The Harley-Davidson X350 is powered by a 353cc parallel twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine sourced from QJ Motor’s SRK 350
Harley-Davidson has today announced the launch of the X350 entry-level neo-retro roadster in the Chinese market. Priced at 33,388 yuan (roughly Rs. 3.93 lakh), the motorcycle is the result of the brand’s partnership with QJ Motor Company. After several leaked pictures and information, the Harley-Davidson X350 is finally here but should we really care?
It appears that the alliance between Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson is working on a range of middleweight motorcycles and thus the X350, or a motorcycle influenced by it, could be launched in India within a year. The India-bound model could have higher local content due to Hero’s expertise in local manufacturing and could compete against 300-350 cc mid-capacity offerings.
Coming back to the Harley-Davidson X350, it takes design inspiration from the XR1200X. Some of the highlights include a round shaped LED headlamp, a smaller front fender, a sleek fuel tank and minimalistic side panels, a compact tail section, LED turn signals, an LED tail lamp just below the seat, black finished alloy wheels, a wide handlebar setup, underbelly exhaust system etc.
The semi-digital instrument console gets a small digital reading while the seats get ample padding. Sporty body graphics on the fuel tank and under the pillion seat add to the visual drama. It draws power from a 353cc parallel-twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine sourced from QJ Motor’s SRK 350. It develops a maximum power output of 36.2 bhp and peak torque of 31 Nm.
The powertrain is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Harley-Davidson X350 is suspended on adjustable upside-down front forks and off-set rear monoshock suspension, which is adjustable for preload and rebound. The fuel tank has a capacity of 13.5 liters and it tips the scales at 180 kg. Braking is handled by a single disc with four-piston callipers at the front and a single rotor with a single-piston at the rear.
The Harley-Davidson X350 will also give rise to a parallel twin elder sibling known as the X500 and that will be good enough to produce around 45 bhp. Both the motorcycles are attractive prospects for India and it will be interesting to see what actually happens!