Harley-Davidson set for a return to LAMS market

Three years after the Street 500 was discontinued, Harley-Davidson will bring two new entry-level models to the Australian market in the form of the ‘X350’ and ‘X500’. Both models will be LAMS compliant, compact, easy to ride and affordable, with the X350 priced under $8,500.

To be sold under the ‘Harley-Davidson X’ family, the two upcoming models are the product of a collaboration between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang Motor (QJ) that began in 2019. While the X350 and X500 were designed in the USA by Harley-Davidson, they will be built in China by QJ. Part of the larger Geely automotive group that owns Volvo and Lotus, QJ also manufactures Benelli models and motorcycles under their own name.

Both the X350 and X500 are urban commuters, aimed primarily at overseas markets, although reporting suggests they will also be sold in the USA.

“The Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 join the existing lineup as brand-new instruments of exploration designed to navigate the urban grid with agility,” said Nigel Keough, Managing Director for Harley-Davidson Australia and New Zealand.

“Both models are tailored for adventurous riders – new and existing – who are focused on style, performance, and accessibility to the brand.”

New – and Surprising

The first thing to know about the X350 and X500 is that they use a parallel twin engine, rather than a v-twin. This is a break with Harley tradition, but not entirely unprecedented, as two-stroke twins built by Aermacchi for racing were re-badged as Harley-Davidsons.

Full specs hadn’t been released at time of writing, but the engines are of 353cc capacity for the X350 and 500cc for the X500. Liquid-cooling, electronic fuel injection and a few other items are common to both.

In terms of performance, the 353cc parallel twin produces 27kW and 31Nm, while the 500cc version peaks at 35kW and 46Nm. Both engines are said to offer strong mid-range torque, with the 2-into-1 exhaust delivering a “pleasing low-frequency note”. Listed fuel economy is 4.95lt/100km for the X350, but surprisingly, the larger X500 is more efficient, at 4.85lt/100km.

Both engines are matched to a six-speed gearbox with cable-operated clutch and chain final drive. A steel, trellis-type frame is common to both models, too.

Riding position is upright, moving away from the laid-back cruiser ergonomics of the Street 500 and most other current Harley-Davidson models (the Pan America 1250 being the exception). For a learner model, this makes sense, though.

Other notable features include suspension adjustability front and rear, which is unusual for a small capacity LAMS bike. Both the X350 and X500 offer adjustable rebound on the front end and adjustable preload and rebound at the rear. Being a larger model, the X500 has larger 50mm fork tubes, while those on the X350 are 41mm. An offset rear monoshock is common to both models but styling on the X500 makes it less obvious than its smaller sibling.

Another oddity is dual front disc brakes, which seems like overkill, especially on the X350, when bikes of twice the capacity use a single front disc.

Lighting is LED all round, but instrumentation is very basic, consisting of a single pod with analogue speedometer, LCD display for revcounter, odometer, tripmeter and clock, as well as the usual array of warning lights.

While many items are shared between the X350 and X500, each has its own identity, thanks to styling that’s inspired by classic Harley-Davidson models. What’s interesting is the classic Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo is almost entirely absent.

Aside from the ABS, there appears to be no standard safety equipment, although Harley state their RDRS safety enhancements will be available.

X-specific accessories are likely to be introduced, but hadn’t been confirmed at time of writing. What is confirmed is that a range of Harley-Davidson X apparel will be available upon local release.

Harley-Davidson X350

Styling on the X350 is said to be inspired by Harley’s legendary XR750 flat tracker. This can certainly be seen in the tank styling and sharp treatment of the tail. The XR750 link is reinforced by the Dynamic Orange colour scheme, which is one of four paint options available. The others are Dramatic Black, Supersonic Silver and Pearl White.

Paint is confined to the fuel tank, tail and front mudguard. Everything else is either black or dark grey, regardless of paint choice. The ‘X’ label for this model is displayed prominently on the fuel tank, with the ‘350’ identification on the tail.

The headlight is a retro-look round unit, while the 17-inch alloys have the appearance of wire-spoke wheels. These are fitted with Pirelli Angel GT tyres as standard.

A distinctive styling feature on the X350 is the pair of front radiator shrouds, which have the appearance of race-style winglets.

The seat is contoured to comfortably hold the rider while also allowing for a pillion. The seat is also narrowed at its leading edge, matched to a similar treatment of the fuel tank’s trailing edge. This allows for better control and the ability for most riders to place their feet on the ground at standstill.

Handlebars sit on risers and pegs are mid-mounted for a neutral riding position, although Harley describes it as aggressive. Seat height is 777mm.

Other dimensions include a 1410mm wheelbase, 2110mm overall length, 13.5-litre fuel capacity and 195kg wet weight.

Harley-Davidson X500

While the X350 takes its styling cues from the XR750, the X500 is said to be inspired by the classic Sportster. This can be seen specifically in the bobbed rear mudguard that’s accentuated by a side-mounted number plate carrier. Round indicators front and rear are in the style of past Sportsters, too.

The X500 will be available in the same four colour options as the X350 (Dynamic Orange, Dramatic Black, Supersonic Silver and Pearl White), but there’ts more of the ‘blackout’ treatment than the X350. The front mudguard, wheels, engine, frame, fork legs and other details, right down to the indicator shells, are finished in black, regardless of paint choice.

Compared to the X350, identification on the X500 is subtler, with smaller tank decals being the obvious difference. These sit within a black contrast panel, edged in orange, that’s more apparent on all bar the Dramatic Black colour option.

Riding position is neutral, with mid-mount pegs and a wide, flat handlebar on risers. With rider comfort in mind, the two-up seat is well padded, while the footpegs are larger than those on the X350 and have rubber inserts for grip.

Seventeen-inch wheels are in the same style as those on the X350, but the tyres are Maxxis Supermaxx ST in 120/70-ZR17/58W and 160/60-ZR17/69W.

Like the X350, instrumentation consists of a single pod with analogue speedo with an LCD insert and warning lights. There appears to be no fuel gauge.

Seat height is higher than that of the X350 at 820mm, while fuel capacity is slightly smaller at 13.1 litres. The X500’s wheelbase is 1485mm, overall length 2135mm and wet weight 208kg.

Aus Pricing and Release

Australian release of the Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 is scheduled for December. The X350 will be priced at $,495 ride away, while the X500 launches at $11,495 ride away. Unlike some other Harley models, there’s no premium for some colour options.

Further details will be available closer to Australian release.