FOR TURNING POINT

A turning point that makes Harley's smallest bike genuinely shine

- By Manaal Mahatme Photographs Harley-Davidson

It was easy to dismiss the Harley-Davidson X440 T as a ‘mild makeover’ after the first images surfaced on the internet.

After all, how much of a difference were the new subframe, bar-end mirror and a few subtle cosmetic changes going to make, right? As it turned out, a lot! In fact, the bike had 72 changes over the standard X 440, and they made the T feel a lot more engaging to ride and a more complete motorcycle overall.

The most impactful change is also the one you feel within the first 30 seconds — the new ride-by-wire throttle. It’s the gateway through which the bike gains two riding modes — Road and Rain — along with switchable ABS and traction control. The difference between the two modes isn’t subtle. Rain mode noticeably tames the punchy nature of the 440cc motor, dulling the throttle response and making the power delivery deliberately polite. Road mode, on the other hand, gives the engine its full personality back. On the narrow roads of north Goa, the X440 T felt alert, responsive and confidently torquey in the low to mid range, enough for you to leave it in one gear and focus on the next bend.