Qianjiang-Produced Harley-Davidson X 500 is expected to be available in USA from 2024.
US-specific owners manual has been published by Harley-Daivdson. The X 500 was announced for the Chinese market in April, and later for Australia and New Zealand, but the newly published owner’s manual assures a U.S. launch.
There are distinct changes compared to the 2023 owner’s manual, adding information specific to the American market such as a U.S. vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual’s VIN breakdown specifically details the codes for models manufactured by Qianjiang in China for export to the United States.
Warranty information and a clause marked as “Other Limitations” included six items in 2023 manual but for year 2024 manual there is an addition of a seventh item. This addition states United States customers are not allowed particular modifications that are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. A definition of tampering with noise control or exhaust emissions control systems is mentioned. These were absent for the manual meant for Chinese market.
X 500 is the second model to be produced under the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang, following the X 350. The smaller engine model was not intended for US market as per Q1 2023 report, though X350RA variant to be used by Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy.
It is expected the people and dealerships (and media) will react fast & furiously to a Made-in-China Harley-Davidson being sold in USA.
We can expect the same liquid-cooled 500cc Parallel-Twin engine, claiming 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm. The claimed wet weight remains 456 pounds, and the fuel economy is unchanged, still claiming 49 mpg. Valve inspections are scheduled for every 15,500 miles.
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| 2024 Harley-Davidson X 500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Liquid-Cooled, Parallel-Twin Cylinder, 500cc |
| Displacement | 500cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 69.0 mm x 66.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Horsepower | 46.9 hp at 8,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 33.9 lb-ft. at 6,000 rpm (claimed) |
| Fuel System | Electronic Air Intake Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | 2 into 1 short order, 3 catalysts |
| Main Drive | Chain, 74/38 |
| Maximum Lean Angle | 46.9° left, 49.5° right |
| Front Suspension | 50mm inverted rebound adjustable |
| Rear Suspension | Oil-air separation, rebound damping adjustable, preload adjustable shock absorber |
| Front Brake | Dual four-piston fixed calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single-piston floating caliper |
| Rear Wheel | Cast Aluminum |
| Front Tire | Maxxis Supermaxx ST 120/70-ZR17/58W |
| Rear Tire | Maxxis Supermaxx ST 160/60-ZR17/69W |
| Length | 84.1 inches |
| Seat Height | 32.3 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 inches |
| Rake / Trail | 24.5° / 4.0 inches |
| Wheelbase | 57.4 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.4 gallons |
| Oil Capacity (With Filter) | 0.8 gallons |
| Curb Weight | 456 pounds (claimed) |
| Fuel Economy | 49 mpg (claimed) |
| Lighting | Front Lights: All LED, low beam, high beam and position lights; Tail Lights: All LED Lights; Front Signal Lights: All LED Lights; Rear Turn Signal Lights: All LED |
| Instrumentation | Combined electronic instrument Stepper motor indicates vehicle speed, digital indicates speed, hour, total travel, two-way (A+B), km/mile indication |
