Just ahead of the new year, Hero MotoCorp filed new securities exchange documents saying that it's extending its partnership with Harley-Davidson, on both development and manufacturing of motorcycles. Some will be related to the existing X440, of course, but a new motorcycle is also included in its plans.
At this point, details are thin on the ground about what the next Hero/Harley model outside the X440 platform could be. So, anything we say at this point should be taken as speculation and/or wishful thinking, just so we're totally clear.
But believe me, we have some thoughts.
See, Hero already has a middleweight ADV success on its hands with the XPulse 200 4V. So, what if Hero's next move with Harley is something akin to a small displacement Pan America? I mean, people have been talking about wanting a smaller Pan America ever since the original one came out. And by 'people,' I don't just mean me.
I promise.
Maybe even something in the 400cc range, like the X440. That way, depending on the particulars of Hero's partnership documents with Harley on the new bike, perhaps it could go on to develop its own Hero-branded 400cc ADV bike, much like the Mavrick 440, which has significantly different styling but uses the same engine and chassis as the X440.
It'd be extremely interesting to see a baby Pan America tee off against other popular middleweight ADVs, such as the CFMoto Ibex 450, the Kove 450 Rally, and of course the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
To be totally transparent, there's been absolutely no word from either Hero or Harley to confirm that this is the direction in which they plan to take their new model development plans. But if it was to happen, I do believe I'm not alone in saying that it's something that a certain segment of motorcycle fans in multiple international markets would probably very much like to see.
Big adventure bikes are all well and good, but there's definitely a place for smaller displacement options as well. Not everyone wants, needs, or can afford a GS or a Multistrada. Adventure shouldn't just be limited to those with the biggest wallets, you know?
What do you think, would you want to see a mid-sized Pan America? Also, for this one, if you jump in the comments, please tell us a little bit about your previous riding experience so we know where you're coming from. And here's to many more adventures, both big and small, in 2025!
