As expected, Harley-Davidson officially launched its made-in-China X350 over the weekend. After years of rumors, patent drawings and other teasers, you can finally buy one of these machines—but only if you live in China.
Although we expect the X350 will be sold in markets around the world, Harley-Davidson is only selling it for street use in the Chinese market at this point. Does that rule out its eventual appearance on North American streets? Backin early February, H-D’s CEO said the X350 would not be soldto the publicin North America. For now, we expect that to be the case in other Harley-Davidson strongholds as well (Europe, Australia, Canada). Harley-Davidson has not confirmed this motorcycle for Brazil, India, Indonesia or other developing markets, but we would be surprised if that didn’t happen.
The X350 is of course very similar to the QJ Motors QJ350, as well as the Benelli 350S, since they’re all made by the same company. The official specs for the new Harley say the X350’s liquid-cooled eight-valve parallel twin engine makes 36 hp and 22.9 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed gearbox. Curb weight is 430 pounds. A pair of 17-inch wheels comes standard, with Pirelli Angel ST tires. Up front, there’s a dual disc brake with four-piston caliper and a single disc brake in rear; ABS is standard. The USD front fork is rebound-adjustable, and the rear monoshock is rebound- and preload-adjustable.
According to the Asian moto-press, Harley-Davidson will sell this bike in the “Joyful Orange,” “Shining Silver” and “Shadow Black” paint schemes. Asking price is just shy of $5,000 USD, once you consider fluctuating currency conversions.
So what of the X350 RA, the version of this bike thatiscoming to North America, as a training school mule? Last week, we showed you a video of this machine going through the paces.
The specs on that bike reflect a 10-lb-heavier heavier curb weight thanks to those big crash bars, and Harley-Davidson has detuned the engine to 23 hp to make it student-friendly.
