With the older X440, Harley was trying to go for a good-looking roadster, but the tail section and some elements looked like an afterthought. For 2025, the brand has paid attention to detail, redesigning the motorcycle’s rear, adding better-finished parts throughout and equipping it with some modern tech features. We spent some time in the X440 T’s saddle on Goa’s streets and highways, and here’s what we think about it.
Harley-Davidson X440 T design
Leaner tail section, new parts and better finishes all around
The bike gets a redesigned rear subframe, with sleeker panels on either side, a new tail-light and new grab rails. The seat has also been reprofiled, and all these updates together give it the silhouette of the XR1200, from which it is inspired. The exhaust, earlier very plain-looking, now has new heat shields and a new end can.
Unlike the standard X440, the X440 T’s tank doesn’t get badging; instead, it has a sporty sticker, again, inspired by the XR. At the front, you can see some small changes, such as an updated panel on top of the LED headlight, the finish of the handlebars and the more premium risers.
The X440 T also gets premium-looking bar-end mirrors and new grips for the handlebars. There is also a new panel in front of the fuel tank to reduce the gap in that area and lend it a more muscular look. Rounding up the design updates are metal heel plates compared to the plastic ones earlier, new foot pegs and an updated brake lever.
The swingarm pivot bolt and many of the fastening bolts are now of a more premium quality, and the chassis also has a better finish. Overall, Hero and Harley-Davidson have done a good job with the fit and finish, making the X440 T look like a leaner, meaner machine.
There are four new colour options, all with a gloss finish. The one we had for this review is a nice shade of dark blue. Others are red, white and black. The paint finish is premium and looks brilliant when it shines in the sunlight.
Harley-Davidson X440 T performance - 8/10
Now gets a ride-by-wire throttle with two ride modes, a traction control system and switchable rear ABS
One of the most significant upgrades is a ride-by-wire throttle compared to the cable throttle on the X440. This has given the X440 T two riding modes: Road and Rain. You also get a traction control system and switchable rear ABS. When the bike is in Road mode, the fuelling is nice, and the torque comes in slightly earlier than before. It feels quick, and the potent torque rush allows for quick overtakes. In Rain mode, power delivery is very linear, making it nice for beginners or when the road conditions are dicey.
Overall, the engine has good character, feels smooth in the mid-range rpms and also has decent highway cruising abilities. The traction control system works well and does not cut power unnecessarily in Road mode, despite going through some bad patches of road, and riders also have the option of switching it off. On the other hand, in Rain mode, the traction control is tuned to be more intrusive.
With the ride-by-wire throttle update, Harley has also added a slight tune to make the bike sound a little better. So when you are downshifting, you hear some pops and bangs from the exhaust, making the ride experience more engaging.
Harley-Davidson X440 T ride quality - 8/10
Plush over bad roads and comfortable enough to cruise on the highway
Based on feedback from the X440, Harley has reworked the suspension’s damping, as the front end used to bottom out on bigger bumps. The updated setup feels plush, and the bike is able to glide over rough surfaces and bad roads quite easily.
With my light 57kg build, the suspension felt good for me. The rider’s triangle has remained the same, and despite being a heavy bike at a standstill, the weight is not felt on the go. The X440 T is also impressive when it comes to handling.
Harley-Davidson X440 T features - 8/10
Better equipped than the standard X440
Apart from the styling and features such as ride-by-wire, traction control and switchable rear ABS, the X440 T also gets a new panic-brake light alert system, which engages all indicators at once – they’ll blink at a much faster rate than the indicators or the hazard lights usually do.
The bike gets the same 3.5-inch TFT screen, with information laid out well and easy-to-access menus. The ride modes can be switched on the go, and the bike is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling call and SMS alerts, phone battery status and music controls. Overall, the bike is well-equipped in terms of features.
Harley-Davidson X440 T verdict - 8/10
More engaging to ride now but carries a premium price tag
With an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.79 lakh, the X440 T costs around Rs 24,000 more than the top-spec X440; both bikes will be sold alongside each other. The base variant with spoked wheels has been discontinued from the X440 line-up.
| Pricing | |
|---|---|
| Model | Price |
| X440 Vivid | Rs 2,34,500 |
| X440 S | Rs 2,54,900 |
| X440 T | Rs 2,79,500 |
Even though Hero and Harley have chosen to absorb the impact of a higher tax rate for bikes above 350cc under GST 2.0, the X440 T is still considerably more expensive than the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and positioned above more powerful rivals such as the Triumph Speed 400 and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450.
The bike surely looks much better with this update. It is more proportionate at the rear, has more premium finishing overall and a silhouette that more closely matches that of the XR1200. With modern features such as ride-by-wire throttle, traction control and switchable ABS, the entire ride experience is more engaging, and to sum it up, this is what the X440 should have been from the very beginning.
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
Gavin Rodrigues
