Harley-Davidson X350, X500 with Parallel-Twin Engines Leaked Before India Launch

The Harley-Davidson X350 and the X500 will mark their debut in China on March 10 this year. But before its official release, pictures of the new affordable motorcycles have surfaced online. Developed in partnership with Qianjiang Motorcycle (QJ Motors) in China, the upcoming X350 and the X500 are aimed at making the brand more accessible to customers in China and other emerging markets, according to the American bikemaker. Interestingly, the X350 and the X500 cruisers will not be powered by a V-Twin engine, which is used in nearly all Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The upcoming models already broke cover in the US market and are the first products of the collaboration. While images and specifications of both bikes were already leaked last year, the latest camo-free images offer us new details.

Also Read: Harley-Davidson Celebrates 120th Anniversary; Unveils Six Limited Edition Models

Harley-Davidson X350 and X500: Engine

For now, we know that the X350 and the X500 will be powered by non-HD (Harley-Davidson) engines. To keep development costs low, the bikes will share underpinnings with QJ Motors and use a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine.

As for the power and torque figures, the Harley-Davidson X350's 353cc liquid-cooled engine will likely deliver around 34bhp. While the larger X500 will have a 500cc engine, which is good for around 47bhp of maximum power and 46Nm of peak torque. However, these numbers are based on speculations, as the actual figures have been kept under wraps. 

Harley-Davidson X350 and X500: Hardware

The Harley-Davidson X350 will use the same chassis that underpins the Benelli 302S and QJMotor SRK350. With a kerb weight of 195kg, the X350 will be heavier than its Chinese cousins. The bike is claimed to have a top speed of 143km/h. On the other hand, the X500 will probably be based on the Benelli Leoncino 500. It is reported to have a kerb weight of 207kgs and a top speed of 160km/h. 

Moreover, both motorcycles will also have the same upside-down forks, offset mono-shock rear suspension, dual discs at the front, and dual-channel ABS. 

Harley-Davidson X350 and X500: Exterior Styling and Features

In terms of design, the Harley-Davidson X350 and the X500 will have a neo-retro styling, inspired by the XR1200 bike. The bikes will sport a classic fuel tank design, all-LED lighting, halogen turn indicators, round rear-view cameras, an underbelly exhaust, and centrally mounted foot pegs.  

On the feature front, the upcoming bikes will have a circular semi-digital instrument pod with an analogue speedometer and a rectangular LCD display. 

Also Read: Harley-Davidson to Go All-electric; Confirms CEO Jochen Zeitz

Additionally, the legendary American bikemaker also has plans to co-develop middleweight bikes with Hero MotoCorp in India. Although there has been no official confirmation as to when these bikes will hit showrooms in India, once launched, they are likely to go against Royal Enfield motorcycles. 

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