The wraps on the second product from the Harley-Davidson and QJMotor collaboration – the X 500 – have been broken. Last month, the smaller of the two offerings, the X350, was revealed.
The HD X 500 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 500cc, parallel-twin engine that puts out 47.5hp and 46Nm mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It, along with the smaller X 350, are the only two bikes in the iconic American bike maker’s line-up that do not feature a V-twin engine. Interestingly, these figures as well as the bore and stroke figures of 69mm x 66.8mm respectively are identical to those of the Benelli Leoncino 500. The main frame and swingarm on the X500 also appear to be identical to those found on the Leoncino. ,
The suspension duties on the X500 are handled by 50mm USD forks and monoshock, both of which are preload and rebound adjustable. A particularly handy feature is the remote preload adjuster for the rear monoshock. The X 500 rides on 120/70-ZR17 (front) and 160/60-ZR17 (rear) size alloy wheels shod with Maxxis Supermaxx ST rubber. Fully loaded with a 13-litre fuel tank, the X 500 weighs 208 kg, making it significantly heavier than rivals in the segment above such as the Kawasaki Z650RS.
The silhouette that cuts the X 500 resembles the Benelli Leoncino 500, though the Harley has its own distinct flair. The tail-light integrated into the rear indicators is a very Harley touch as is the ‘chopped’ design of the rear fender. It certainly is a pleasing machine to look at with its clean, streamlined lines and neo-retro design language.
The Harley-Davidson X500 is a relatively simple machine and does not get any riding aids outside the dual-channel ABS, though it does get all-LED lighting. Instrumentation is handled by a simple digi-analog cluster, much like the one on the smaller X 350.
Currently, the Harley-Davidson X500 is only being sold in China and while it could be sold in other international markets at a future date, India will get the motorcycle jointly developed by Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp.