The two prominent players in the Indian two-wheeler industry, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto Ltd., have recently joined forces to collaborate on manufacturing iconic motorcycle brands – Harley Davidson and Triumph. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the Indian automotive sector, bringing together the expertise of two renowned companies to cater to the growing demand for premium motorcycles in India.

 

Harley-Davidson and Triumph are the two brands you wouldn’t expect to find in a budget bike comparison, the Indian market, however forces everyone to adapt. The Indian bike manufacturers have been able to produce bikes that are both affordable and high quality, allowing them to compete with more established brands. As a result, big brands like Harley and Triumph have to adjust their strategies to remain competitive in the market. This led to a new wave of premium two-wheeler markets in India. In this blog, we will compare, the recently launched Harley-Davidson X440 with the Triumph Speed 400, in the Indian market.

 

Design

 

It is no secret that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are well-known for their classic and rugged designs. The Harley-Davidson X440 is no exception, its design is inspired by its bigger sibling the XR-1200. It is equipped with a wide front fairing and a large fuel tank to give the motorcycle a muscular and aggressive stance. It has a single-pod instrument cluster, wide bars, neutral set footpegs, an upright seating position, circular indicators, a flat handlebar, and a round headlight with a Harley-Davidson logo integrated into it. On the other hand, the Triumph Speed 400 showcases a more modern and sleek design. It has a streamlined body with a sporty appeal, featuring a sharp front end and a compact rear section. It borrows its design from the larger Speed 900. The retro-style of Speed 400 is equipped with, a curved fuel tank with knee recesses, a semi-digital instrument panel, and a circular headlight. The baby Triumph has wide bars, side-slung exhaust and premium components.

 

Features/specifications

 

 

In terms of features, the Harley-Davidson X440 focuses on simplicity and reliability. Whereas the Triumph Speed 400, focuses on more advanced features. Both motorcycles have similar factors such as USD forks, alloy wheels, disc brakes at both ends, tubeless tyres, dual channel ABS, adjustable rear suspension, etc., but they have differences. The base model of X440 gets spoke wheels, while the advanced variants get alloy wheels. The X440 gets an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, while the Speed 400 gets 17-inch alloy wheels both front and rear. The other major difference is the rear suspension – the X440 gets a dual-shock suspension while the Speed 400 gets a mono-shock suspension setup. The Harley-Davidson has an upper hand in terms of connectivity features, as it gets a full TFT display with smartphone connectivity, ABS alert, gear indicator, and important information at its fingertips, while the Triumph gets a simpler semi-digital console with LED display. One of the stand-out features of the X440 is its Artificial exhaust system, and internet connectivity, offering seamless experience, and navigation. On the other hand, the Speed 400, offers a traction control system while the X440 doesn’t have it.

 

Power and Performance

 

The Harley-Davidson X440 is powered by a 440cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine, delivering strong torque of 38 Nm delivered at a low 4000 rpm, 27 bhp@ 6000 rpm, This powerhouse promises an unforgettable experience on the road. Harley says that a lot of effort was put in to retain the iconic Harley-Davidson exhaust note. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox doing the transmission duties. In contrast, the Triumph Speed 400, equipped with a 398cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, is known for its smooth power delivery and high revving capabilities. Despite having a smaller engine size, it provides 37.5 Nm of torque @ 6500 rpm, and maximum power output of 39.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm. It produces more power than the X440. It also has a 6-speed gearbox same as its rival X440.

 

Price and variants

 

 

The Harley-Davidson comes in three different variants, Denim, Vivid, and S, with a price tag of Rs 2,39,500 ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Triumph Speed 400 has two variants, Carnival red and Phantom black, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 2,33,000. When it comes to pricing the Harley-Davidson X440 is more affordable compared to the Triumph Speed 400. However, it is important to consider the overall value that each motorcycle offers.

 

Verdict

The Harley-Davidson X440 and the Triumph Speed 400 are both exceptional motorcycles, each with its unique characteristics and strengths. Both motorcycles appeal to a unique set of audiences. Those who are looking for technologically advanced and feature-rich rides will find the Harley-Davidson X440 more promising. While the Triumph Speed 400, resembles a modern and sporty appeal. Those who love to rev will find the Speed 400 more suitable due to its more power compared to the Harley X440. Before buying any of the two, consider your riding style, preferences, and budget to make the best choice.

 

Do let us know your opinion.