BREAKING: Harley-Davidson X 500 – The American Chop Suey

Harley-Davidson has been in the news yet again, with the global debut of its X 500 roadster. This comes just weeks after the company unveiled the X 350 and “leaked” the spy shots of the Hero MotoCorp-developed 4XX.

The new Harley-Davidson X 500 spawns from the American cruiser giant’s alliance with the Chinese brand QJ Motor. This bike is based on the Benelli Leoncino 500, and uses the same 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine and makes the same 47.5PS and 46Nm. This engine is cradled in the same steel tube frame. 

Even the underpinnings are shared between the Leoncino and X 500. The bikes have the same 50mm USD fork with rebound adjustability and an offset monoshock that offers preload and rebound adjustability. Harley-Davidson China’s official website doesn’t mention the details of the braking hardware, but the twin discs at the front and the single disc at the rear look visually the same. And it is highly likely that Harley hasn’t made any changes to keep production costs low. Lastly, even the 17-inch alloy wheels on both bikes are the same. Thanks to all the component sharing, the kerb weight of 208kg makes it a heavy machine.

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Visually, the Harley-Davdison X 500 is completely different though. It takes its styling cues from the Harley-Davidson XR1200X, just like the X 350 did. Both the companies have done their best to add neoteric elements to the otherwise retro design. This bike’s circular headlight gets a LED DRL surround for the lower half and a backlit ‘Harley-Davidson’ lettering in the centre. The latter is something we have seen on the 4XX as well. The rear indicators with the integrated tail lights is a signature Harley element; however, it is unfortunate that the crankcase hasn’t been changed to resemble Harley’s unit.

The list of features on the Harley-Davidson X 500 is not long. It gets a monopod semi-digital instrument console with a digital inset and the only electronic aid on offer is dual-channel ABS.

Now, the big question – Is it coming to India? No, and dare we say we are glad that it isn’t because there won’t be many takers for the Harley-Davidson X 500. If you are in awe of what’s underneath all the bodywork, get the Benelli Leoncino 500, and if you are looking for a retro-styled bike that can match the performance of this Harley, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is undoubtedly the best pick. But for anyone looking for an affordable Harley-Davidson, the 4XX is coming this year.