Harley-Davidson fans in India might soon see a new model roaring onto the streets. The Harley-Davidson X500, a mid-capacity roadster co-developed with QJMotor, appears to be inching closer to its official India launch.
A fresh teaser page for the X500 has quietly been added to the official Harley-Davidson India website, signaling that the brand is preparing to introduce the motorcycle to Indian buyers.
A Sign of Imminent Arrival
The newly added product page doesn’t reveal everything, but it does include a teaser image of the Harley X500 along with a “Coming Soon” message. This kind of soft launch is not unusual for Harley-Davidson in India. The company had used a similar approach for the X440, which was launched in partnership with Hero MotoCorp last year. With the X500 now making its digital presence felt, speculation is rife that an official launch date may be just weeks away.
What Is the Harley-Davidson X500?
The Harley X500 is positioned between the X350 and the X440. It is already on sale in select global markets like China and Australia. The bike features a 500cc parallel-twin engine, liquid cooling, and a six-speed gearbox. This powertrain is expected to produce around 47 hp and 46 Nm of torque—figures that position it in the same league as the Benelli Leoncino 500 and Kawasaki Eliminator.
The styling of the X500 is classic yet modern. Round headlamp, blacked-out engine casing, muscular fuel tank, and a somewhat upright riding posture make it a mix of urban cruiser and neo-retro naked. If the Indian version remains close to the global model, it could be one of the more attractive options in the under-₹6 lakh category.
Why This Launch Matters
Mid-capacity motorcycles have been gaining traction in India, especially among younger urban riders and those upgrading from 200–300cc bikes. The X440’s success in the market proved that Indian buyers are open to Harley-Davidson’s redefined image—more accessible, practical, and still stylish. The X500 could build on that success by offering a more powerful alternative without leaping into high-end price brackets.
In addition, the Indian motorcycle landscape is currently buzzing with launches in the 400–500cc range. From the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 to the KTM Duke 390, this segment is increasingly competitive. Harley-Davidson, with its brand legacy and new pricing strategies via Hero MotoCorp, could bring a tough contender with the X500.
Expected Features and Equipment
While official Indian specs are yet to be confirmed, global models of the X500 come equipped with:
- Upside-down front forks
- Dual front disc brakes with ABS
- LED lighting
- A semi-digital instrument cluster
- Alloy wheels with road-biased tyres
The X500 also weighs about 208 kg (kerb), which puts it on the heavier side compared to most 500cc bikes. However, its planted road feel and stability have been appreciated by international reviewers.
Price Speculations and Launch Timeline
If Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp follow their previous pricing formula, the X500 could be priced in the range of ₹5.5–6.2 lakh (ex-showroom). That would undercut several global rivals while remaining more premium than the X440.
With the teaser now live, industry experts believe that the bike could be launched officially by late July or August 2025. Bookings may open soon after, followed by test rides and availability at select dealerships across metros.
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Final Thoughts
The addition of the Harley X500 teaser to the Indian website is a clear indicator that the company is ready to expand its presence in the mid-capacity segment. While many premium bike makers are still testing waters in this price band, Harley-Davidson seems to be going all in—first with the X440 and now, potentially, with the X500. All eyes will be on how this model is received, and whether it can offer the perfect balance between urban usability and long-distance comfort.
