XMARKS THE SPOT

HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS COLLABORATED WITH HERO MOTOCORP TO CREATE A MADE-FORINDIA MOTORCYCLE. WE JUST PUT IT THROUGH ITS PACES

- RAHUL GHOSH

There was a time when the Indian motorcycle market was dominated by Indo-Japanese makers. Today, however, it is European and American brands that are banking on Indian manufacturers to create a made-for and in-India motorcycle, all to get a piece of the country's huge market. The latest entrant is Harley-Davidson, which has created the Harley-Davidson X440 with Hero MotoCorp.

The X440 is a smart-looking motorcycle that seems to have derived inspiration from the Harley-Davidson Sportster range, especially the XR 1200X. The motorcycle rides on 18inch MRF Zapper Hyke tyres, which are specifically developed for it and are fitted to diamond-cut alloy wheels. The short fender looks smart, and so do the chunky USD forks. The headlamp is all LED, complete with a signature LED DRL. It also features an 'auto on' function for riding in the dark.