Harley-Davidson recently launched its second most affordable motorcycle, the X 500 in China. While the motorcycle is unlikely to be launched in India in this form, it would be a fitting rival to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 sold here. So let us tell you everything that you need to know about the Harley-Davidson X 500.
Styling
If you hadn’t noticed yet, the X 500 looks similar to the Benelli Leoncino 500 and that is because the motorcycle is based on the latter. However, with Harley-like design elements that have been derived from the XR1200. So the X 500 comes with a muscular fuel tank, a cropped rear fender and a thick single-piece seat. Harley-Davidson is also offering the X 500 in the iconic orange colour scheme along with black and silver options.
Engine
Since it is based on the Leoncino 500, it comes with the same engine. This motor is capable of churning out 47.5bhp and 46Nm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. In comparison, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 offers 47.4bhp and 52.3Nm.
Hardware
The Harley-Davidson X 500 is equipped with a pair of 50mm upside down forks and a monoshock at the rear. The forks at rebound adjustable while the rear shock can also be adjusted for preload. Meanwhile, anchoring duties are done by 320mm discs at the front and a 260mm disc at the rear. This setup is the same as the Leoncino 500 and also gets a dual-channel ABS as standard. The X 500 comes with a seat height of 820mm and weighs in at 208kg.
Features
As for features, the Harley-Davidson X 500 is fitted with full-LED lighting for the headlamp, tail lamp and turn signals. It also gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with basic information on display. Again, these features are similar to what the Benelli has to offer.
India launch and pricing
Now Harley-Davidson is unlikely to launch the X 500 in India anytime soon. But it is expected to launch another motorcycle called the 4XX in the country. That said, if you don’t want to wait for that, you can also consider the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that would be its direct competitor.
