Hero MotoCorp has trademarked the Nightster 440 name in India, raising speculation that it could be the name for a second co-developed model with Harley-Davidson (H-D). The two brands unveiled their maiden jointly-developed motorcycle – the X440, in 2023. The new name suggests that the upcoming motorcycle will sit on the same 440 platform though it could get a different design as compared to the X 440.
Given the use of the Nightster name, Hero and HD could borrow some design elements from the larger 975cc Nightster sold across the globe. The global Nightster series of motorcycles feature a sporty and sleek design – compared to other models in the Harley-Davidson range - while still retaining the elements of being a cruiser. The 440 could borrow some elements of the latter’s design though we don’t expect Hero to make significant changes to the platform.
Expect the new motorcycle to share more than a few cycle parts with the X 440 in a bid to keep pricing attractive. On the engine front, expect the upcoming bike to feature the same 440 cc oil-cooled 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder engine as the X 440. The unit, which develops 27 bhp and 38 Nm in its current application, could be tuned differently for the new bike.
