Harley-Davidson has unveiled the X 350, and its 500cc brother was expected to follow suit within the next two weeks. That has now occurred, with the American behemoth releasing the X 500 in China. Harley’s Chinese joint venture QJ Motor also produced this larger motorbike. However, this one is more powerful, has better handling, and has stronger foundations than the 350cc roadster. Come on, then, let’s get started.
2023 Harley-Davidson X500 Naked Bike – Features and Specs
Design
The X 500 continues similarly to the X 350, another neo-retro vehicle. There is a squat fender up front and a spherical LED headlamp. The Harley-typical fuel tank is recessed and muscular, and the seat is a single piece mounted on the trademark subframe. The headlight and forks are pretty similar to the XR1200, but the taillight and hollow fender are very suggestive of a Fat Bob. Additionally, you may choose from three other colors: dazzling black, vibrant orange, or sparkling silver.
The roadster’s amenities are minimal, at best including all-LED headlights, anti-lock brakes, and an analog gauge cluster with a small digital display. A gasoline gauge, smartphone connection, fuel economy, and distance to empty aren’t included, although the standard info is shown (speed, time, trip meters). It seems like the X 350 configuration here.
Powerhouse
The core of the Benelli Leonine 500 and the Harley-Davidson X 500 is the identical 500cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin mill. It generates 47 horsepower and 34 pound-feet of torque, the latter available at 6,000 rpm. HD has an MPG of 48.45, making it more fuel-efficient than the smaller X 350. In any case, a chain-driven six-speed gearbox transmits the power to the back wheels.
In addition to the engine, the Leonine provides the chassis as well. The motorbike sports an adjustable mainshock and 50 mm upside-down forks mounted on a trellis frame. They work in tandem with 17-inch alloy wheels and are gripped by four-disc brakes up front and a single disc in the back. Combined with the 153 mm of ground clearance, this enables lean angles of 49.5/46.9 degrees (R/L). However, by Harley-Davidson’s standards, the seat height of 820 millimeters is relatively high.
Ideal for American Market
The X 500 seems to be more appropriate for the American market than the X 350 due to its increased performance and more commanding appearance. However, it should be recalled that Benelli has already offered the Leonine 500 in the United States, so the X 500 isn’t exactly breaking new ground. Furthermore, based on our observations, Chinese-made Harleys are poorly received in this country. However, the roadster will compete with the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the 2023 Honda CL500 if it ever lands on American soil.
2023 Harley-Davidson X500 Naked Bike – Technical Specifications
Size
| Length | 2,135 mm |
| Seat Height, Less Than Fully Loaded | 820.1mm |
| Ground Clearance | 153mm |
| Forward Tilt | 24.5 |
| Trailing Distance | 100.4mm |
| Wheelbase | 1458 mm |
| Tires, Front Wheel Specifications | 120/70-ZR17/58W |
| Tires, Rear Specifications | 160/60-ZR17/69W |
| Tire Type | Maxxis Supermaxx ST |
| Fuel Capacity | 13 liters |
| Oil Capacity (With Filter) | 3.2 liters |
| Factory Weight | 199 kg |
| Driving Weight | 208 kg |
Engine
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder, 500cc |
| Bore | 69mm |
| Stroke | 66.8mm |
| Displacement | 500 cubic centimeters |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Air Intake Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | Two into one short order, three catalysts |
Performance
| Engine torque test method | GB/T20076-2006, GB/T5363-2008 |
| Engine Torque | 46 Nm |
| Engine Torque (Rev/Min) | 6000 |
| Horsepower | 35kW |
| Body Roll, Right Lean (Angle) | 49.5 |
| Body Lean, Left Lean (Angle) | 46.9 |
| Fuel Economy Test Method | WMTC |
| Fuel Economy | 4.85 l/100 km |
| CO2 Emissions Test Method | WMTC |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 112 g/km CO2 |
Transmission System
| Main Drive | Chain, 74/38 |
| Gear Ratio (Total) 1st Gear | 2.85 |
| Gear Ratio (Overall) 2 Gears | 1.95 |
| Gear Ratio (Total) 3rd Gear | 1.56 |
| Gear Ratio (Total) 4th Gear | 1.33 |
| Gear Ratio (Total) 5th Gear | 1.19 |
| Gear Ratio (Total) 6 Gears | 1.08 |
Frame
| Front fork | 50mm inverted rebound adjustable |
| Rear Shock Absorber | Oil-air separation, rebound damping adjustable, preload adjustable shock absorber |
| Front Hub | cast-aluminum |
| Rear Hub | cast-aluminum |
| Brakes, Disc Type | Front floating, rear solid |
| Brake, Caliper Type | 4-piston fixed front and 1-piston floating rear |
Electrical system
| Lights (required by country law), pilot lights | Front Lights: All LED, Low Beam, High Beam, and Iconic Position Lights; Tail Lights/Parking Lights: All LED Lights; Front Signal Lights: All LED Lights; Rear Turn Signal Lights: Full LED |
| Meter | Combined electronic instrument Stepper motor indicates vehicle speed, digital indicates speed, hour, total travel, two-way (A+B), km/mile indication. |
