The upcoming 440 cc Hero motorcycle will take design inspiration from the Yamaha MT-01 and will be based on the same platform as Harley-Davidson X440
Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson partnership has spawned the X440 neo retro roadster and more motorcycles are indeed waiting in the pipeline. The next model in line will be introduced before the end of this financial year and it could be a niche offering. A recent report that emerged on the internet has shed more details about it.
The largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world has several new two-wheelers waiting to be launched including the new generation Karizma XMR 210 and Xtreme 200 S 4V. They will come to the fore soon while the flagship dual-purpose adventure tourer and a supersport boasting a new liquid-cooled 420 cc engine could hit the showrooms by the middle of this decade.
The 350 to 500 cc middleweight segment is hotter than ever as new motorcycles are coming in aplenty meeting the requirements of a wide band of customers. Hero will reportedly sell the upcoming 440 cc motorcycle through its premium dealerships and will be based on the Harley-Davidson X440 but taking design inspiration from the Yamaha MT-01.
The MT-01 is a peculiar power cruiser that has a strong road presence and Hero could be looking to target a niche set of audience with its upcoming motorcycle. It will more likely have a commanding riding posture alongside being comfortable to ride. The powertrain and the chassis will be based on the HD X440 but the sub-frame will be entirely new.
The styling philosophy will be brand new and as for the performance, the 440 cc single-cylinder air- and oil-cooled engine will be utilised. It currently develops a maximum power output of 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 38 Nm of peak torque delivered at 4,000 rpm and will be linked with a six-speed transmission. Whether the performance will be uprated or not is yet unknown.
However, the gear ratios are believed to be tweaked to suit the characteristics of the upcoming model. The report further noted that the 440 cc motorcycle was considered to be launched under the Xtreme banner but later it was decided to carry a new name. It is expected to cost below Rs. 2 lakh (ex-showroom).