Harley-Davidson Sprint 440: Single-cylinder now also available in Europe

When Harley-Davidson unveiled the X440 in spring 2023 in collaboration with its Indian partner Hero MotoCorp, the air-cooled single-cylinder motorbike was designed specifically for the huge Indian market. Even then, however, its specification – featuring USD forks, LED lighting and ABS as standard – suggested that this technical platform could also meet European type-approval requirements. At the EICMA motor show in Milan, the long-established American brand has now unveiled the logical next step for the global market: the new Harley-Davidson Sprint 440.

Harley had previously built a motorbike called the Sprint: from 1960 to 1978, Harley held a stake in the motorbike division of the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi – initially as a partner, later as the sole owner. From 1961 to 1974, Aermacchi built the Sprint with 250 and 350 cc engines, a roadster featuring the characteristic horizontal single-cylinder four-stroke engine.

Namensgeber: Aermacchi Sprint, gefertigt von der einstigen Tochterfirma

Foto: Harley-Davidson

The technical basis for the new edition comes from Hero MotoCorp in India, with the machines destined for the US market undergoing final assembly at the plant in York (Pennsylvania). Visually, the Sprint 440 stands out clearly from the more roadster-like appearance of the Indian X440 thanks to its classic cruiser silhouette with a 9-litre teardrop fuel tank, centrally mounted footrests and a flat-ending rear end.

At its heart remains the long-stroke, air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 440 ccm, an overhead camshaft and two valves. The engine delivers 27 PS at 6,000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 38 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Power is transmitted via a six-speed gearbox with an anti-hopping clutch. With a fuel consumption figure of 3.1 litres per 100 km, the Sprint 440 is said to be extremely economical to run.

Ein Cruiser, der nicht durch einen Wasserkühler verunstaltet ist

Foto: Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Harley-Davidson has also prioritised ease of access when it comes to the chassis. The kerb weight is 189 kg, and the seat height is exceptionally low at 683 mm. At the front, there is a 43 mm USD fork with 130 mm of travel, whilst at the rear, two shock absorbers with adjustable preload handle the suspension. The new ten-spoke cast wheels are fitted with tyres measuring 100/90-19 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear. Braking is provided by a 320 mm brake disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear, controlled by a two-channel ABS system.

Standard equipment includes a round 3.5-inch TFT colour display, LED lighting and a USB-C charging port above the headlight. The side covers also feature the ‘Harley Hare’, a new brand mascot in the shape of a hare, designed to symbolise the lightweight model’s agility. With a starting price of 5,700 euros (Switzerland: CHF 5,720, Austria: €6,699), the Sprint 440 – which is already available and can be ridden with an A2 licence – positions itself as an attractively priced entry point into the Harley world.