Will the new Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 match the remarkable sales success of the now-discontinued Street 500?
Harley-Davidson will soon launch its new X350 and X500 learner-approved models in Australia, priced rideaway from $8495 and $11,495, respectively.
The American brand bills the new models as all-rounders with relaxed, upright riding positions and suspension which is tuned for compliance on rough roads and a seat well-padded for long-range comfort.
Motivating the entry-level X350 is a 353cc parallel-twin engine generating 27kW (36hp) and 31Nm, mated with a conventional six-speed gearbox.
The bike rides on 17-inch cast wheels shod in Maxxis Supermaxx ST tyres, and features dual brake discs at the front end.
41mm forks are adjustable for rebound damping, while a monoshock rear-end can be tailored for preload and rebound.
Distinguishing the larger-capacity X500 is a 500cc parallel-twin making 35kW (47hp) and 46Nm, 50mm upside-down forks and a slightly taller seat at 820mm (compared to the X350’s 777mm rating).
The new H-D platform is built as part of a joint venture with Chinese company Qianjiang, which also owns Benelli, among other brands.
The release of the X350 and X500 signals a return to the learner-approved category for Harley-Davidson following the discontinuation of its once-best-selling Street 500 in 2021.
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