessible to a broader audience. Meanwhile, in China, MoCo has joined forces with prominent manufacturer QJ Motor.
Harley-Davidson and QJ Motor have been working together for some time to develop a range of small-displacement motorcycles. This has become a reality with the launch of the X350 and X500, two models that heavily rely on existing models in the QJ Motor/Benelli lineup. So far, the two small and medium roadsters have been available exclusively in China, with a launch in Australia planned before the end of 2023. That being said, the next country where these two bikes will be available is Japan, where they are expected to hit the market in October 2023.
Harley-Davidson states that the X350 and X500 were created as part of the brand’s global strategy. Clearly differentiated from the brand’s models in its domestic market, both motorcycles have much smaller engines in comparison, and depart from the brand’s famous cruiser style for a much simpler bike design. In fact, the X350 has a lot in common with the Benelli 302S, while the X500 is essentially a revamped Benelli Leoncino 500 – both models are produced by QJ Motor in China.
Information on prices and availability of the two new motorcycles for the Japanese market has not been announced yet, although it is expected that the motorcycles will be officially launched in October 2023.
