The Hero Mavrick 440 is the latest addition to the long-term test garage, marking the brand’s foray into the bigger motorcycle segment thanks to its partnership with Harley-Davidson. This top-spec variant, priced at Rs 2.24 lakh, comes in a stealthy matte black shade and is equipped with premium features such as diamond-cut alloy wheels, 3D badging, smartphone connectivity, and tubeless tires. However, the color options are limited, with the lower variants only offering white, blue, or red, but missing out on most of the fancy kit.

The design of the Mavrick 440 is subjective and may not appeal to everyone. It tries to blend roadster and naked bike elements, resulting in a unique but slightly confused appearance. The round headlight brings a retro charm, while the muscular fuel tank and sharp ‘ear’ extensions give it a naked look. The tail is minimal, with a small brake light and round indicators that surprisingly gel with the setup.

Under the hood, the Mavrick 440 runs a 440cc air-/oil-cooled engine, producing 27 bhp and 36 Nm, paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox. The bike is built around a trellis frame, with telescopic forks up front and 7-step adjustable twin shocks at the rear. It rides on 17-inch wheels and features disc brakes with dual-channel ABS. The top-spec variant weighs 187kg, with a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 liters.

The cluster on the Mavrick 440 is not the best, but it gets the job done, displaying trip meters, range, gear position, and phone connectivity features. The lighting is fully LED, including the headlight, tail lamp, and indicators. However, the cockpit feels empty, and the cluster looks out of place, which is something Hero could improve on.

After a few weeks of riding, the Mavrick 440 has proven to be comfortable, with good ergonomics and handling. The 440cc engine is smooth, making it easy to like and live with. However, it has failed to create an identity of its own, often going unnoticed on the road. The question remains whether it will continue to impress in the long haul. With a target mileage of 5000 km, the team will continue to put the Mavrick 440 through its paces, providing updates on its performance, fuel efficiency, and overall durability. Currently, the odometer reading stands at 558 km, and the team is excited to see how it performs over the next few months.

Harley-Davidson is poised to make a comeback in India’s middleweight motorcycle segment with the introduction of the Harley-Davidson X500. This new roadster combines traditional Harley-Davidson design elements with modern technology and impressive performance capabilities, targeting young Indian riders who desire a premium feel without the hefty price tag.

The Harley-Davidson X500 boasts a classic design that pays homage to the iconic Harley-Davidson style, featuring a low-slung stance, rounded fuel tank, and a distinctive exhaust note. However, it also incorporates modern touches such as sleek LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and a minimalist rear end. The bike’s design is intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia while still appearing contemporary and appealing to the younger demographic.

In terms of performance, the Harley-Davidson X500 is expected to be powered by a 500cc parallel-twin engine, producing a substantial amount of power and torque. The bike’s engine is likely to be paired with a 6-speed transmission, allowing for smooth and precise gear shifts. With its robust engine and agile handling, the X500 is designed to provide an exhilarating riding experience, whether cruising through city streets or tackling twisty roads.

One of the key selling points of the Harley-Davidson X500 is its accessibility. Unlike other Harley-Davidson models, which often come with a hefty price tag, the X500 is intended to be more affordable, making it an attractive option for young riders who want to experience the Harley-Davidson brand without breaking the bank. The bike’s competitive pricing is expected to be a major draw, especially in the Indian market where there is a growing demand for premium motorcycles at affordable prices.

Overall, the Harley-Davidson X500 represents a significant attempt by the company to re-enter the Indian middleweight motorcycle segment and appeal to a new generation of riders. With its unique blend of classic design, modern technology, and robust performance, the X500 has the potential to be a game-changer in the market. As the launch date approaches, motorcycle enthusiasts in India are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the Harley-Davidson X500 firsthand and see if it lives up to the hype.

The Indian government is considering eliminating import duties on high-end motorcycles with engine capacities of 750cc and above, in a bid to ease market access for iconic American brands like Harley-Davidson. This move is part of a broader strategy to strike a trade deal with the US without compromising India’s protectionist stance. The proposal aims to build on earlier concessions that reduced duties on motorcycles up to 1600cc from 50% to 40%. If implemented, this policy shift could make Harley-Davidson motorcycles more affordable for Indian consumers, who have long been deterred by high prices due to import duties.

The Indian government believes that the impact on domestic manufacturers will be minimal, as high-capacity motorcycles account for a small slice of the country’s nearly 16 million annual motorcycle sales. Additionally, India is open to a reciprocal zero-tariff arrangement for auto parts, a sector where it sees strong export potential and limited domestic opposition. This comes as US Vice President JD Vance visits India, highlighting the country’s strategic significance in ongoing trade talks.

The tariff concession is also seen as an attempt to ease tensions and avoid 26% retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US, which are currently paused for 90 days. However, it may not be enough to prevent the US from pressing India to open up tightly protected sectors like e-commerce, electric vehicles, and agriculture as part of any broader trade agreement. The Indian government’s trade and heavy industries ministries have declined to comment on the tariff discussions, but the move is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian automotive market.

The elimination of import duties on high-end motorcycles could lead to an increase in sales for brands like Harley-Davidson, which have struggled to gain traction in the Indian market due to high prices. This could also lead to increased competition in the Indian automotive market, with other foreign brands potentially entering the market or expanding their product offerings. Overall, the proposal to eliminate import duties on high-end motorcycles is a significant development in the Indian automotive market, and its impact will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and consumers alike.

Harley-Davidson has unveiled the limited-edition CVO Road Glide RR special-edition motorcycle, with only 131 units available worldwide. This powerful motorcycle is powered by a 2,147cc, Screamin’ Eagle 131 engine, making it the most powerful production motorcycle by Harley-Davidson. The engine produces 152bhp and 204Nm of peak torque, and revs up to 6,500rpm. The motorcycle has a reduced curb weight of 356kg, achieved through the use of carbon fibre components in its bodywork, making it 22.7kg lighter than the CVO Road Glide ST.

The bike features premium hardware components, including Brembo GP4-RX CNC calipers with T-Drive rotors for braking, and fully adjustable, race-spec Ohlins suspension for shock absorption. The bike also has a billet aluminium swingarm and footpegs, and cast aluminium wheels. The CVO Road Glide RR comes with a host of advanced electronic features, including Track and Track Plus ride modes, cornering traction control, vehicle hold control, TPMS, cornering ABS, and electronic link braking. The motorcycle also features a 12.3-inch TFT screen to monitor and tweak these electronic aids.

Additionally, the bike comes equipped with a Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio system, making it a perfect choice for music enthusiasts. The CVO Road Glide RR has been priced at USD 110,000 (approximately Rs. 95.77 lakh), making it a luxurious and powerful motorcycle. With its unique blend of performance, features, and style, the CVO Road Glide RR is sure to appeal to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts worldwide.