Harley Davidson X500 and X350 first ride

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I’ve traveled around the sun almost 70 times. Refreshing to see Harley Davidson venture out of their shell. I’d love to see those models here in the U.S.

[@creigmacc]

I'd suggest it's already available in the USA. Called a Royal Enfield, has better quality with a great warranty.

[@chiefjoseph8154]

@@creigmacc I don’t see the resemblance.

[@creigmacc]

@@chiefjoseph8154 I'm referring to the category/engine size of motorcycle. Benelli imports essentially the same motorcycle as the HD X series currently if Chinese made is desired.

[@harrymarlles4710]

Harley did make these. The street 300 and 500. They didn’t sell in the US. These will be coming to the states but only for Harley dealerships that offer an “academy” to help people learn to ride.

[@douglasbaxter3346]

Just had a look at one at Harley in Orange nsw it’s a cool looking little bike

[@edwardroxas827]

You did well, a lot of people hate the fact that HD should've sticked producing their own motorcycles. But that wouldn't be possible a couple of years from now if they haven't collaborated with QJ Motor of China and Hero Corp of India. Their collaboration with QJ Motor also made a great sale with the QJ Motor SRV250,300 & 400 which I believe HD receives a royalty. Those Harley X300 & X500 manufactured by QJ is a huge step up to attract younger and beginner riders into the brand. I just hope they'll have a long term collaboration with QJ Motor which is one of the most important manufacturer in China. Great review. Ride safe.

[@nicox500]

You're right, and looking at bike sales across all brands in Europe, North America and Aus/NZ it is silly to focus on the demand of just these regions. The collabs with Hero and now QJ are a big flex by the bar and shield moving in to the ASEAN and Indian markets where absolutely everybody rides bikes. There's a big market to capture and HD is going for it. Good on em I rekon. I look at the 2024 Heritage Classic, for example, and I think like wow what a timeless classic. They will never really go out of style. But these new offerings, like the new Sportster S with the RevMax engines and now the x350 and x500 are for a wider audience and IMO Harley has nailed it and I think have an exciting future in Australasia with these new designs, tech and big production collabs.

[@edwardroxas827]

@@nicox500 Exactly my point. And to think that QJ itself, made possible with their collaboration with Harley. Makes bikes looks so similar with a Harley. (SRV125,200,250,350,600 & 400) that I believe gives HD a royalty which in turn gives HD another profit. I mean, HD should have done this a long time ago. A lot of people likes to go into the brand but they couldn't. Which in turn can change minds with a cheaper options (Japanese and other chinese brands. Even indian brands like RE).

[@AchariSivasai]

Pls test front usd in speed breaker , how is comfortable or pushing back hard towards up...

[@Ozkarguitar]

The Harley that you showed over there on the 2nd picture is a street rod xg750a. Not to be confused with the xg750.

[@artvertex4152]

The X440 is selling very well in India. I'm curious to see how this one will be.

[@tony-ce7qp]

great video best wishes from the USA!

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Thank you! You too!

[@kaiserx4200]

I’m 5’6, would this bike be too tall for me?

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

might be in the cusp, worth going for a sit / test ride

[@briemosborne7017]

We will not get those models here in America. I would not mind going around town on one of these, they are cool.

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

I had the XG500 - you'll see it some older vlogs, I'd rather the X500 over the XG for around town, just being upright more and a bit more nimble, that said I loved every mile of my XG500, i added taller bars and forward controls, made the world of difference for a 6'2 fella @super1234567891011

[@kayoticwrath]

Would you recommend the X500 for someone 6 foot 4?

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

You'd be pushing it, but at that height you're going to be limited anyway, if you swapped out to some taller MX bars you might be okay? - best thing is to have a sit / test ride and see for sure

[@mervyoung5397]

The X500 is a nice looking bike. I wouldn’t mind one! I bought a 2024 CFMOTO 450SRS Sports Bike as my 1st bike, and love it!

[@BeekaysBikesandTheAbbeyLanders]

You are so lucky to be the first to ride the X500 The engine sounds good and seems pretty powerful for a learner bike. Glad you tested the A350 aswell. The only thing I do not like is the press to cancel on the indicators. I would want to change that, But thats just my opinion. Really good bikes though by the looks of them and everything you would expect from a Harley.

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Yes I am!, friends in the right places hey!

[@BeekaysBikesandTheAbbeyLanders]

@@TheEmpireMediaGroup Right on for sure.

[@isaacandhismusic1153]

Was thinking about getting a Bonneville, love the old school styling. Will be interesting to see what the 500 engine feels like for some more experienced riders

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Hey so if you're new to the channel I've actually been riding for over 25 years. We just focus sometimes on newer riders as the new rider population here is growing really fast.

