Stay up-to-date with the latest in the world of Harley-Davidson. From new model releases and technology advancements to company announcements and industry insights, this category covers all the breaking news and essential updates about Harley-Davidson. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a rider, or simply curious about the iconic brand, our news section keeps you informed on everything happening with Harley-Davidson, including events, partnerships, and trends shaping the future of motorcycling.
Top 5 most budget-friendly 400cc motorcycles in India. | Image: Republic
400cc Motorcycles in India: The 400cc motorcycle segment has recently become quite popular among Indian customers. Leading manufacturers like Bajaj Auto, Triumph, and Harley Davidson have introduced new models in this segment. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z stands out as the most affordable 400cc motorcycle in India, launched recently in mid-2024. This model comes equipped with features such as multiple riding modes, LED headlamps and DRLs, and more. The starting price for the Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z is Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom).
Here’s a list for potential buyers to explore the most affordable 400cc motorcycles available in India:
The first motorcycle on our list is the Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z, which is the most affordable 400cc option in India. It boasts features like LED headlamps and DRLs, Bluetooth connectivity, different riding modes, and much more. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z is powered by a 373cc petrol engine, delivering 39 BHP and 35Nm torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a slipper and assist clutch.
The starting price for the Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z is Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom).
Triumph Speed T4
Next on the list is the Triumph Speed T4, recognized as the most affordable bike in Triumph’s lineup. It includes features such as hazard lamps and LED headlights and taillights, though it lacks traction control at this price. This model is powered by a 398cc petrol engine that produces 30BHP and 36Nm torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The price for the Triumph Speed T4 is Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Royal Enfield Scram 411
If you’re in search of a naked adventure touring motorcycle, the Royal Enfield Scram 411 is a fantastic option within this segment. This motorcycle features an analogue speedometer, hazard lamp, and more. It is powered by a 411cc single-cylinder petrol engine that generates 24 BHP and 32 Nm torque, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The starting price of the Royal Enfield Scram 411 is Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom).
Bajaj Dominar 400
Moving to the next option, the Bajaj Dominar 400 comes equipped with dual displays, dual-channel ABS, and various other features. It is powered by a 373cc single-cylinder petrol engine, producing 39BHP and 35Nm torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The price of the Bajaj Dominar 400 starts at Rs 2.26 lakh (ex-showroom).
Harley Davidson x440
Finally, we have the Harley Davidson x440 on our list. It comes with features like Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlamps, and more. The x440 is powered by a 440cc single-cylinder petrol engine, generating 27 BHP and 38 Nm torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox.
The starting price for the Harley Davidson x440 is Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom).
When Captain America experienced a breakdown on his way to a children’s hospital, deputies in Colorado came to the rescue.
While Captain America himself may be invincible (superheroes rarely face such troubles), his motorcycle certainly is not.
A man referred to as the “Colorado Captain” has been “traveling across the nation on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, promoting charitable efforts while donning the attire of our beloved hero,” according to his website.
As stated on the Colorado Captain website, “He rides his Harley daily, aiming to impact communities nationwide at hospitals, rallies, conventions, parades, and more.”
On Wednesday, December 11, Captain was en route to a children’s hospital to spread joy to ill children when his motorcycle broke down on a Colorado highway.
“Colorado Captain” is assisted by a deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado
Deputy Zach Zepeski of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office learned of the predicament and met the “captain” roadside.
Zepeski took it upon himself to pay for a tow truck to retrieve the captain’s Harley, while a fellow superhero (or someone dressed as one) provided Captain with a lift to the children’s hospital charity holiday parade.
Snapshots of Santa Claus from Brazil, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and Russia.
