It features a flat tracker inspired design with a trellis frame, USD front suspension, various riding modes, traction control, switchable ABS and falls into the 18 percent lower rate of GST in India for motorcycles under 350cc.

Why 350cc?

Due to the new GST rates in India any motorcycles up to and including 350cc will fall into the 18% GST bracket whereas anything over will fall into the 40% bracket.

As the engine is exactly 350cc, the X350T will fall into the lower tax bracket. This will mean that it should be much cheaper than a higher capacity version of the bike whilst still having the Harley-Davidson name attached to it.

It also reflects the trends we have seen across the industry. Bajaj Auto have released smaller 350cc versions of KTM and Triumph to take advantage of the lower tax bracket.

Flat Tracker Inspired Design

The X350T features some flat tracker design elements. It follows the design language of the X440T but features some checkered graphics to make it look more unique.

We expect the bike to have a smaller muscular design, sporty fuel tank and some design elements to represent the flat tracker racing history of Harley-Davidson. Unlike the traditional cruiser look, it seems that this bike is aiming to give riders a more youthful and performance orientated Harley riding experience.

The trellis frame also makes the bike look much lighter and nimble. Coupled with the USD front forks means it looks more like a modern roadster.

Chassis & Ride Quality

The X350T has been tuned for agile low-speed handling, stable highway performance and comfortable riding. This means that this bike has been tailored for the Indian market where we see many people riding in busy city traffic, over rough terrain and on the highway.

The trellis frame should make it a nimble and compact bike at lower speeds. The USD front suspension should improve the feeling from the front and overall consistent damping. This should improve stability when braking and cornering.

Harley-Davidson have not given us any details on the full suspension travel, wheel size, tyre specifications or braking system. However, they have mentioned that it is comfortable and stable so it seems like they are targeting this as a daily rider.

Engine & Power

We know that the X350T features a new 350cc engine. They have not said how much power or torque the engine produces but they have mentioned that it offers class leading torque. This means they will be focusing on a strong low and mid range.

It also comes with an electronic throttle body giving it riding modes and traction control. This is quite impressive for a 350cc motorcycle and shows that they want this to feel more modern.

It also meets the BS6 OBD2P2 emissions standards. This means it meets the current regulations in India but also means that Harley-Davidson can give us a clean and efficient small engine.

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Technology & Safety

One of the biggest highlights of this motorcycle is the technology offered. It comes with riding modes, traction control, switchable ABS and an electronic throttle body.

The riding modes will likely change the throttle response and power depending on the situation you are riding in. Traction control will add an extra level of safety by limiting wheel spin in aggressive situations.

The switchable ABS will also be a useful feature for Indian riders. This allows you to turn off the ABS in certain situations.

Range Positioning

The X350T will join the X440T and single cylinder X440S in Harley-Davidson’s small capacity range. This will create a clear range for buyers wanting to get into the Harley-Davidson brand.

The X350T should be the most accessible option due to the smaller engine and lower GST. The X440T and X440S will be for those wanting more capacity, performance and a premium riding experience.

This allows Harley-Davidson to target a wider audience without losing brand identity. The X350T can be used as an entry level option with the larger X440 models having a more traditional roadster feel.

Competition

The X350T will be entering a very competitive market. Triumph, KTM, Royal Enfield and others all want to target the below 350cc and 350cc performance market.

The smaller 350cc variants of Triumph and KTM have shown that buyers are responsive to lower taxes. The X350T will need to offer a good balance of performance, features, build quality and after-sales to stand out.

It can use the unique flat tracker design, Harley-Davidson branding and technology to its advantage. If it is priced aggressively it can target younger riders looking for a premium motorcycle without the higher tax.

What We Don’t Know

We do not yet know the exact power, torque, weight, wheelbase, seat height, fuel tank size, braking system or exact launch date for India. We also do not know the price of the motorcycle.

This means we should view this as an early tease for the EICMA show. However as it has been designed with Indian roads and GST regulations in mind it does look like it could be launching in India.

The Harley-Davidson X350T is not just another small capacity motorcycle but shows how Harley-Davidson are adapting to the changes in tax in India and the growing demand for affordable premium motorcycles.

With a 350cc engine, trellis chassis, USD suspension, riding modes, traction control and flat tracker design this could prove to be an important entry level option. If it is priced well it could offer Indian riders a more accessible option to get a Harley with modern technology and unique design.

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