2023 has been a treat for Harley-Davidson fans so far. First, the company celebrated its 120th anniversary in January and brought back the popular Breakout, followed by its return to the entry-level segment with the new X 350 roadster. Now, barely a month later, the American giant is preparing a another all-new bike, this time a 400cc roadster, the HD 400, which has already made headlines around the world. But the two new roadsters come from Asian collaborations – the X 350 from QJ Motors and the HD 400 from Hero MotoCorp – to raise a serious question: which of the two is better? And if you’re thinking the same thing, here are three reasons why the HD 400 will topple the X 350.
The HD 400 has more Harley-Davidson DNA than the X 350
These spy shots show plenty of curve clearance
Long before the X 350 debuted, one of the biggest complaints was its lack of Harley-Davidson DNA. Sure, it had a flat track design, HD logos and orange livery, but it still didn’t feel like a Harley-Davidson. And this is where the HD 400 launches its first attack. A look at the Hero-Harley roadster will remind you of several iconic HD models. The overall silhouette, for example, is reminiscent of Harley-Davidson’s sportier XR 1200, courtesy of the round headlight and (read muscular) fuel tank. This is topped off by a flat tail section and a low handlebar.
Styling cues are also borrowed here from Harley’s flagship sportster, the Sportster S, and the now-discontinued Iron 883. The former features the rectangular, oval tail lamp and round LED indicators, while the alloys double tone are like the second ones. We also like the three-piece headlight, as opposed to the relatively simple unit on the X 350. Don’t get us wrong, the X 350 isn’t a bad-looking motorcycle, but it looks like Harley-Davidson officials were more involved in the creation of the HD 400.
The HD 400 has better features than the X 350
A digital instrument cluster sits in the middle of the cabin
Chinese-made motorcycles almost always excel in the feature game. But the X 350 is a not-so-nice exception. All you get here is full-LED lighting, a slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS and a basic instrument cluster with a small LCD screen. On the other hand, the HD 400 flexes a more modern package. Not only does it have the basics (LED lights and ABS), but it steps up the X 350 with a full-color digital instrument cluster. It displays the tachometer, speed, fuel level, time and odometer, unlike the X 350, which has no fuel gauge or tachometer.
Additionally, we also think the 400’s digital unit would support Bluetooth, at least as an optional accessory, if not standard. We say this because Hero offers Bluetooth even on its 110cc commuters. Nor will it be a surprise if the display also shows distance to empty, instant fuel economy and range in other display modes. But that’s just speculation for now.
The HD 400 will feel more like a Harley-Davidson than the X 350
It is expected to use a close to 400cc air/oil cooled engine
Underneath, the X 350 uses a 353cc, parallel-bike engine (derived from QJ Motor) that produces 36 horsepower and 22.8 lb.-ft. Whereas, the HD 400 is expected to be powered by a single-cylinder engine of nearly 400cc. Although both mills are different from Harley-Davidson, the latter bears more resemblance here. That’s because the spy shots show an 8,000 RPM redline and an air/oil cooler, both features common to Harley engines.
It also means that the motorcycle is tuned for mid-range rather than high-speed high-range. Meanwhile, the X 350’s torque kicks in at 7,000 rpm, almost at the HD 400’s redline, so no Harley-like punch it seems. Sources also suggest that Harley-Davidson and Hero have spent a lot of time perfecting the HD 400’s exhaust note and making it as American as possible. However, the X 350 regains some points in the grip department, thanks to its dual front disc brakes, monoshock and wider tires (120/160 section). The HD 400 has a 140-section tire, for example.
Will the HD 400 come to America?
The ‘HD 4XX’ gives a pretty clear clue as to the displacement of the motorcycle
So judging by these factors, the HD 400 looks like a better product than the X 350 (at least from what we know so far). But will it come to America? Well, we like to think it will. Considering the effort Harley-Davidson has put in, the roadster deserves a place in the company’s international lineup. Not only will it give the MoCo a fighting chance against bikes like the Honda Rebel 500 and Kawasaki Eliminator 400, but it will also put it back in the entry slot after the Street 500 hits the dustbin. However, take this with a grain of salt as there is no official confirmation on the matter from either Hero or Harley. Anyway, if it came down to it, how much would you pay for the HD 400? Or would you even pay for an Indian-built Harley? Tell us in the comments below.
