The Harley-Davidson X500 has been introduced in China. This follows the launch of the X350 and the teaser of the HD-4XX for the Indian market. For the time being, the new X350 and X500 are only available in China, but they will be available in other regions in the future.
Harley-Davidson is collaborating with local producers to increase market penetration. It is QJ in China and Hero MotoCorp in India. The Harley-Davidson X500 is a Benelli Leoncino 500 under all the Americana.
The identical 500cc parallel twin engine powers both the X500 and the Leoncino 500. It sports a DOHC layout, 4V per cylinder, and a liquid-cooled architecture. Its engine has a power output of 46.8 bhp at 8500 RPM and a torque output of 46 Nm at 6000 RPM.
The front forks on the Harley-Davidson X500 are 50mm USD with 124mm travel. It is supported by the same mono-shock unit, which has 112mm of travel. Maxxis Supermaxx tyres measuring 120/70-R17 in the front and 160/60-R17 in the rear have been mounted by Harley-Davidson.
The engine crankcase is the same, but it now has Harley-Davidson branding. The fuel tank form is comparable to that of the Leoncino 500 and can contain 13L of petrol. Alloy wheels and a two-barrel exhaust canister are the same. Dual 320mm rotors with 4-piston callipers up front and a single 260mm rotor with a single-piston calliper up back are the same as well. There is also switchable dual-channel ABS as a safety net.
There is also a semi-digital instrument console that appears to be pretty new. The footpegs appear to be centred, allowing for an upright riding position and neutral stance. All this is mounted on a trellis frame that resembles Leoncino 500.
For 44,000 Yuan (Rs 5.29 lakh, direct conversion), the X500 would be an excellent addition to Harley-Davidson's Indian portfolio. But we'll see the Hero-Harley HD-4XX in our market. It will have a single-cylinder engine and will be substantially cheaper to buy.
