Harley-Davidson and Triumph Motorcycles have made a bold move by entering the sub-500cc motorcycle segment of the Indian market with their respective products, the X440 and Speed 400. These motorcycles have been priced aggressively, thanks to their local manufacturing by Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto, respectively. This has allowed the two brands to price their respective motorcycles competitively, making them rivals in India.
In this article, we compare various aspects of these motorcycles to help you make an informed buying decision.
Design and Styling
Both motorcycles feature a neo-retro styling that is inspired by their respective higher displacement siblings. The new Harley-Davidson X440 carries an XR1200-inspired design that comprises a round headlight with integrated Harley-Davidson branding, a single-pod instrument cluster, a flat handlebar, a step-up seat, a sleek tail section, a side-slung exhaust, and retro-style round indicators. Notably, the entry-level X440 uses wire-spoke wheels, while the top model comes with diamond-cut alloy units. The colour options for this entry-level Harley-Davidson comprise four themes – Mustard Denim, Metallic Thick Red, Metallic Dark Silver, and Matte Black. The colour options vary depending on the variant selected.
Meanwhile, the Speed Twin-inspired styling on the Triumph Speed 400 comprises a round headlight, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a curvy fuel tank with knee recesses, a step-up seat, and a side-slung exhaust. Further, the classic Triumph engine profile with triangle badge, finned cylinder head, and exhaust header clamps complements the retro-design of the Speed 400. The colour palette comprises three options – Carnival Red with Phantom Black, Caspian Blue with Storm Grey, and Phantom Black with Storm Grey.
Engine and Performance
The new Harley-Davidson X440 has a displacement advantage between the two, and it uses a 440cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine. This motor delivers a maximum output of 27bhp and a peak torque of 38Nm. However, the Triumph Speed 400 makes more power with its liquid-cooled setup. The Speed 400 is powered by a 398.15cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that makes 39.5bhp and 37.5Nm of peak torque. Both motorcycles use a six-speed gearbox.
The Speed 400 also has a weight advantage as it tips the weighing scale at 176kg (kerb). In comparison, the Harley-Davidson X440 weighs 190.5kg (kerb).
| Feature | Harley-Davidson X440 | Triumph Speed 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 440cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled | 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 27bhp | 39.5bhp |
| Torque | 38Nm | 37.5Nm |
| Features | Full-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, color-TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity (top-spec model only) | Full-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS, traction control system |
| Price | Starting at Rs. 2.29 lakh | Rs. 2.33 lakh |
Features
The feature list on the new Harley-Davidson X440 comprises full-LED lighting, a colour-TFT display, and dual-channel ABS. Further, the top-spec model benefits from a Bluetooth module that brings turn-by-turn navigation to this motorcycle.
The Triumph Speed 400 also gets full LED lighting and dual-channel ABS. However, it further benefits from a traction control system for enhanced rider safety. Notably, it misses out on a colour-TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity but uses an LCD screen with an analogue speedometer instead.
Read Also:- Why are the Harley X440 and Triumph Street Twin so cheap?
Chassis and Suspension
The X440 is built around a trellis frame and uses 43mm upside-down front forks and gas-charged preload-adjustable twin rear shocks to handle suspension duties. Braking tasks are handled by single-disc brakes on both wheels.
The Triumph Speed 400 also packs upside-down front forks and disc brakes on both wheels. However, it uses a rear mono-shock instead of twin-sided springs on the Harley-Davidson product.
Price
The new Harley-Davidson is available in three variants with prices starting at Rs. 2.29 lakh for the base model while mid- and top-spec models are available at Rs. 2.49 lakh and Rs. 2.69 lakh respectively.
In comparison, the Triumph Speed is available at Rs. 2.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
In conclusion, both motorcycles offer unique propositions to buyers in India looking for an entry-level premium motorcycle experience.
Read Also:- Maruti Invicto vs Toyota Innova Hycross: A Price Comparison
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