Harley-Davidson X440: Touring on a motorcycle is a passion for many, including myself. After several rides to Goa on my KTM 390 Duke and other bikes, I felt it was time for a change. So, when the opportunity came to explore the Rann of Kutch, I decided to take it. My ride of choice for this journey was the Harley-Davidson X440, a new bike we had just received. Covering a route from Mumbai to Ahmedabad, Kutch, and back, I embarked on a 2,500 km adventure. Here’s a detailed account of how the X440 performed and whether it’s worth considering as a touring bike.
Engine Performance
One of the most crucial aspects of a touring bike is engine performance, and I was curious to see if the smallest Harley, the X440, could handle long hours on the road. To my surprise, it did. Despite city traffic delays early in the ride, the bike performed well when the roads opened up. The X440 comfortably cruised at speeds of 110-115 kmph for long periods without significant vibrations. The only minor discomfort came from slight vibrations on the handlebar and footpegs, but they were manageable.
The X440’s 440cc, single-cylinder engine maintains a steady pace at 100 kmph in sixth gear with the rev counter at 4,000 rpm. Even when slowing down to 60-70 kmph, there was no need to downshift; the bike’s gradual acceleration quickly returned it to cruising speeds. The engine’s progression is smooth, making it suitable for touring, and it has a satisfying exhaust note that adds to the experience.
In heavy traffic, the X440’s engine proved to be reliable. It managed well in bumper-to-bumper situations, allowing me to stay in first or second gear and modulate the clutch with ease. The bike didn’t overheat, and it handled crawling speeds smoothly. However, I did notice that the gear and brake levers were longer than expected, which took some getting used to.
Features
On day two, I rode from Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutch, covering another 500 km, with the last 200 km in the dark. I was initially worried about visibility, but the X440’s LED headlight exceeded my expectations. It provided bright illumination with an adequate high beam throw, making night riding easier and safer.
The instrument console, though small, is highly informative. It displays the speedometer, gear indicator, rev counter, and fuel gauge clearly, allowing me to monitor the bike’s performance effortlessly. The compact and efficient design of the screen ensures all essential information is available at a glance.
Ergonomics
Comfort is essential for long-distance touring, and the X440 offers a good mix of ergonomics. The rider’s posture is both comfortable and commanding, thanks to a wide handlebar and neutrally positioned footpegs. The seat cushioning is dense and allows some movement, which is helpful during long rides.
However, standing on the footpegs was uncomfortable, and it was challenging to grip the tank properly in that position. For those who prefer standing while riding off-road, this could be a downside.
Luggage Mounting
I used a Rynox Navigator tail bag for the journey, mounting it on the rear seat. The X440 does not have a backrest or vertical grill, so I had to remove the seat and secure the bag’s straps underneath for a firm setup. This may vary depending on the type of saddlebags or tail bags used. With the bag mounted, the available seat space was limited.
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Additionally, I carried a Carbonado magnetic tank bag for easy access to documents and snacks. Unfortunately, the magnets left slight scratches on the fuel tank. For those considering this bike for touring, using a different setup or taking precautions to protect the paint is advisable.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Harley-Davidson X440 weighs around 190 kg, making it a heavy bike, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or parking lots. Its top-heavy nature is noticeable when manually moving the bike. However, once on the road, the bike’s weight becomes less of an issue.
At city and highway speeds, the X440 handled well, responding effectively to inputs from the wide handlebar. While it’s not extremely nimble, it’s competent enough for lane switching and maneuvering through traffic. The handlebar’s width helps balance the bike’s top-heavy nature, though a slightly thicker handlebar might provide better proportion and feel.
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Throughout the 2,500 km journey, the X440’s ride quality remained impressive. Its USD front forks and twin rear springs absorbed bumps comfortably, even on rough internal roads around Bhuj. The suspension setup maintained the bike’s composure, whether on bad roads or smooth highways. While the rear may wobble slightly on uneven surfaces, it remains predictable and easy to control.
Fuel Efficiency
Over the entire trip, the Harley-Davidson X440 delivered an average fuel efficiency of 27 kmpl. This included long stretches on the highway at speeds of over 100 kmph and navigating city traffic. Considering the sustained high-speed cruising, the fuel economy was satisfactory and suitable for touring.
Conclusion
The Harley-Davidson X440 proved to be a reliable touring bike over a challenging 2,500 km journey. Its engine performance, comfortable ergonomics, and informative features make it a solid choice for long-distance rides. The bike’s LED headlight and compact instrument console add convenience, while its ride quality remains smooth even on rough terrain.
However, the bike’s weight and top-heavy nature might be a concern for those who prefer nimble handling. Luggage mounting options are functional but may require customization for optimal setup. Fuel efficiency is reasonable, but there are areas, like the length of the gear and brake levers, where improvements could be made.
Overall, the Harley-Davidson X440 is a capable and dependable touring bike, especially for those looking to explore long routes comfortably. If you enjoy long rides and are considering a new motorcycle, the X440 is worth a test ride to see if it suits your touring needs.
