Riding the Harley-Davidson X440 TAs mentioned before, the Harley-Davidson X440 T remains mechanically unchanged compared to the standard model. To give you a quick recap, the motorcycle is powered by a 440 cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that puts out 27 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 38 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. The big change on the X440 T is the introduction of a ride-by-wire throttle, which enables two ride modes-Rain and Road-as well as switchable traction control. Here’s how the motorcycle performs in each mode: Rain mode: As expected, the throttle response is significantly dulled down in this mode. You still get 90% of the power, but accessing it requires a larger twist of the throttle. If this is your first motorcycle or you’re graduating from a smaller-displacement bike, this mode can help you get comfortable with the performance on offer. That said, you do need to plan your overtakes in advance, as the motorcycle takes its time to build speed in Rain mode. Road mode: In contrast to Rain mode, throttle response is almost instant here. As mentioned in our official review, 90% of the torque is available from as low as 2,000 rpm, and the mid-range acceleration is quite brisk. Quick overtakes are not a problem. In fact, I was constantly looking for opportunities to open the throttle and enjoy the spirited acceleration. Switching between the ride modes is a two or three-step process. First, you need to long-press the down arrow key, which opens the ride-mode menu on the TFT. Next, you select your desired mode and close the throttle to confirm your choice. I wish it were a little simpler, though. The whole process takes a couple of seconds and might require you to glance at the screen until you’re familiar with it. Out on the highway, 100 km/h comes up at just around 4,000 rpm, and the engine feels relaxed with no sign of strain. There is slight resistance felt under acceleration when the revs drop below 2,000 rpm. It’s better to downshift and keep the engine above the 2,000 mark for a smoother ride experience. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox that requires a little more effort to operate than I expected. This wasn’t a problem while riding, but once at a standstill, I often struggled to shift from first to neutral. The slip-and-assist clutch is light to operate, though. Overall, I quite enjoyed riding the X440 T as it has a hint of sportiness that makes it a fun motorcycle to ride. The exhaust also has a pleasing thump, with the occasional pops and bangs on downshifts, which adds to the riding experience.Refinement & NVHRefinement levels are impressive, and there’s little to no buzz or vibration when riding between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. A slight buzz can be felt through the footpegs and the handlebar as you rev beyond 4,000 rpm, but it never reaches a bothersome level.Ergonomics and comfort No changes have been made in the ergonomics department, and that’s a good thing. The wide, almost flat handlebar is positioned at a comfortable height, translating to an upright posture for your upper body. Down below, the footpegs are placed slightly on the sportier side. The overall rider’s triangle feels relaxed and suits the X440 T’s character. The single-piece seat is well-padded with enough room for two average sized adults. However, I would have preferred slightly more room to move around on the rider’s seat. For reference, I am 5 feet 11 inches tall.Suspension and HandlingThe suspension hardware on the X440 T remains identical to the standard model. Up front, you get 43 mm KYB USD forks, and at the rear, gas-charged twin shocks with 7-step preload adjustability. Harley has made slight tweaks to the front damping to prevent the USD forks from bottoming out under high loads. The setup feels plush for the most part, though there is a hint of firmness. The X440 T is an agile handler. In fact, it felt right at home on the narrow streets of Goa. The wide handlebar makes quick direction changes effortless, and the motorcycle masks its 192 kg kerb weight quite well once on the move. It is eager to lean into corners and holds its line confidently. Weekend rides to the twisties should be enjoyable.BrakingBraking duties on the X440 T are handled by ByBre disc brakes at both ends – a 320 mm rotor at the front and a 240 mm rotor at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard, and you now have the option to disable the rear ABS. The overall stopping power is satisfactory; however, the bite from the front brake lever could have been sharper. The X440 T comes with feature called Panic Braking. When you strongly apply the brakes in an emergency situation, all four indicators on the motorcycle start blinking aggressively to alert the surrounding vehicles. Closing ThoughtsTo answer the question we started with-yes, the X440 T, with all its changes, is a more appealing motorcycle than the standard X440. The updates to the styling and the fit-and-finish may look small on paper, but they help uplift the motorcycle’s premium vibe. With the addition of features like ride-by-wire, ride modes, and switchable traction control, the X440 T feels like a complete motorcycle with little left to be desired. It still may not fully deliver the traditional Harley experience, but what matters is that it is a fundamentally sorted motorcycle that is fun and comfortable to ride, both in the city and out on the highway. Read Team-BHP’s detailedHarley-Davidson X440 T review here.
