Harley-Davidson X500

Latest Update on 30th May'25: 

Design

The Harley-Davidson X 500 carries unmistakable Sportster family DNA with its compact LED headlamp, minimalist bodywork, and chopped rear fender. Its muscular 13-litre fuel tank and one-piece seat add visual mass, while three color options -  black, orange, and silver -  lend it more character. However, a closer look reveals it’s essentially a rebadged Benelli Leoncino 500 with subtle cosmetic updates.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The 820mm seat height puts it slightly out of reach for shorter riders, unlike some other Harley models. However, the wide, flat seat and upright ergonomics should provide decent comfort for short highway jaunts. At 208kg kerb weight, it’s not the lightest in its class but offers manageable heft for most average-height riders.

Powertrain

Under the tank lies a 500cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine - the same unit from the Leoncino 500. It delivers 47.5PS and 46Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. Performance is smooth and friendly, making it ideal for new riders or those upgrading from smaller bikes. Mileage is a claimed 20.8kmpl, which is decent for a twin-cylinder middleweight.

Hardware

Hardware on the X 500 includes a robust 50mm upside-down front fork and preload-adjustable rear monoshock. Braking is handled by twin 320mm front discs and a 260mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and offers 153mm ground clearance.

Features

Harley-Davidson has kept it simple on the electronics front. The X 500 gets all-LED lighting and a semi-digital instrument console that displays speed, odo, trip, and km/miles toggle - but misses out on Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. There’s no traction control, ride modes, or navigation - just pure mechanical goodness.

Market Availability and Alternatives

While the X 500’s India launch is not much close and Harley-Davidson is already working on an India-specific 400cc roadster, which will be competitively priced and manufactured locally in partnership with Hero MotoCorp. For now, enthusiasts looking for a similar feel can either go for the Benelli Leoncino 500 or step up to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which offers more torque and legacy appeal.