Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp are preparing to introduce their second jointly developed motorcycle in India – the Harley X500. Following the strong response to the Harley X440, the new model is expected to make its debut around July 2025. This move signifies a continued push by Harley-Davidson into India’s midweight motorcycle segment.
The X500 is aimed at riders who want more power than the X440 offered but without stepping into the expensive, high-performance motorcycle category. It represents a strategic effort to tap into the growing demand for premium yet affordable motorcycles.
Key Details About the Harley X500
While Harley-Davidson has not yet made an official announcement, several sources suggest the Harley X500 could be based on the Benelli Leoncino 500. This bike is already available in global markets and is manufactured by Qianjiang Motorcycles, a company known for producing motorcycles across multiple brands.
The Harley X500 is expected to be powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine. It is likely to produce around 47 bhp and 46 Nm of torque. The engine will probably be paired with a six-speed gearbox. The chassis setup may include a trellis frame, upside-down front forks, and dual disc brakes at the front – all suggesting a performance-oriented approach.
Design and Features
The expected weight of the Harley X500 is around 207 kg. It will likely come with dual-channel ABS as standard. Design-wise, it may combine Harley-Davidson’s signature bold styling with modern scrambler elements. Spy images have shown features like a muscular fuel tank, wide handlebars, and a single-piece seat, indicating a focus on comfort and sportiness.
The overall riding posture seems designed for everyday usability while retaining a strong visual presence, in line with Harley-Davidson’s global identity.
Pricing and Competition
The Harley X440 was priced attractively at under ₹2.5 lakh, making it one of the most competitive options in its segment. However, the X500 is expected to be priced between ₹5.5 lakh and ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting its more powerful engine and additional features.
This pricing will place the Harley X500 in competition with models like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, Benelli Leoncino 500, and the newly launched Kawasaki Z500. It is targeted at buyers looking to upgrade from 350cc or 400cc motorcycles without committing to litre-class machines.
Significance of the Hero-Harley Partnership
The Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp collaboration is evolving steadily. Hero is responsible for the local manufacturing and distribution of Harley motorcycles in India. This allows Harley-Davidson to maintain a presence in the price-sensitive Indian market while offering premium products.
The X500 reflects the growing depth of this partnership and could be a sign of more models in the 500cc to 800cc range in the future. The alliance is helping both brands expand their reach among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts.
Why the Harley X500 Matters for Indian Riders
The Harley X500 could appeal to Indian riders looking for their first twin-cylinder motorcycle. It aims to deliver a blend of premium design, strong brand value, and practical performance. Importantly, it avoids the high maintenance and upfront costs typically associated with larger Harley models.
If Harley-Davidson and Hero can balance pricing and features effectively, the X500 may attract a significant number of customers who are looking to upgrade from smaller motorcycles but still want manageable ownership costs.
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Conclusion
With a possible launch in July 2025, the Harley X500 is expected to be available in time for the festive season – a key period for vehicle sales in India. If priced right, it has the potential to become one of the year’s most talked-about motorcycles.
For riders exploring the 500cc segment or Harley fans waiting for a more accessible model, the X500 could be an exciting option worth considering.