IMAGE: A Santa Claus impersonator welcomes a child during Christmas festivities at the Esplanade of Ministries in Brasilia, Brazil. Photograph: Adriano Machado/Reuters
IMAGE: Members of the ‘Riding Santas’ Harley Davidson club participate in their 10th ride to distribute treats to children and raise funds for a children’s hospice in Jockgrim, near Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Germany. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
IMAGE: Greek firefighters, some dressed as Santa Claus, descend outside the Aghia Sofia Children’s Hospital in Athens, Greece. Photograph: Stelios Misinas/Reuters
IMAGE: The Greek firefighters in Santa costumes enter the oncology unit of the hospital to deliver Christmas gifts to young patients. Photograph: Stelios Misinas/Reuters
IMAGE: A firefighter dressed as Santa Claus visits a young patient in the oncology unit of the Aghia Sofia Children’s Hospital. Photograph: Stelios Misinas/Reuters
IMAGE: A Santa Claus-dressed diver swims in a fish tank at the Tropicarium aquarium in Budapest. Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
IMAGE: Dogs dressed as Santa Claus participate in a festive walk in City Park, Budapest, Hungary. Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
IMAGE: A man identified as ‘Sultan Das Matas’, dressed as Santa Claus, spotted in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photograph: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
IMAGE: A large inflatable Santa Claus figure advertises a Christmas tree shop with Frankfurt’s skyline in the background. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
IMAGE: A steam train featuring Ded Moroz (Father Frost) — the Russian counterpart of Santa Claus — traverses the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, prior to the New Year and Christmas celebrations. Photograph: Alexander Manzyuk/Reuters
IMAGE: Onlookers gather at a railway station to witness the arrival of Ded Moroz. Photograph: Alexander Manzyuk/Reuters
Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The latest 440cc motorcycle vying against Royal Enfield has certainly made waves in the market with its impressive performance. With power and agility reminiscent of a lion, it has the potential to outshine Royal Enfield effortlessly. Boasting a robust engine, striking design, and exceptional features, this bike is set to capture the hearts of riders everywhere. Let’s explore why it’s being hailed as Royal Enfield’s toughest competitor.
Harley Davidson X440
The Harley Davidson X440 variant has generated excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts. Ready to take on renowned brands like Royal Enfield, it comes equipped with a powerful engine and impressive features. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Engine and Power Overview
The Harley Davidson X440 features a 440cc single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine capable of producing a maximum torque of 38 Nm. This ensures excellent power and performance, even on challenging routes. With a 6-speed gearbox and a fuel injection system, the bike provides a smooth and powerful riding experience.
Modern Features and Connectivity
Equipped with a digital instrument console, the Harley Davidson X440 presents all essential bike data with ease. Additionally, it includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, call/SMS alerts, a USB charging port, music control, and navigation features. Its 3.5-inch TFT display and gear indicator further enhance the riding experience.
Advanced Safety Features
The X440 comes with standard switchable ABS for enhanced safety during braking. Furthermore, it includes dual-channel ABS that allows for better control in critical braking scenarios, along with features like an engine kill switch and service due indicator for added safety.
Impressive Mileage and Performance
The Harley Davidson X440 boasts a mileage of up to 35 km, making it an ideal choice for long journeys. With a total power output of 27.37 PS @ 6000 rpm, it guarantees an exceptional riding experience. Its stylish appearance combined with powerful performance makes this bike a fantastic package, providing riders with a sense of adventure on every trip.
Stunning Design
The design of the X440 beautifully blends elements of both a roadster and cruiser bike. Measuring 2168 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 1418 mm and a ground clearance of 170 mm, it excels on both city streets and rough terrains. The bike’s tire size and suspension system are specifically designed to tackle a variety of road conditions with ease.
When Captain America encountered a breakdown while heading to a children’s hospital, deputies in Colorado came to the rescue.
Though Captain America seldom has troubles (superheroes are quite reliable), his motorcycle sometimes does.
Known as the “Colorado Captain,” a man has been “cruising across the nation on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, promoting charitable causes while donned as our star-spangled hero,” as stated on his website.
According to the Colorado Captain website, “Cap rides his Harley daily to create a positive impact in communities throughout the country at hospitals, rallies, conventions, parades, and more.”
On Wednesday, December 11, Captain was en route to a children’s hospital to spread joy to ill children when his motorcycle broke down on the roadside in Colorado.
