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, they have paid attention to detail and redesigned the rear of the motorcycle, added better finished parts all around, and also equipped the bike with some modern tech features. We spent some time in the saddle of the X440 on the streets and highways in Goa, and here is what we think about the X440T.
Design - 9/10
Leaner tail section, new parts, and better finishing 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 of these updates together give it the silhouette of the XR1200 which it has been inspired by. The exhaust, which earlier looked very plain, now has new heat shields, and it also gets a new end can.
The tank on the 440T doesn't get the badging like on the standard X440, but it gets a sporty sticker, again, inspired from the XR. At the front, you can see some small changes like an updated panel on top of the LED headlight, and the finishing of the handlebar, and risers are more premium.
It also gets premium-looking bar-end mirrors and new grips for the handlebar. There is also a new panel in front of the fuel tank to reduce the gap at that area and give it a more muscular look. Rounding up the design updates are metal heel plates compared to the plastic heel plates from earlier, new footpegs and an updated brake lever.
The swingarm pivot bolt and many of the fastening bolts all over are of a more premium quality now, and the chassis also has better finishing. Overall, Hero/Harley-Davidson have really done a good job when it comes to the fit and finish of the X440T and it now looks like a leaner and meaner machine.
There are four new color options to choose from, all of which have a gloss finish. The one we had for this review is a nice shade of dark blue. The other colour options include red, white, and black. The finishing of the paint is premium and looks brilliant when it's shining in the sun.
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 to the X440T is a ride by wire throttle compared to the cable throttle on the X440.This has given the bike 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, the 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 when kept 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 the road mode, despite going through some bad patches of roads 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 have also added in 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, which makes the ride experience more engaging.
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 damping of the suspension since the front end used to bottom out over bigger bumps conditions. The updated setup feels plush and the bike is able to glide through rough surfaces and bad roads quite easily.
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 and it is also impressive when it comes to handling. Having a light build of 57kg, the suspension felt good for me, but heavier riders might still feel the front running out of travel when hitting bad potholes or speedbreakers at higher speeds.
Features - 8/10
Better equipped in this segment than the standard X440
Apart from the styling and features like ride-by-wire traction control and switchable rear ABS, this also gets a new panic brake light alert system, which engages all of the indicators at once and they will 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, has information laid out well and it is easy to access the menus. The ride modes can be switched on the go and the bike is also equipped with bluetooth connectivity that enables call and SMS alerts, phone battery status, and music controls. Overall, the bike is well equipped in terms of features
Verdict - 8/10
More engaging to ride now, but carries a premium price tag
Priced at Rs 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the X440T is around Rs 24,000 more expensive than the top-spec variant of the X440 and the bikes will be sold alongside each other. The base spoked wheels variant has been discontinued from the X440 lineup.
| 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 price hike after GST 2.0 for bikes above 350cc, the X440T is considerably more expensive than the Classic 350 and also positioned above the likes of more powerful rivals like the Speed 400 and Guerrilla 450.
The bike surely looks much better with this update. It is more proportionate from the rear end, has more premium finishing all around, and now has a silhouette that more closely matches that of the XR 1200. With modern features like 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