[@isaacandhismusic1153]

@@TheEmpireMediaGroup yea I’ve ridden off and on for 20 years, just looking at getting a comfy commuter bike that looks cool and will get me to the airport and the occasional Brad through the hills. I liked your video, keen to watch more

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Thanks mate, how long is your commute? I think for anyone whos not restricted by the LAMs category, should look outside the box of those bikes. there are other things that do the same job better. for example the Kawasaki Z650RS vs the Z900Rs. they look so similar but ride so different, the lams bikes are often smaller too, but as you say. right tool for the job@@isaacandhismusic1153

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Thanks mate, yeah the bigger one certainly moved me around well and was fun to ride@@isaacandhismusic1153

[@isaacandhismusic1153]

Sunshine Coast to Brisbane so about an hour but it’s not a daily commute mostly be used around town etc. when the Mrs has the car and for a blast in the hills

[@Tonymarony5113]

They finally made something that isn't stupid. Decent riding position and sensible geometry. Now, all they need to do is make something similar with a big engine.

[@spittyrides]

Same flick key, same Chinese manufacturer as my Benelli 502c. The x500 even sounds the same as my Benelli. Not necessarily a bad thing.

[@krom26]

The 350 has a flat track look which is quite cool.

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

yeah very nice look indeed!

[@random.totally]

As soon as I saw the shop front, I knew it was Takapuna😄

[@danielmcalpine3416]

nice review. well done

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Thanks!

[@richarddavies7135]

Harley ate bringing out a great selection 👌 i love all the new liquid cooled bikes not before time. I went out and bought a sportster s as i was done with the air cooled bikes was going another brand but then the bikes rolled out so i stuck with the brand. Its a great bike as i love sport bikes but at 53 wanted more relax and its great fast and relax ❤ surprised me how comfortable it iis.

[@DonaldT-s5f]

Harley Davidson should bring those here to the U.S. its aboit damn they actually build something that doesn't have a V - twin in it.

[@nicox500]

Saw this vid and had to go check one out. Nearly fell for a Street 500 and then I sat on one of these , fit like a glove and bought it that day! Absolutely love this bike for commuting around town, to gym etc. After 500km's and thru the wear in period , it just keeps getting better and after it's warmed up properly those pops, bangs and burbles get real gnarly on the downshifts just adding to the experience. Liquid cooled and electronic fuel injection I know some in old boys club are going to hate it but I don't care, I think Harley is heading in the right direction.

[@jess7819-z3d]

No gloves???

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

no loves?

[@ykm15282]

You guys should search Benelli Leoncino 500 and see that it’s the same bike as this HD.

[@gonecoyote]

so its a benelli 🧐

[@charliedrake247]

Chinese

[@hodaka1000]

A Chinese Benelli I suppose it would be an improvement

[@CSB3747]

So Harley is going up against the Japanese with a Royal Enfield. Excellent!

[@jakemesias9966]

Auckland!

[@kerouacist]

It looks muscular and pretty cool. Similar to the Leoncino.

[@ykm15282]

It’s basically a Leoncino 500 with a bit of Harley styling.

[@perovic96]

Leoncino looks nicer with that little lion😂

[@JodanKenshi47]

100% agree!

[@markspash178]

Rebadged Benelli but cost a $3000 premium to get the Harley badge.

[@jerichostevens2711]

You're right it's a 2022 Benelli Leoncino 500. LOL.

[@hodaka1000]

​@@jerichostevens2711 I'd prefer a Benelli, even if it is made in China

[@kenjikunuwu3644]

@@hodaka1000this one’s also made in china lol

[@ruahinesrider]

Grip puppies sort out the grips & help with vibes.

[@ruahinesrider]

Harley x500 is basically a Benelli Leocino 500 using their frame & motor & are tried & tested for several years now. Also it has alot of features for a 500 like Preload adjustable forks & twin discs on front & Benelli Leocino 500 is considered the best of overall Learners bike.47hp 46Nm which is a step up over Street 500 which was made India for everyone outside of US the Americas moaned so much about Indian made Street HD built a factory only building Street 500-750 for US market only everyone else got Indian made Street. Are the fenders,tank metal?

[@1969cmp]

I'm not a 'Harley person' but, I the X350 and 500.

[@TheEmpireMediaGroup]

Maybe we can turn you yet ;)

[@alexandercoll4863]

Harley Leoncino 500

[@jamesomahoney2181]

Alot of clutch action.. try natural at the red lites.. otherwise intriguing bike

[@charliedrake247]

Chinese bikes with a name stuck on them should be made in the us

[@mockbattles]

Bajaj is an Indian company not Chinese.

[@superskidmarkz]

There not available anywhere else because of benelli. This is a rebadged benelli.

[@michaelb.42112]

This is just a Royal Enfield with the Harley badge, so I'd rather just be honest and ride a Royal. I'm sure they're both great, but don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining.

[@ykm15282]

Nope this Harley is based on Chinese Benelli which has waay more worse quality dan Royal Enfield.

[@larrylong4407]

They make the Sporter all so china

[@SouthsideSox007]

This bike is ugly honestly. I don’t think Harley when I see this bike at all. The Leoncino 500 is damn near identical and $2,000 cheaper than this.

[@ChuddMan]

So harley makes a reliable, economic, small, practical bike, and wont sell it in America 😂😂 no wonder the company is in the garbage

[@corystone5813]

Sounds like crap

[@sheeznutz2254]

Made in China! Its pretty sad that one of America's biggest icons has sold out too! Build shit here we need jobs and quality