The Harley-Davidson X440 first rolled out in 2023 and now, almost two-and-a-half years later, it has received its first major — well, major-ish — update, driven largely by consumer feedback. Say hello to the new Harley-Davidson X440 T, the range-topping variant in the X440 line-up, now armed with a bit more kit. Gone is the controversial rear end, and in comes a… well, yet another controversial rear end. That, at least, has been the consensus across social media following the bike’s unveiling. But let me tell you something: it looks far better in person. The X440 T features a new rear subframe designed to accommodate the restyled tail section, which draws inspiration from Harley’s ultra successful XR1200 and XR750 race bikes. It’s pointier, sleeker, more rounded, neatly integrates the tail-light, and reduces the visual gap between the fender and the rear wheel giving the motorcycle a more angular stance. Styling is personal, but in my opinion, it suits the bike considerably better. The X440 was a lovely looking bike from the front and Harley hasn’t touched the LED headlight and the tear-drop fuel tank.
Other cosmetic updates include fresh graphics on the fuel tank and the removal of the physical Harley-Davidson medallion — something the XR1200 lacked as well. The bike features a heat shield on the exhaust, and on the pipe exiting the cylinder head, along with a new end cap. You’ll also notice new bar-end mirrors, new hand grips, forged foot levers, and a neatly fitted panel between the fuel tank and handlebar that reduces the previously visible gap, better quality screws all-over and wiring on the handlebar, now cleanly integrated and considerably less exposed.
The X440 T also sports a thicker seat with improved cushioning and a ribbed pattern at the front. Other features include LED lighting all-round and a 3.5-inch TFT screen housed in a round instrument binnacle, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a plethora of readouts.
On the hardware front, the bike gains ride-by-wire technology, which has enabled two ride modes: Road and Rain. It also gets better-quality switchgear and a revised button on the right side that integrates the starter and engine kill functions. Lastly, the bike features switchable traction control, switchable rear ABS, and a panic-braking alert system.
At 192kg, the X440 T is around 1.5kg heavier than the lower Vivid and S variants of the X440 (the entry-level Denim variant with spoke wheels has now been axed). While it may appear a touch heavy on paper, the bike hides its weight remarkably well once on the move. It does feel a bit top-heavy when you’re manoeuvring it at slow speeds, but that’s about it. Off the line, it feels instantly nimble and flickable, even at low speeds. Mechanically, the X440 T remains unchanged, continuing with the excellent 440cc single-cylinder air-cooled mill that produces 27bhp and 36Nm of peak torque. This engine is refined at low speeds, offers superb low-end and mid-range grunt, and sounds too good for a single. As a result, it’s impressively tractable, enabling quick overtakes even when you’re a gear too high or running as low as 35kmph in fourth. Things do get vibey — really vibey — once you’re past 5000rpm. But even at 90kmph in sixth, the X440 sits at just under three-and-a-half grand, and that’s a good thing. There’s ample power in reserve for quick overtakes, which means that there’s no need to wring it out to the redline. And that’s exactly how this bike is best enjoyed: not by chasing the limiter, but by riding that generous torque wave through the gears.
The ride-by-wire throttle on the X440 T is nicely calibrated and isn’t jerky at all – enabling linear power even if you’re being a bit choppy with it. The difference between the two ride modes — Road and Rain — is marginal, and mainly affects traction control intervention. In Rain mode, it becomes a little more intrusive, as expected, to aid safety in slippery conditions. Thankfully it’s switchable, because this Harley is great fun to launch off the line thanks to its fantastic low-end oomph.
The bike has a fairly neutral riding position, with forward-set footpegs and a handlebar that’s just a little lower than dead upright. It is wide and makes filtering through tightly a breeze. The X440 is really fun to ride in the twisties because of its wonderful chassis. The 43mm upside-down KYB front forks and gas charged twin rear shocks (that are 7-step adjustable for pre-load) are set up just beautifully. This setup enables a good ride, with nice low-speed ride quality that flattens most stuff, and nice stability at high speeds without feeling wallowy, plus sharp dynamics around the bends. The MRF rubber at both ends (it has an 18-inch front, and 17-inch rear alloy) offers good grip making it easy to push this bike hard. What could — and should — be better is the braking. The bike uses a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both from ByBre, and the setup needs more bite, especially at the front. A slightly less intrusive ABS system would also be welcome.
The Harley X440 T is a good bike made better. It’s a clear step up in quality, fit-and-finish, and overall premiumness compared with the standard X440, and it’s the version you should buy. It looks better (I certainly do think that), offers more features, and continues to be a genuinely enjoyable motorcycle to ride, with a lovely engine, good dynamics, and an engaging riding experience. In truth, this is the X440 Harley should have launched from the start; had that been the case, it likely would have drawn in far more buyers. At ₹2.79 lakh (ex-showroom), it remains the most affordable way to enter the Harley-Davidson family — and if you’ve already got your eyes on it, don’t bother looking elsewhere. This bike will deliver on almost every front.
