2023 was an enormous yr for each Harley-Davidson and Indian motorbike producer Hero MotoCorp. The debut of the X440 in India marked a primary for each manufacturers. For the MoCo, it was its first small-displacement motorbike designed particularly for the Indian market, in addition to the one single-cylinder mannequin in its present lineup. For Hero MotoCorp, it was its first step into the premium section, catering to the rising fanatic market in India.
As is normally the case when two firms workforce as much as launch a brand new mannequin, every model comes up with its personal model of the machine. We’ve seen this with KTM and CFMoto, with the latter releasing the 800NK, a motorcycle with comparable technical foundations because the Austrian Scalpel. The similar is anticipated to be true with Harley and Hero, as Hero MotoCorp is reportedly releasing its personal model of the 440cc retro-inspired roadster on the Hero World occasion scheduled for January 22, 2024. This rumor was echoed by a number of Indian motoring publications, though Hero MotoCorp has not given any particular particulars concerning the new mannequin.
Nevertheless, given the truth that it was Hero who developed and manufactured the X440, chances are high we are able to anticipate the Hero-branded machine to bear equivalent underpinnings as that of the X440. Chances are it’ll even be a retro-inspired machine, as bikes just like the Honda CB350 H’Ness and Royal Enfield Classic 350 have confirmed to be extraordinarily fashionable in India. On high of that, its primary development implies that the X440 is greater than only a fairly face; it may be used as a trusty workhorse each for day by day commuting and for longer journeys out of city.
Hero developed the engine powering the X440 – a 440cc, air and oil-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder mill with a good 27 horsepower and 38 Nm (28 pound-feet) of torque. This energy is transferred to the rear wheel by way of a six-speed handbook gearbox. As for its underpinnings, the X440 will get premium KYB inverted forks and a twin gas-charged rear shock setup. Brakes encompass a single 320 mm disc up entrance and a 240 mm disc on the again, each of that are ruled by dual-channel ABS.
Once the Hero-badged model of the Harley X440 makes its official debut, Hero MotoCorp may have two fashions within the premium section. Not way back, it launched the Karizma XMR, a sporty commuter with a punchy 210cc engine and trendy styling and tech. The launch of a retro roadster with a barely larger engine will certainly entice retro lovers in search of a reliable workhorse for each day by day commuting and weekend excursions. As talked about, the bike is anticipated to be revealed on January 22, 2024, with bookings and check rides anticipated from February onwards.