When you see a Harley-Davidson X440 rolling down the street, are you really seeing an American icon… or is it just a Hero bike wearing Harley’s jacket?
This question has sparked heated debates across motorcycle communities and showroom floors nationwide.
The Partnership Reality
The X440 isn’t just a Hero with a Harley sticker slapped on. There’s a proper agreement in place. In October 2020, Harley-Davidson collaborated with Hero MotoCorp to design and build the X440.
Under this agreement, Hero manufactures the X440 at its Neemrana Garden Factory in Rajasthan, but the development was a collaborative effort between both companies.
The bike was co-developed at Hero’s Centre of Innovation and Technology with input from Harley’s Milwaukee engineers, making it officially a Harley-Davidson product, not just a licensed copy. But there’s more to this story…
Riders Speak Up
While the badge is legit, the experience hasn’t been all sunshine and wheelies. Real-world ownership experiences tell a more complex story. One Team-BHP reviewer titled their experience “Paid for Harley, Got Hero”, highlighting widespread disappointment with build quality.
Common complaints include “protruding wires, poor quality welding on the chassis”, and “exposed wiring setup doesn’t look quite premium”. Early owners reported manufacturing defects, particularly “near the swing arm and exhaust”, along with more serious issues like engine seizures and electrical problems.
Sales data supports these concerns. After peaking at 3,349 units in January 2024, X440 sales have consistently declined. Hero sold just 8,974 X440s from April to December 2024, compared to stronger performance from competitors in the 350-500cc segment.
Hero’s Mavrick 440
The X440 shares its fundamental DNA with Hero’s own Mavrick 440. Both motorcycles use identical 440cc engines, frames, and core components. The key differences? The X440 gets premium USD forks, slightly more torque (38Nm vs 36Nm), and distinctive Harley styling.
Hero charges a ₹40,000-50,000 premium for the Harley badge over the mechanically similar Mavrick. One rider said: “Hero Maverick is a nicer bike imo at a cheaper price that offers almost everything that this bike does”.
So, What Even Is a Real Harley?
This is where the debate heats up. Old-school Harley fans picture big V-twins, chrome-heavy cruisers, and Made-in-USA badges.
The X440? It’s a single-cylinder, Indian-built roadster. Lighter. Simpler. Less rumble.
But maybe that’s the point.
Journalist Sagar Sheldekar compared it to a Royal Enfield Classic 350 — refined, punchy, and practical. The tank design, the minimalist panels, and that barky exhaust note? They do feel like Harley — just on a diet.
Where Riders Actually Stand
The motorcycle community remains split. Some love the idea of a Harley under ₹3 lakh that’s actually rideable, comfortable, and decent for touring. With over 25,000 units sold so far, there’s clearly an audience.
Others call it a “Hero in disguise” and say the magic’s just not there — especially when rivals like the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 and Triumph Speed 400 are delivering better value and stronger street cred.
