Harley-Davidson’s much-anticipated re-entry to the learner market is complete, with Harley-Davidson Australia announcing its all-new X350 and X500 models are now on sale throughout the brand’s Australian dealer network.
Initially revealed last September, the two all-new models fill a void left since the departure of the Harley-Davidson Street 500, which was available from 2015 to 2020. The model made available to the Australian market was made in India, while the new X350 and X500 are designed in Milwaukee but built in China by Qianjiang, the behemoth that also owns the Benelli brand.
Harley-Davidson says the pair, which both meet LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) compliance, take their styling cues from some of the brand’s most iconic models, while their upright and comfortable ride position, comfortable reach to the broad handlebars, and low centre of gravity should prove tailor-made for novice riders seeking an easy and unintimidating ride with a dose of that unique Harley style.
“We’re happy to bring the lightweight yet high-performance Harley-Davidson X350 and X500 to market that bear all the hallmarks of the Harley-Davidson brand and allow more people than ever before to swing a leg over a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” said Nigel Keough, Managing Director for Harley-Davidson Australia and New Zealand.
While both machines are powered by a liquid-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder parallel-twin, the X350’s 353cc unit produces 36hp (26.5kW) and 31Nm compared to the X500’s 500cc engine, which produces 47hp (34.6kW) and 46Nm.
The X500 also an 820mm seat height, versus 777mm for the X350, and a thicker front fork, yet it also has a slightly smaller tank (13.1L versus 13.5L).
The X500 weighs in at 208kg wet – 13kg more than the 195kg of the X350.
Both machines feature Maxxis Supermaxx ST rubber, mid-mount controls, a six-speed transmission, chain final drive, twin-disc front brakes and a single-disc rear with ABS, with adjustable suspension at each end.
The Harley-Davidson X350 is available in Dramatic Black, Dynamic Orange, Supersonic Silver, or Pearl White for $8495 ride away, while the Harley-Davidson X500 is available in the same hues for $11,495 ride away.
A collection of Harley-Davidson X apparel is also available. See your nearest Harley-Davidson dealership for more information or visit the Harley-Davidson X webpage.