Motorcycle specifications Harley-DavidsonX 500 2023 A young lion at Harley

Who remembers the Harley Street 500? Very few bikers in Europe, as the machine was reserved for the Asian market. We were, however, treated to the 750 Street version, which was supposed to breathe new life into Harley's entry-level range. Now, after several years, the manufacturer is back in this segment with a brand-new motorcycle: the X 500.

new, new.... If you like. Yes, it's a brand-new bike in the range, complementing the X 350 as the perfect way to discover the world of Harley. Not a bad-looking machine, more roadster than custom. The legendary name smells of America, of course, but the X 500's plastic doesn't suggest Wisconsin. More like Zhejiang.

as you'll have gathered, the underside of this X 500 smells of China. In fact, it's a refurbished Benelli 500 Leoncino (the Italian brand has belonged to QJ Motor since 2005). Costs have been optimized to the maximum, with all the technology carried over. Engine, frame, suspension, brakes, handlebars, swingarm, wheels, exhaust: everything is identical. Even the mirrors have been recycled.

but it's in the bodywork that the X500 plays its trump card. The fuel tank has a more muscular shape than that of the Leoncino, which is more Italo-elegant. The seat and rear frame have a longer, more streamlined look, while the speedo and headlight have a classic round design. The latter doesn't forget technology, with a semi-circular LED signature. Other differences include larger turn signals, an extra kilo on the scales, and a Harley badge on the right-hand crankcase.

a twin-cylinder, of course, but nothing like a Milwaukee engine. On the X 500, the cylinders are parallel, with 4 valves each and supervised by 2 ACT. The whole unit delivers 47.5 hp and 4.8 mkg. The frame is a tubular steel design, anchored by a large 50 mm diameter inverted fork. Impressive. Whether it's called X or Leoncino, the braking system is equally impressive. Large 320 mm discs are gripped by 4-piston radial calipers at the front. The rear is more modest, with a single piston in the clamp to calm a 260 mm disc.

the Harley-Davidson X 500 is not likely to set wheels in Europe. Besides, back home, who would buy an H-D with such a displacement!?!! China andIndia are its priority targets, where the public will have access for 44,388 Yuans to a very cosmopolitan model. An American based on a Chinese motorcycle, originally designed to have an Italian accent... The world is just one huge village.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos