Test rode the Harley X440: Noteworthy observations across 5 key areas
I liked the fit and finish of the bike. Things have improved a lot from the initial display version.
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I booked the x440s on 8-Jul-23 and after a long wait, finally got a chance to test drive on 9-Sep-23. It was a Saturday morning and I was the first one to take a test ride on the vivid Red variant with a pillion. The ride was around 15-20 minutes covering approx. 5-6 km. Though it’s not easy to judge the performance in such a short ride, still I will try to be more realistic.
Engine Performance– The initial and mid-range pull is really awesome. You will feel the 38NM@4000 torque and the pillion needs a back-support for sure. Use any gear and it will be a clean pull. I was unable to use the top gear due to traffic situation, so can’t comment upon the triple digit stability. There was no engine heat as such after the 20 minutes ride. Even, I have touched the engine post my TD and it was just a bit warm.
Suspension and Weight Distribution– Me along with pillion, the load was around 170kg on the bike. The rear suspensions are on a softer side and the front ones are on a stiffer side. Tried on few bad patches, speed breakers along with variable speeds. To my surprise, it really performed well. You won’t feel the 191kg weight of the bike during normal traffic. I am more of a calm rider, so not even tested the bending/cornering stability.
Riding Comfort– I believe this is where the x440 shines. The upright posture, wider grips, punchy throttle response, optimal NVH levels, clean pull, softer gear shifts, smooth clutch- all added up to a great riding experience. I was a RE Bullet-350 UCE owner and there the exhaust thump was more calm. In comparison, x440 has more loudish-bassy note. I am in love with the thump in 2000-5000 rpm range. The all-digital display was crisp and clear.
Visuals– I liked the fit and finish of the bike. Things have improved a lot from the initial display version. The front profile is definitely a Harley-Davidson. The side profile is more like a regular commuter, majorly due to the exhaust. The long-stroke engine is definitely the plus as per visuals are concerned. The rear profile is okay but can be enhanced after installation of billion back-rest. All LED set-up is just amazing. The overall road presence can be felt for sure.
Competitors– I had extensive TD of Speed 400, RE Bullet/Classic 350, Duke 390. I strongly feel, the nature of x440 resembles more with RE Bullet/Classic 350. You will get better power, suspension, tubeless tyres and all LED set-up. However, the calmness of RE Bullet 350 is admirable. The Speed 400 and Duke 390 should be put in a different league with high-revv engines. If you are looking for a calm machine and vintage look, then RE Bullet/Classic 350 should be the choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-adrenaline ride with sporty look, then Duke 390 should be the choice. The Speed 400 is more of a mid-path between the two with high-revv engine and roadster looks. I can recall the initial Pulsar 150 with round headlight after looking at the Speed 400. The internet is full of comparison between Speed 400 and x440, but I am not at all able to compare the 2 bikes apart from the roadster looks.
The x440 displays it’s character with torque, comfort and most importantly the exhaust note from a single-cylinder ICE.
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