Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have announced an exciting extension of their collaboration, unveiling plans for a new motorcycle and additional variants of the highly popular Harley-Davidson X440. This strategic move signals Hero’s intent to strengthen its foothold in India’s burgeoning premium motorcycle market.
The partnership, which began in 2020, initially aimed to sustain Harley-Davidson’s presence in India after the American company ceased local assembly operations due to declining demand. Hero MotoCorp took charge of Harley’s dealership operations and soon embarked on a joint development journey. Their first collaborative creation, the Harley-Davidson X440, was launched on July 3, 2023, and garnered over 25,000 global bookings within a month. Priced from ₹2,39,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the X440 is manufactured at Hero’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan.
Building on this success, Hero introduced the Maverick 440, a sibling model based on the same platform, priced at ₹1,99,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Both models, alongside Hero’s other premium offerings such as the Xpulse and Karizma, are sold through the company’s exclusive “Premia” dealerships. However, Hero’s Premia network has been limited compared to competitors like Royal Enfield, prompting the company to expand its reach. By October 2024, Hero had inaugurated nine new Premia outlets, bringing the total to over 50, with plans to double this number by March 2025.
Hero MotoCorp, known globally as the largest two-wheeler manufacturer, achieved sales of 5.62 million units in the 2023-24 financial year, a 5.5% increase from the previous year. With the premium motorcycle segment in India growing rapidly, Hero’s partnership with Harley-Davidson positions it to compete effectively against established players.
For Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, the X440 offers an accessible entry point into the brand, while premium models like the Fat Boy 114 (₹25,69,000) and the Road Glide (₹41,79,000) cater to the luxury segment. These motorcycles are available at Harley-Davidson’s dedicated dealerships, ensuring continuity for long-time customers.
The collaboration’s success underscores the potential of Hero’s strategy to combine its manufacturing expertise with Harley-Davidson’s iconic brand identity. By expanding their product lineup and dealership network, the companies aim to capture a significant share of India’s premium motorcycle market and establish a robust foundation for future growth. With the introduction of new models and variants, Hero and Harley-Davidson are poised to redefine the premium motorcycling experience in India.
