The iconic American company, after years in which it chose to maintain the production of its motorcycles exclusively in the USA, turned to oriental partners to offer an entry level range both in terms of engine capacity and price. In fact, we told you about the X350 and X500, two models produced by the Chinese giant Qianjiang and presented a few months ago by Harley-Davidson. However, the collaborations for the historic company do not end here: in the year in which the 120th anniversary occurs, the announcement of a partnership also with Hero MotoCorp, an Indian manufacturer of two and four-wheeled vehicles, which offers the X440. However, this is not a pure HD-style cruiser, but a perfect cross between this kind of motorcycle and that of the classic street bikes.
The bike follows the path taken, at least as regards the nomenclature, of the sisters produced by Qianjiang. Even the style in some ways is taken up by elements such as the headlight, the tank and the side panels, while as far as the overall design is concerned, the bike is partly detached from the classic canons of the American custom, proposing simpler lines and a riding position which, observing the high and wide handlebar, seems to aim for a more confidential approach.
The presentation of the X440 is scheduled for July 4, but Harley wanted to release, as actually already partially done with some spy photosome static images of the bike.
On a technical level, however, we know very little, except that the X440 will be equipped with a single-cylinder 440 cc engine approximately which according to the numerous fins could be air-cooled. As far as the chassis is concerned, we find upside-down forks and double rear shock absorbers, all mounted on a steel trellis frame.