USA: The brand-new X 500 has been unveiled by Harley-Davidson for international markets. It just so happens to be the second middleweight motorcycle produced in conjunction with QJMotor by the US-based motorcycle manufacturer.
The neo-retro streetfighter, which is based on the Benelli Leoncino 500, keeps a few design elements from its younger sibling, the X 350. It is powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine with 47.5 horsepower from QJ Motor.
The full-size cruisers from Harley-Davidson with their powerful V-twin engines are what the company is best known for. Its products are primarily designed for long-distance travel.
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However, the company began to experience a decline in sales of its motorcycles as ADVs and streetfighters gained popularity. The bike manufacturer has partnered with QJMotor (China) and Hero MotoCorp (India) to create modern small-capacity bikes in an effort to make a comeback.
The brand-new Harley-Davidson X 500, which is based on the Benelli Leoncino 500, uses a neo-retro aesthetic. The motorcycle has a powerful fuel tank, an oval-shaped mirror, a circular LED headlamp, a wide handlebar, a single-piece stepped-up seat, a side-mounted double-barrel exhaust and a tapering tail section with a sleek LED taillamp. It has an instrument cluster with a single semi-digital pod and stylish alloy wheels.
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The Harley-Davidson X 500 has dual-channel ABS for better braking performance and disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels for the rider's safety.
The motorcycle's front suspension consists of 50mm inverted forks, and the back suspension consists of a monoshock with preload adjustment.
A 500cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin engine from QJ Motor powers the Harley-Davidson X 500 and delivers peak torque of 46Nm and maximum power of 47.5hp. A 6-speed manual gearbox is mated to the motor.
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The middleweight streetfighter model from Harley-Davidson has gone on sale in China for CNY 44,388 (roughly Rs. 5.28 lakh). The bike manufacturer has not yet disclosed its plans for launching in other markets.
While the X 500 might be appropriate for Indian roads, the automaker already has plans to launch a sub-500cc model here, in partnership with Hero MotoCorp.