I finally got my hands on the Harley-Davidson X440. On paper, it’s a retro-styled 400cc bike. But twist that throttle, and you’ll feel it—it’s got attitude. Still, there’s a side of this machine that you won’t hear about in flashy brochures or dealership talk. Let me break it down for you.
That Odd Handlebar Buzz
Right around 3,000–4,000 RPM, there’s a weird vibration in the handlebars. It’s not your typical engine hum—it feels sharper, like the bars are tapping back at you.
Some bikes have it, others don’t. Riders on forums say the same thing. One even joked, “It feels like the bike’s talking to me.” Test a few units if you can, and pay attention to this—it’s subtle but strange.
The Cold-Start Check
Try starting the X440 on a chilly morning, and it might just stall. A few of us thought it was just a Harley issue. Turns out, the single-cylinder engine can be stubborn until it warms up.
According to veteran journalist Ajay Suri of Overdrive, “The X440’s cold-start shut-offs are annoying, especially when you’re late for work.” Ask the dealer if your bike has the latest software update—and always test both cold and warm starts.
Traffic Reality
This bike weighs about 190 kg. On the highway, it feels planted and confident. But in bumper-to-bumper city traffic? It’s a workout. I took it through Pune traffic for 20 km in the heat and found myself constantly shifting weight and clutching harder than I wanted to. It’s got that Royal Enfield-like presence, but you’ll need stronger wrists if your daily ride is full of red lights and tight gaps.
Cables and Wiring Woes
When you’re spending over ₹2 lakh, you expect slick finishing. Yet many X440 owners spot wiring harnesses peeking out near the bar clamp and headlamp. It doesn’t affect how it rides, but it chips away at the premium feel. Some riders say, “It reminds you this is built by Hero, not just Harley.” It’s small stuff, but hard to unsee once noticed.
Service Center Surprises
Harley-Davidson’s Indian venture with Hero MotoCorp means you visit Hero’s service network for warranty work and maintenance. During my first 1,000 km checkup, the ₹3,500 bill was reasonable, but the technician admitted, “We’ve only just started seeing these bikes, so complex issues can take longer.” If you live outside major metro areas, know you might trek to the nearest Harley-authorised workshop for genuine parts and trained hands.
Comfort is a Mixed Bag
Out on the highway, the suspension shines. The KYB forks and dual shocks smooth out long rides. But hit a pothole in the city, and it’ll remind you it’s not all cushy. Most dealers give you a 3–5 km demo ride on smooth roads, which hides this. Push for a ride that includes some rougher patches before you decide.
The Test-Ride Strategy
- Test Multiple Bikes: Vibrations and cold-start quirks vary between units.
- Warm & Cold Checks: Start it cold, let it warm, then restart. Note any stalls.
- Mixed Conditions: Ride in traffic and on an open stretch to gauge weight and suspension.
- Inspect Finishing: Look under the headlamp and around the bars for cable routing.
- Ask About Service: Confirm the distance to the nearest authorised Hero-Harley workshop.
“An extended test is worth its weight in gold when buying a premium bike,” advises former AMA Pro racer Ken Hill.
Let’s be real—the X440 exhaust note is why many people want this bike. It growls in a way that turns heads. Yet its real-world behaviour—vibrations, weight in traffic, cold-start quirks, and minor finish issues—can surprise you if you only take the standard showroom ride.
