The Indian cruiser motorcycle market is heating up with two major contenders battling for dominance under the ₹3 lakh price bracket — the Harley-Davidson X440 and Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.
Both bikes promise strong road presence, premium styling, and a dose of long-distance touring capability. But how do they really compare on the road and on paper?
Engine and Performance: Torque vs Power
The Harley-Davidson X440, developed in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, gets a 440cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that delivers 27 bhp and 38 Nm of torque. It’s tuned for low-end torque, making it ideal for city rides and relaxed cruising.
On the other hand, the Super Meteor 650 packs a twin-cylinder 648cc engine, churning out 47 bhp and 52.3 Nm of torque. Its parallel-twin setup provides smoother power delivery and better highway performance, making it the more powerful option.
Verdict: The Super Meteor offers more power, but the X440 delivers practical torque for everyday usability.
Design and Road Presence
Both motorcycles stand out with their signature cruiser styling. The X440 features a retro-modern look with round LED headlamps, a sculpted fuel tank, and wide handlebars. It brings in a fresh design appeal for first-time Harley buyers.
Meanwhile, the Super Meteor 650 carries Royal Enfield’s traditional cruiser DNA. It gets a larger stance, teardrop tank, and more chrome detailing, giving it a big-bike feel.
Verdict: Super Meteor looks more premium and imposing, but the X440 brings a muscular and compact charm.
Features and Technology
Harley-Davidson X440 is equipped with LED lighting, a Bluetooth-enabled digital console, dual-channel ABS, and USD forks — features rarely seen at this price point.
The Super Meteor 650 doesn’t fall behind. It gets Tripper Navigation, full-LED lighting, adjustable clutch and brake levers, and premium switchgear. It also rides on upside-down front forks, enhancing handling.
Verdict: Both bikes are feature-rich, but the X440 offers a better value proposition with modern tech under ₹2.7 lakh.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The Harley X440 has a more upright and relaxed rider triangle, cushioned seat, and 18-inch front/17-inch rear wheels designed for Indian roads. Suspension duties are well-handled for both city and highway conditions.
The Super Meteor 650 is built for highway miles. Its low-slung profile, wider seat, and twin shocks at the rear prioritize long-haul comfort. However, its extra weight (around 241 kg) makes it harder to manage in urban traffic compared to the X440 (around 190 kg).
Verdict: For city plus occasional touring, the X440 feels nimble. For dedicated highway cruising, the Super Meteor is better suited.
Price Comparison: Budget Plays a Big Role
- Harley-Davidson X440: Starting at ₹2.39 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: Starting at ₹3.63 lakh (ex-showroom)
Though the headline says “under ₹3 lakh,” the Super Meteor actually exceeds that mark. This makes the X440 the only contender in this comparison under ₹3 lakh, offering a Harley experience at a more accessible price.
Verdict: If your budget is strictly under ₹3 lakh, the X440 wins hands down.
Also Read:- Hero Mavrick 440 Delivery Begins – Customer Experience Goes Viral
Final Thoughts
Both motorcycles cater to different segments of cruiser lovers. The Harley-Davidson X440 is ideal for riders looking for an accessible cruiser with strong brand value, city usability, and modern features at a sub-₹3 lakh price tag.
The Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, although priced higher, offers unmatched twin-cylinder performance, long-distance touring ability, and a premium cruiser vibe that appeals to experienced riders.
For those seeking a first cruiser under ₹3 lakh, the X440 is the more realistic choice. But for buyers who can stretch their budget and want a full-fledged highway companion, the Super Meteor remains unmatched.