A deputy from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office comes to the aid of the “Colorado Captain”.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach Zepeski learned of the predicament and found the “captain” stranded on the roadside.
He took the initiative to pay for a tow service to help transport the captain’s Harley, while another superhero (or someone dressed as one) offered a ride to the charity holiday parade at the children’s hospital.
At ZigWheels, we had the exciting opportunity to take part in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race during India Bike Week (IBW) 2024. This race served as our first real experience with flat track racing and also proved to be quite an eye-opening experience.
Getting Started
A few weeks ago, I attended the TVS Ronin Drift-R school, where I learned fundamental skills for riding on the flat track. This enlightening experience significantly enhanced my road riding abilities.
Landing the chance to participate in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race at IBW 2024 thrilled me. It was an opportunity to apply what I had learned previously, and as someone who had never raced before, I was eager to see how I’d perform.
The Motorcycle and the Circuit
For this event, we rode the uniquely modified Harley-Davidson X440. This bike featured numerous alterations in both its design and mechanics. The headlight was removed, replaced with a racing number plate.
The standard seat and subframe were swapped out for foam padding and a sleeker rear end. Additionally, several mechanical modifications were made; for instance, the front brake was taken off and the original footpegs were replaced with ones suitable for off-roading.
One feature I particularly appreciated about this build was its resemblance to the Harley-Davidson XR750. Overall, the modifications were executed exceptionally well, making the bike feel like an authentic flat tracker.
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The race track was a 160m oval, considerably shorter than the 250m circuit I had previously experienced. This smaller size posed unique challenges, particularly due to the reduced straightaway lengths.
The intensity of the race increased as we approached the corners at a much faster pace. The bike was well-equipped to handle the conditions, but I couldn’t help wondering if I was truly prepared for this challenge.
The Race and Lessons Learned
The flat track race was quite different from my expectations. Instead of having all eight journalists racing simultaneously, we were divided into four pairs. This structure meant that the race became a series of one-on-one match-ups, with the winners progressing to the next round. This format allowed me more space to maneuver on the track.
One principle I adhere to is that “competence breeds confidence.” Before the race, I felt quite self-assured. However, once the competition began, it quickly became evident that my confidence was not supported by the necessary skills.
Getting eliminated in the first round made it clear where I truly stood in terms of my abilities. I managed to get a couple of things right, but there were also many mistakes.
During my prior track experiences, I focused on three critical areas: vision, body positioning, and throttle control. However, I overlooked the importance of choosing racing lines, which was a significant factor in my performance.
When riding on roads, we think about lines for safety against oncoming traffic. In contrast, in racing, the objective is to find the optimal path to maximize speed and minimize lap times.
I attempted to approach the corners from a middle line into an inside line, exiting toward the outside. This habit stems from road riding, where it allows a better view of oncoming traffic.
However, during racing, the dynamics are entirely different. On the flat track, where double apex turns are involved, choosing the right lines is crucial. Ideally, I should have approached wide, taking the first apex closer to the center of the track and the second on the inside.
Insights Gained from Racing
One of the most significant lessons I learned from participating in the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race is that there’s always more beneath the surface. This is especially true in flat track racing.
To the casual observer, it may appear to be a simple race around an oval track, but once you find yourself on the bike, your perspective shifts dramatically. The insights gained from this experience have highlighted areas of my skills that require improvement.
If you’ve been contemplating trying flat track racing, my advice is straightforward: just do it. The experience will significantly enhance your road riding abilities.
EXCLUSIVE: Motorcycle aficionado John Dingwall never had the opportunity to ride his dream Harley Davidson during his lifetime, but his loved ones arranged a fitting tribute for his funeral.
Biker John Dingwall enjoyed a farewell ride in a special sidecar hearse beside his dream Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The motorcycle lover, who passed away at the age of 68, had always dreamt of a road trip on an iconic Road King, yet never had the chance. However, his dream was fulfilled when his coffin was transported by the classic bike before he was laid to rest.
The resident of South Shields, Tyneside, led a procession of over 50 bikers. On that day, his brother Robert spearheaded the emotional convoy, revving their engines in unison until John entered the crematorium.
John had always dreamed of riding a Harley (Image: Marc Walker)
His wife Louise remarked: “John’s final journey was precisely what he would have wanted.
“He lived his life in the saddle, and now he’s taken one last ride on his dream bike.”
She expressed her gratitude to Co-op Funeralcare South Shields for arranging what she described as a “truly fitting tribute”.
Louise added: “We were all deeply moved by the motorbike hearse, which allowed John to be encircled by his family, friends, and fellow riders.”
John was introduced to the world of motorbikes by Louise and soon became an “avid biker”, even learning how to construct them and obtaining a welding qualification from South Tyneside College, where he enjoyed lunch with his daughter Chloe, who was also a student there.
His craftsmanship allowed him to build over 100 motorcycles and several teardrop trailers.
He rode a variety of bikes, including models from Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki, yet he always longed to experience the thrill of riding a Harley.
John earned numerous medals at biking rallies and raised significant funds for air ambulance services and children’s charities.
He was a passionate supporter of veterans and participated in rides to Bents Park in South Shields for Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Louise said: “John always made a point to support those in need.”
Sophie Alderson from Co-op Funeralcare remarked: “We were committed to allowing John a chance to ride his dream bike, the Harley Davidson Road King, so David Nye, the funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare South Shields, reached out to Motorcycle Funerals, which provided a specially-fitted custom hearse sidecar that truly honored John’s passion for the open road.”
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A motorcyclist from Winter Haven was fatally injured on Interstate 275 on Friday after colliding with another vehicle, officials reported.
The 47-year-old man was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on I-275 in the outer lane, just north of milepost 43, around 2:40 p.m. in Hillsborough County.
Concurrently, a 49-year-old woman from Lithia was operating a Tesla Model 3 northbound on the I-275 entrance ramp beside the motorcycle.
As detailed in a report by the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist crossed the gore area of the entrance ramp and struck the left rear of the Tesla.
Following the collision, the motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.
The Tesla driver and her 19-year-old female passenger sustained no injuries.
“You threw my son under the bus. You didn’t take care of him.”
The state of Florida and the VA are facing scrutiny following the improper application of the Baker Act on a young veteran who sought assistance at a Florida VA hospital.
Baker Act used incorrectly on young veteran who went to Florida VA hospital for help
Jamie Duxbury, a resident of Blackburn, was found to be more than twice the legal alcohol limit when he collided with a Harley Davidson motorcycle, ridden by Steven Howarth, on September 8 of last year.
The incident occurred near Junction 5 of the motorway close to Blackburn, resulting in Mr. Howarth requiring immediate medical care to control significant bleeding from a severe leg injury.
After being transported to Salford Royal Infirmary and subsequently to Manchester Royal Infirmary, Mr. Howarth’s leg was deemed beyond saving and was amputated the next day.
Jamie Duxbury (Image: Lancashire Police) Duxbury, aged 33, reportedly had a dispute with his partner before driving, and the court was informed that he executed a hazardous maneuver, swerving his vehicle from the outer lane across the road.
A lorry driver who witnessed the accident, Paul Gee, parked his truck in the roadway a short distance from where Mr. Howarth lay injured in the central lane.
Footage from Mr. Gee’s dashcam was presented in court, revealing Duxbury overtaking the lorry at a high speed, although he was not exceeding the speed limit, and swerving dangerously across the motorway.
Mr. Howarth’s injuries have hindered his profession as a shoe designer and impacted his passions for motorcycling and golf.
Preston Crown Court (Image: Archive) Initially, he had no plans to retire, but now feels it may become a necessity.
Investigations found no faults with either vehicle, confirmed that Mr. Howarth could not have prevented the collision, and found no justifiable reason for Duxbury’s erratic swerving.
Duxbury, residing on Ivy Street, was sentenced to 27 months in prison at Preston Crown Court on Monday, December 9. He was also prohibited from driving for two years.
