Pawan Munjal, the chairman, president, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, and Jochen Zeitz, the founder of Harley-Davidson, unveiled the X440 motorcycle at a ceremony held at the Hero Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT).
The co-developed high-end motorcycle, the X440, was introduced for India on Monday by Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson. As a result of the agreement between Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson, the X440 is now the first high-end motorcycle to be released.
Pawan Munjal, the chairman, president, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, and Jochen Zeitz, the founder of Harley-Davidson, unveiled the X440 motorcycle at a ceremony held at the Hero Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT).
Hero MotoCorp said in a statement that the Harley-Davidson X440 represents the first entry by Hero and Harley-Davidson into the 440cc segment in India. Hero MotoCorp also stated that the high-end motorcycle will be produced at the company’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan.
At the country’s Harley-Davidson dealer network, the recently launched motorcycle will be offered in three variants priced at Rs. 2.29 lakh (Denim), Rs. 2.49 lakh (Vivid), and Rs. 2.69 lakh (S).
A first for Hero MotoCorp, the 440cc oil-cooled, long-stroke, BSVI (OBD II), and E20-compliant engine powers the Harley-Davidson X440. “The engine punches a best-in-class power output of 27 bhp as well as the best-in-class maximum torque of 38NM,” the company said, adding that the motorcycle offers an extremely flat torque curve, generating 90 per cent of its peak torque from as low as 2000rpm.
The engine has a slipper clutch and assist for fine control. The 6-speed transmission’s optimized gearing, according to the manufacturer, enables comfortable city commuting as well as highway cruising.
Commenting on the launch, Munjal said: “An important turning point in our premium journey has been reached with the introduction of the Harley-Davidson X440, which also paves the way for continued expansion. The motorcycle combines the best of the recognizable Harley-Davidson trademark features with the manufacturing know-how and Hero’s trusted quality.”
In addition, Munjal stated that Hero and Harley-Davidson seek to cater to a wider range of motorcycle enthusiasts by developing a distinctive value proposition for customers in the Indian market.
The introduction of the X440, according to Harley-Davidson’s Jochen Zeitz, signals the beginning of a new chapter for the American motorcycle manufacturer in India. “We are excited to launch our first development as part of our partnership with Hero MotoCorp,” Zeitz said.
Reference: www.businesstoday.in
