Hero MotoCorp has aggressive plans for the Indian market, ranging from launching the Harley-Davidson X440 – the first model under the partnership of both two-wheeler makers and the most affordable Harley in India – to upgrading its existing model lineup. The indigenous two-wheeler manufacturer is also working on a slew of new 350cc-500cc motorcycles to challenge the dominance of Royal Enfield in the future. One of its upcoming Royal Enfield rivals will be a 400cc motorcycle based on the new Harley-Davidson X440.
Recently, the two-wheeler maker trademarked the name ‘Nightster 440’, which is expected to be used for its upcoming 400cc bike. The model will compete against Royal Enfield’s 350cc bikes, along with the newly-launched Triumph Speed 400 and the due Triumph Scrambler 400X. The Hero Nightster 440 will share its platform, components, and engine with the Harley-Davidson X440 but will have a slightly different design and forward riding position.
At this point in time, we can only assume the new Hero bike to come with retro-styled round headlamps and bar-end mirrors, a muscular fuel tank, wide handlebar, circular instrument cluster, and sporty exhaust pipes. As mentioned above, the Hero Nightster 440 will use the 440cc, single-cylinder, oil/air-cooled engine that’s good for 27bhp at 6,000rpm and 38Nm at 4,000rpm. The gearbox will also be borrowed from the Harley’s new X440, but the unit might have different gear ratios.
Hero’s upcoming premium motorcycles will be offered in two different categories – Core Premium and Upper Premium. The Hero Nightster 440 will come under the Upper Premium category, while the new Karizma XMR and a naked streetfighter will belong to the Core Premium division. For those unaware, the all-new Hero Karizma XMR will be introduced during this festive season. The bike will feature an all-new 210cc engine producing 25bhp and 30Nm of torque, coupled with a 6-speed gearbox. The suspension setup will include traditional telescopic front forks and a monoshock at the rear.
