If the chassis and the engine is the same—and the manufacturer, distributor and dealer in India is also the same—how different can two motorcycles be?
With all the promos and desirability of owning a Harley-Davidson, and primarily because of my work with an American motorcycling publication & product 5-Ball Inc. and Bikernet.com – I am always gunning for an ideal opportunity to own the world’s most desired motorcycle brand model, through some stroke of luck or labour.
In fact, the only reason I started riding beyond city limits since 2003 is because of my long-standing association with the custom-culture and biker lifestyle I discovered through 5-Ball Inc and its associated websites.
To me, it feels like an obligation to own a Harley-Davidson, a dream which has never been more closely possible than with the revival of single-cylinder engine motorcycle by Harley-Davidson. The X440 was a grand collaboration with world’s most prolific manufacturer and seller of two-wheelers, Hero MotoCorp in India. Hero is also the exclusive distributor and service provider for all the V-Twin models of Harley-Davidson in India.
The design of X440 is based on XR1200 model of Harley-Davidson, but in competition to the vintage and prominent models of Royal Enfield and Bajaj-Triumph—the X440 received a ton of criticism for its aesthetics and looks. It does look strange in photos—but in person—it looks much more impressive and has road-presence amongst various two-wheelers and other vehicles too.
I don’t intend to carry a truckload of parts, nor get a diploma in repairing the X440. What could I do to discover India’s many attractive locations using its varied roads and bylanes—without becoming stranded due to simple faults or complex issues with a two-wheeler while in-between destinations? Keep in mind, two-wheelers are not allowed on expressways and freeways in India—not even on some flyovers in cities—so I expect bad roads, dirt and rubble, mud and sand and worse, wherever I may roam.
So, then there is the subdued twin brother of this single-cylinder engine—the Hero Mavrick 440. It carries the same basics, similar if not same parts—yet is a distinct motorcycle—with differing riding application obviously possible.
When comparing the Hero Mavrick 440 and the Harley-Davidson X440, both bikes are closely related mechanically (co-developed by Hero and Harley-Davidson for the Indian market), but they differ in branding, pricing, and slightly in ergonomics and service ecosystem.
Here’s a detailed breakdown specifically for Indian roads, cost, ease of service/repair, and daily practicality taken into consideration:
1. Service, Maintenance, and Repair (especially outside metros)
| Feature | Hero Mavrick 440 | Harley-Davidson X440 |
| Service Network | Wider Hero service network, especially in Tier-2/Tier-3 cities | Limited to Harley dealerships, mainly in metros or large Tier-1 cities |
| Spare Parts | More affordable; easier Hero supply chain | Costlier spares due to Harley branding |
| Repair Outside Cities | Easier to find Hero-trained mechanics; local mechanics more familiar with Hero bikes | Difficult; few mechanics outside cities are familiar with Harley systems |
| Reliability/Robustness | Designed for India by Hero — better tuned for rough roads | Equally robust — same engine platform, slightly heavier build |
2. Road Suitability (Indian conditions)
| Feature | Hero Mavrick 440 | Harley-Davidson X440 |
| Comfort on Bumpy Roads | Upright ergonomics, softer suspension | Slightly stiffer ride, cruiser-style ergonomics |
| Handling in Traffic | Lighter feel, more flickable | Heavier feel, wider turning radius |
| Pillion Comfort | Slightly smaller seat | More spacious and cushioned pillion seat |
| Ground Clearance | ~175 mm – decent for Indian roads | Same (~170 mm) – adequate, but ride cautiously over large speed breakers |
3. Cost of Ownership
| Factor | Hero Mavrick 440 | Harley-Davidson X440 |
| Ex-Showroom Price (starting) | ₹1.99 – ₹2.24 lakh | ₹2.39 – ₹2.79 lakh |
| Insurance & Registration | Slightly lower | Higher due to premium brand tag |
| Service Cost per Year | Cheaper (Hero service model) | Premium-priced servicing (~25-30% higher) |
| Spare Part Prices | Hero rates; better availability | Costlier; may have to wait for some parts outside metros |
4. Use Case Suitability
| Use Case | Recommended Model |
| Daily City Commute | Hero Mavrick |
| Occasional Highway Rides | Both suitable |
| Village/Tier-2 Roads | Hero Mavrick (Hero’s ecosystem, rugged tuning) |
| Long-Term Ownership (DIY repairs, resale ease) | Hero Mavrick |
| Style + Cruiser Appeal Priority | Harley-Davidson X440 (if service access isn’t a problem) |
* Verdict
Best and Most Practical Choice for Indian Roads (esp. outside metros): Hero Mavrick 440
- Wider and cheaper service options
- Lower parts cost
- More accessible support in small towns
- Equally capable on bad roads
- Easier to resell and maintain
The Harley-Davidson X440 is best only if you live in a big city, love the Harley brand, and don’t mind higher service cost or limited service access.
—Wayfarer
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com
