For quite some time now, it's been known that iconic American bikemaker, Harley-Davidson is developing a range of new accessible, low-capacity models in partnership with Chinese giant Qianjiang Motorcycle. Now, the X 350, the smaller product of this collaboration, has been revealed fully undisguised ahead of its official Chinese launch on March 10.
- Both entry-level Harleys have parallel-twin engines
- Feature neo-retro roadster styling
- Currently only for Chinese market
New Harley-Davidson X 350, X 500: what can be seen?
While the X 350 is the one pictured here, there will also be a larger X 500, which will boast of a larger parallel-twin engine, as its name suggests. The biggest change on both these bikes is the absence of a V-Twin engine, a staple of nearly all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, since 1903. Instead, these new bikes use a liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine which will displace roughly around the same capacity as the name of the bike. Power outputs remain under wraps for now, but if QJMotor’s other bikes of a similar capacity are anything to go by, the X 350 should make somewhere between 30-35hp while the larger X 500 should be closer to the 50hp mark.
The design language is a key part of a Harley-Davidson and both bikes feature neo-retro roadster styling, something loosely along the lines of the erstwhile XR1200. Both bikes can be seen sporting all-LED lighting, a USD fork/offset monoshock set-up and disc brakes at both ends.
A simple analogue speedometer with a small digital inset could hint at the company’s efforts at keeping costs low. Apart from ABS, it is unlikely that these bikes will be offered with other riding aids, considering they will sit at the accessible end of the market. Both bikes have been listed in Harley’s international line-up so they may be sold elsewhere as well in the future. In India, however, the bikes will be co-developed by Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson.
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Hero to co-develop bikes with US-based Zero Motorcycles
Do you think a Harley-Davidson made in China sans a V-Twin engine will be accepted by the brand's traditionalists? Let us know in the comments.