It was easy to dismiss the Harley-Davidson X440 T as a ‘mild makeover’ after the first images surfaced on the internet. After all, how much of a difference were the new subframe, bar-end mirror and a few subtle cosmetic changes going to bring, right? As it turned out, a lot! In fact, the bike had 72 changes over the standard X 440 and made the T feel a lot more engaging to ride and a more complete motorcycle overall.
The most impactful change is also the one I experienced within the first 30 seconds — the new ride-by-wire throttle. It’s the gateway through which the bike gains two riding modes — Road and Rain — along with switchable (only in Road mode) ABS and traction control. The difference between the two modes isn’t subtle. Rain mode noticeably tames the punchy nature of the 440cc single, dulling the throttle response and making the power delivery deliberately polite. Road mode, on the other hand, gives the engine its full personality back. On the narrow roads of north Goa, the X440 T felt alert, responsive and confidently torquey in the low to mid range, enough for me to leave it in one gear and focus on the next bend.
The traction control deserves a special mention. Instead of the usual ignition-cut strategy that can make many small-capacity bikes feel nervous or jerky, Harley has tuned its system to modulate torque instead of chopping it abruptly. Even on loose surfaces, the intervention is smooth, measured and almost invisible. I could feel it was working, but I never resented it — a rare compliment for TC in this segment.
Another thing that’s clear was that the X440 T was perfectly happy doing two very different things: cruising around lazily, or, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, riding with the throttle pinned like you would on any modern roadster. The bike doesn’t flinch either way.
Suspension tuning, however, brought the most tangible dynamic improvement. Owners of the standard X440 had complained about the front end diving too quickly and bottoming out under hard braking. The X440 T fixes this with a more balanced setup. The front fork now feels progressive and controlled, inspiring confidence whether you’re braking late or riding over the patchwork that passes for roads in many parts of India. Ride quality is more mature too — your spine no longer becomes the default suspension component on rough stretches.
The rear, though, does feel slightly firmer than ideal, especially when compared to the improved front. A slower rebound rate would’ve helped round off the ride further. But that’s nitpicking. The bike as a whole feels composed and willing, and none of the minor stiffness takes away from the riding experience.
The engine remains a strong point. The torquey engine is as friendly as ever. Keep it in third or even fourth and it will amble through city traffic without complaint with 3.87 kg-m at disposal. Out on the highway, the X440 T is more than capable of sitting at triple-digit speeds without feeling strained or vibey. Refinement levels remain impressive for a single-cylinder motor of this size.
And lastly, it is the design. The new rear end now makes the overall design more cohesive and so does the new tank panel near the triple tee that doesn’t expose the chassis much. Furthermore, the bar-end mirrors do a decent job of showing the traffic behind. Then there are the small changes like the new heel plates, braided brake line and the new paint jobs that make it visually more appealing.
The sticking point is the price. At ₹2.79 lakh (ex-showroom), the X440 T is roughly ₹25,000 more expensive than the top variant of the X440. Yes, you get better fit and finish, a richer feature list, electronics that genuinely improve the ride, and suspension updates that make a meaningful difference. But you also end up with the most expensive motorcycle in its class, and that’s where the value argument starts to wobble.
So, is the Harley-Davidson X440 T a better motorcycle? Absolutely. Is it a better buy? That’s a tougher one. Harley has built an engaging, polished, and genuinely more capable machine — but in chasing completeness, the X440 T edges itself into a price bracket where competition gets fiercer than ever.
If performance-per-rupee is your metric, the T may feel a bit optimistic. If feel, finish and newfound finesse matter more, this ‘makeover’ is anything but mild.
