Harley-Davidson X440 Compared To All Of Its Rivals

Its rivals include bikes from Royal Enfield, Honda and Yezdi. 

• Harley-Davidson launched the X440 at an extremely enticing price tag of Rs 2.29 lakh, ex-showroom. 
• This neo-retro bike, along with an alluring price tag, packs quite a lot of modernity underneath. 
• It packs more power and most importantly, a whole lot more torque than its rivals. 

Harley-Davidson has introduced its cheapest bike called the X440. This move aims to compete with the popular Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Honda H'ness CB350, and Yezdi Roadster. Let's compare these four bikes on paper to see how they stack up against each other.

Harley-Davidson vs Rivals: Design & Features

The X440 stands out from its competitors when it comes to features. It is the only bike among the three that has a TFT console, which offers advanced functionalities. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and more.

On the other hand, both Royal Enfield and Honda have opted for a more traditional approach. The Hunter 350 has a semi-digital console that displays essential information like speed, fuel level, odometer, time, and an Eco indicator. It also offers an optional Tripper Pod for turn-by-turn navigation. 

The H'ness CB350 also has a semi-digital console with Bluetooth connectivity as a standard feature. However, to access the bike's Bluetooth functionality, you need to have a Bluetooth headset. Unfortunately, the Yezdi Roadster's digital console doesn't provide the best readability compared to the others.

Harley-Davidson vs Rivals: Engines

The X440 seems to be the clear winner in this comparison. It offers a powerful performance with 27.4PS of power and a massive 38Nm of torque, which is available at just 4000rpm. This means it should be easy to ride in the city at lower speeds, even when you're in higher gears. Additionally, it's the only bike among the three that has a sixth gear, making it an ideal choice for long highway rides.

As for the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, it is known for its enjoyable riding experience. It has a torquey and smooth character, which combined with its distinct thumping sound, creates a peaceful commuting experience. 

On the other hand, the H'ness CB350 can be a bit confusing. Despite having a long-stroke engine configuration that suggests strong low-end power, it feels sluggish at lower revs and requires frequent gear changes to maintain speed. 

Harley-Davidson vs Rivals: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

This is another area where the X440 excels compared to its competitors. It is the only bike among the three that features an inverted fork and a gas-charged monoshock. This setup is expected to provide a more refined and smoother riding experience, as well as improved handling. 

Harley-Davidson vs Rivals: Dimensions

All three bikes have similar dimensions that are typical for retro roadsters. They have long wheelbases, decent ground clearances, comfortable seat heights, and reasonably large fuel tanks.

However, there is a notable difference in their weights. The H'ness CB350 is light both on paper and in feel. It offers easy and neutral handling, requiring minimal effort to steer. The Hunter 350, despite being the heaviest, still handles well and feels smooth even in challenging situations.

Harley-Davidson vs Rivals: Price

The H'ness CB350 is the most noteworthy bike due to its exceptionally high pricing. With a price tag of Rs 2.39 lakh, it is priced similarly to more powerful bikes such as the 250s from KTM.

Verdict

While the X440 may not be the cheapest option among these bikes, it offers a compelling value proposition when you consider its features and capabilities. It aims to deliver a refined and high-performance riding experience while still maintaining its classic appeal. This balance is something that the other bikes in comparison struggle to achieve. If you're a fan of the Hunter 350 but desire more power, the X440 is likely to be a great choice for you.