The Indian motorcycle market has witnessed a seismic shift in the mid-capacity segment, largely thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between two giants: Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson. This partnership first gave us the Harley-Davidson X440, a bike that brought the iconic American brand to a more accessible price point. Now, its platform-sharing sibling has arrived: the Hero Mavrick 440.

They share the same heart, but are they the same soul? Let's break down the key differences and similarities to help you decide which of these 440cc cousins is right for you.

The Common Ground: The Engine and Frame

At the core, both the Mavrick 440 and the X440 are built on the same foundation.

• Engine: Both motorcycles are powered by the same 440cc, single-cylinder, air-and-oil-cooled engine. It produces an identical 27 bhp and a very healthy 38 Nm of torque. This engine is tuned for strong low-end and mid-range grunt, making it perfect for city commuting and relaxed highway cruising rather than high-revving performance. The character is torquey, tractable, and full of personality.
• Chassis: Both bikes utilize the same steel trellis frame, providing a solid and predictable foundation for handling.

With the core mechanics being identical, the real battle is fought in the realms of design, ergonomics, features, and philosophy.

Design and Aesthetics: Classic vs. Contemporary

This is the most significant point of departure. While they are siblings, they have been raised with very different style philosophies.

• Harley-Davidson X440: The X440 proudly wears its Harley-Davidson DNA. It embodies a neo-retro roadster design with a commanding, butch presence. Key elements include the classic round headlamp, a flat, wide handlebar, a simple teardrop-shaped tank, and an overall upright, commanding stance. It looks and feels like a traditional, old-school roadster.

• Hero Mavrick 440: The Mavrick sheds the retro clothing for a more modern, muscular roadster look. The design is more aggressive and forward-focused. It features a sculpted, muscular fuel tank with prominent shrouds, a distinctive H-shaped LED DRL in the headlight, and a more streamlined tail section. It’s the contemporary, street-savvy cousin.

Ergonomics and Rider Comfort

The design differences directly translate into how you sit on the bike.

• Harley-Davidson X440: Offers a more relaxed and upright riding posture. The handlebars are pulled back, and the footpegs are mid-set, making for a comfortable, commanding position ideal for city riding and leisurely tours.

• Hero Mavrick 440: Features a slightly more committed and sportier riding triangle. The handlebar is lower and flatter, and the footpegs are a touch more rear-set, encouraging a slight forward lean. This makes the Mavrick feel a bit more engaging and agile for spirited riding.

Hardware and Handling

While the frame is the same, key hardware changes significantly impact the bikes' handling characteristics.

• Suspension: The X440 boasts premium 43mm upside-down (USD) forks at the front, which are generally stiffer and offer better feedback. The Mavrick 440, in a move to manage costs and offer a different feel, uses conventional 43mm telescopic forks.
• Wheels: This is a crucial difference. The X440 uses a classic roadster setup with an 18-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear. The Mavrick 440 opts for a modern streetfighter setup with 17-inch wheels at both the front and rear. The 17-inch front wheel on the Mavrick will likely result in quicker turn-in and a slightly nimbler feel in corners.

Features and Technology

• Harley-Davidson X440 (Top Variant): The top-spec 'S' variant of the X440 comes with a modern colour TFT display that offers Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and more.
• Hero Mavrick 440: The Mavrick is equipped with a fully digital negative LCD display. While it also offers connectivity features like call alerts and navigation through the Hero app, the interface is simpler compared to the X440’s vibrant TFT screen.

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Both motorcycles offer a fantastic package built on a proven and characterful engine. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference and priorities.

Choose the Harley-Davidson X440 if:

• You value the prestige and heritage of the Harley-Davidson brand.
• You love the timeless, neo-retro roadster design.
• You prefer a relaxed, upright riding posture for comfortable commuting.
• You want the premium touch of USD forks and a colour TFT display (on the top variant).

Choose the Hero Mavrick 440 if:

• You are looking for better value for money, as it is priced more competitively.
• You prefer a modern, muscular, and aggressive design.
• You enjoy a slightly sportier and more engaging riding stance.
• You want the quicker, nimbler handling that a 17-inch front wheel provides.

In essence, Hero and Harley-Davidson have cleverly created two distinct motorcycles from a single platform. The X440 is the classic, laid-back cruiser, while the Mavrick 440 is the modern, energetic street machine. The best advice? Test ride them both to see which cousin’s personality truly clicks with yours.