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Harley-Davidson X440 T First Ride Review - A More Refined Roadster
India's 350 to 500cc motorcycle segment is now one of the most hotly contested ones in the market today with new bikes popping up, the latest of which is the new offering from American motorcycle icon Harley-Davidson in the form of the new X440 T. The new Harley-Davidson X440 T promises to have addressed feedback recieved from owners of the X440 and X440 S.
The Harley-Davidson X440 T is positioned as the flagship of the X440 lineup and it features sharper styling and enhanced electronics. It builds on the original X440 neo-retro roadster, launched in 2023, with many refinements. We rode the Harley-Davidson X440 T in Goa and here's how it performs on the road.
Harley-Davidson X440 T Review – Design Highlights & Features
Harley claims that the X440 T includes 72 distinct changes from its predecessor. A major improvement is the resolved issue of exposed wiring, giving it a cleaner look. The front features a round LED headlamp with distinct DRLs, enhancing its roadster appeal.
A metal fender, skillfully cut, adds to the X440 T’s refined look. Harley-Davidson badging is prominently displayed. The design draws inspiration from the legendary Harley-Davidson XR 1200 which is evident in elements like the fuel tank and rear section.
A notable change on the bike is its updated exhaust system, now with a heat shield for better thermal management. The engine, though refined, remains consistent with the X440. The fuel tank features new graphics, echoing the iconic XR 1200’s badging.
This detail gives an elegant and sophisticated look. Riders benefit from a long, well-cushioned touring seat which provided commendable comfort on highways, small roads, and patchy surfaces. The rear frame has been redesigned, lending a fresh appearance to the motorcycle. Both the brake light and indicators contribute to this updated, modern rear aesthetic. These changes address previous criticisms.
The riding position features a wide handlebar, offering comfortable ergonomics. Bar-end mirrors are now standard, replacing the previous conventional mirrors. These provide excellent visibility and enhance the bike’s roadster style.
A round 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster provides comprehensive information. This includes ABS status, traction control settings, and riding mode selection. It delivers all essential riding data clearly to the rider.
Harley-Davidson X440 T Review – Specifications & Dimensions – Engine & Chassis Performance
The Harley-Davidson X440 T retains the 440cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled engine. This engine generates 27 bhp of power at 6,000 rpm. It also produces 38 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Notably, the engine delivers strong low-end torque in the initial gears. This allows for easy navigation over speed breakers and potholes. Dual disc brakes provide progressive stopping power. Riders can switch off the rear ABS for off-road fun.
The motorcycle features a robust steel trellis frame. The 43mm KYB upside-down forks offer 130mm of travel and along with the 7-step adjustable twin rear shocks ensure stable handling. The X440 T sports an 18-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. Braking is managed by a 320mm front disc brake and a smaller 240mm disc at the rear. The X440 T tips the scales at 192 kg, making it feel agile despite its sturdy build.
Harley-Davidson X440 T Review – Driving Impressions – Real-World Riding Impressions
The Harley-Davidson X440 T uses the same single-cylinder engine as the standard X440, producing 38PS and 28Nm. Out on the road, the strong initial torque gives the X440 T an eager character, making low-speed manoeuvres surprisingly engaging for a neo-retro roadster.
As the pace increased, the X440 T continued to feel responsive, with the ride-by-wire system giving a clean and predictable connection to the throttle. Gearshifts were slightly stiff during the first few kilometres but settled into a smoother rhythm once the bike warmed up, allowing the motor's usable mid-range to come through more clearly. The X4440 T reached triple-digit speeds on the highways with ease, though some mild instability set in past 120km/h, reducing the sense of confidence at higher speeds.
Ride quality on the X440 T is another area that stood out. Small potholes, patches and uneven sections were absorbed comfortably, and the bike maintained its composure without feeling too soft or unsettled. The seating comfort complemented the suspension well. The cushioned seat offered good support over longer distances, making highway stretches easy to cover.
Braking performance rounded off the experience effectively. The 320mm front disc delivered strong, reassuring stopping power, and the bike felt stable during sudden braking inputs. The lever feedback was predictable, allowing controlled deceleration whether in traffic or at higher speeds.
Harley-Davidson X440 T Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts – A More Refined Roadster
The Harley-Davidson X440 T emerges as a feature-packed motorcycle with significant updates. It offers switchable ABS, switchable traction control, and a digital instrument cluster. Riding modes further enhance its appeal to modern riders.
This motorcycle is ideal for individuals seeking a dependable retro roadster for daily commutes. It effectively resolves prior issues of the original model. Available in four attractive colour options, it truly stands out.
The Harley-Davidson X440 T is priced at ₹2,79,500 (ex-showroom). Other variants include the X440 Vivid at ₹2,34,500 and the X440 S at ₹2,54,900. While the price is competitive, buyers have various options in this segment but we would recommend that you shortlist this Harley for a test ride before you make a decision.
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