Harley-Davidson Introduces All-New 350cc X-Series, World Premiere March 10

The Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 are designed to make the brand more accessible to customers in China and other emerging markets. Harley will share the underpinnings of its new middleweight cruiser with QJ Motor to keep development costs low. In fact, the Harley X350 will be powered by a 353 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that produces around 34 bhp. Leaked documents claim a top speed of 143km/h and a curb weight of 195kg. The X350 is expected to share its underpinnings with the Benelli 302S, as the Italian brand is owned by the QJ Group.

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The Harley X500, meanwhile, will share its underpinnings with the Benelli Leoncino 500 and also use the familiar 500 cc engine, tuned for 47 bhp and 46 Nm of peak torque. This is the same motor that powers the Leoncino 500, 502C Cruiser and TRK 502 sold in India. Leaked documents show a top speed of 159km/h and a curb weight of 207kg. Both motorcycles will come with USD forks and rear monoshocks. There are also disc brakes, LED lighting, alloy wheels and more.

While the Harley-Davidson X-Series will mark a new and more affordable chapter for the company, helping it expand sales, the bikes are unlikely to make it to the Indian market. Like its partnership with QJ Group, the American manufacturer is also partnering with India’s Hero MotoCorp on a middleweight motorcycle. Both brands are committed to producing products for the Indian market which will also be locally manufactured and exported. There’s no official word yet on when the Harley hero-developed bike will hit showrooms.

First published date: March 7, 2023 at 15:35 PM CST