Hero MotoCorp Expands Partnership with Harley-Davidson for New Motorcycles

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Image Courtesy: Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has extended its collaboration with Harley-Davidson to co-develop a new motorcycle and introduce additional variants of their existing model, the Harley-Davidson X440. The partnership, which began in 2020, focuses on developing and producing premium motorcycles for India and select global markets. The Harley-Davidson X440, launched in 2023, was the first product from this collaboration. Manufactured at Hero MotoCorp’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan, the X440 has an ex-showroom price starting at ₹2.80 lakh.

In a regulatory filing, Hero MotoCorp stated: “The extension of the partnership aims to expand the X440 platform with new variants and co-develop a brand-new motorcycle with Harley-Davidson.”

While Hero MotoCorp has historically dominated the entry-level 100-110cc segment, it has recently shifted focus to the 125cc and premium categories, driven by the growing demand in these segments. The company has also introduced XTECH variants and is pursuing an aggressive product launch strategy for the current fiscal year.

The partnership with Harley-Davidson is part of Hero MotoCorp’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the premium motorcycle segment. Earlier this year, the company launched the roadster model Mavrick, based on the X440 platform, marking the first co-developed model sold under the Hero brand.

This development comes as Hero MotoCorp works on its first electric motorcycle. Reports indicate that the company plans to introduce six electric motorcycles under its Vida range and four additional models through its alliance with Zero Motorcycles by 2025-2026. The collaboration with Harley-Davidson mirrors similar partnerships in the industry, such as Bajaj Auto’s tie-up with Triumph and TVS Motor’s partnership with BMW Motorrad, both aimed at co-developing and manufacturing premium motorcycles in India.

The company, the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, has been a trailblazer in the mobility industry since its inception in 1984. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company has earned a reputation for its innovative, fuel-efficient, and reliable motorcycles and scooters, catering to diverse customer needs across urban and rural markets. With a robust global presence in over 40 countries, it operates multiple state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and R&D centers, including its cutting-edge innovation hub in Jaipur.

The company’s product portfolio spans iconic models such as the Splendor, Passion, and Xpulse series, reinforcing its leadership in the two-wheeler segment. Committed to sustainability, the company has been investing in electric vehicles and eco-friendly technologies, aligning with its vision of delivering mobility solutions that are both accessible and environmentally responsible.