This 2024 X350 was provided by Capital Coast Harley-Davidson for a photoshoot and review. All opinions are my own, and this article was not reviewed or altered by the dealership prior to release.
The X350 is a striking bike, giving a subtle nod to Harley-Davidson’s own XR-750 of the early 1970’s. With its racing success, passionate cult following, and relentless evolution, the XR-750 became one of the most iconic models in Harley-Davidson history.
Now, how much of that DNA has carried over into the new X350?
Powered by a 353cc 270° parallel-twin, the X350 finds itself sitting in the very dense market of LAMS-approved 300-400s. With the X350 being the cheapest and most accessible entry-point into the brand, I could see a lot of newer riders opting for these models as their first bike. Though, with this model taking quite the departure from the brands’ signature cruisers, it may deter those Harley-enthusiasts looking to get something a bit more recognisable. Pitted against the likes of Triumph’s Speed 400, Husqvarna’s 401 line, and Yamaha’s MT-03, let’s find out if the X350 is a top contender.
Of the four colour options, Vivid Black, Baja Orange, Atlas Silver Metallic, and White Pearl, the vibrant orange is the clear winner in my opinion. Not only does it pay tribute to the XR-750’s racing livery, but it’s the brightest of the bunch, and it makes the X350 become more of a looker than it already is.
Now, onto the engine.
Some may be dissuaded by the lack of a true V-twin, but the parallel-twin motor still carries a bit of that feel, especially in that mid-range. Revving out this engine works a charm when zipping around town and carving up some local twisties. Making 36HP (@9500rpm) and 31Nm of torque (@7000rpm), it has a punchy engine that is more than manageable for newer riders, and enough for the experienced riders to have a bit of fun on.
Being a naked bike, wind buffeting is to be expected, but the extra weight of the bike make it feel a tad more stable at higher speeds. Weighing in at around 195kg when running, the X350 places itself as one of the heaviest 350s. It is definitely worth considering (especially for newer riders!) the impact it will have on low-speed riding and garage-maneuvering. Once in motion though, the weight disappears and excels in its easy handling, feeling at its best around the tight streets of inner-city riding. This isn’t the pick if you want the fastest bike in its class, but you knew that already. This bike is all about fun – and it delivers!
Riding position is fairly neutral for the upper body, but the rear-biased foot controls push you to sit ‘on top’ of the bike, making for a fun ride and peppy handling. For every-day riding and especially city commutes, the suspension is capable enough, offering a standard monoshock with preload and rebound damping adjustability.
Tech-wise, the X350 keeps things fairly simple (and hence affordable), with it only coming equipped with ABS as standard. The dash is very minimal in looks and features, but provides an analogue speedo, digital RPM read-out, odometer, and two trip meters (Note: no fuel-gauge!). The quality of the dash itself was a bit budget for my liking, and I wasn’t sure how accurate the speedo was with the needle wavering and floating a little more than expected. Having said that, we have full LED lighting all around and the headlight branding was a nice detail, so there are definitely aspects that offset the X350’s shortcomings.
Exhaust note is smooth and as quiet as you would expect for a stock exhaust. Most examples I have heard with aftermarket slip-ons sound rich and throaty, and bring out that deeper purr that these kinds of engines deserve.
Compared to other bikes in the 300-400cc range, the X350 isn’t the highest performing, and that’s okay. The Harley-Davidson branding is a key part of that, and regardless of the styling, the name is a big selling point and identifier. However, underneath all the branding is admittedly the bones of a Benelli. Back in 2020, there were talks between Harley-Davidson and Chinese producer Qianjiang Motor about utilising the Benelli TNT300 (now the 302S) as a platform for the ‘upcoming HD350’.
Now, a few years later, the X350 arrives and is ultimately the same Benelli as promised. There were however, countless changes made to both the engine and styling, resulting in a performance advantage as well as the X350 looking miles better than its counterpart. Does its background change how I feel about the bike? Not really. The perceived value of buying into a recognised brand will always be subjective, and as a result, for some riders the added premium when buying Harley-badged products would be fully worth it. Regardless of where the bike came from, the X350 was an absolute blast to ride, and well worth checking out!
