Hero MotoCorp has launched its biggest capacity motorcycle yet, in the Hero Mavrick 440. The motorcycle is based on the Harley-Davidson X440’s platform that was developed together with Hero, but features modern roadster styling as opposed to the X440’s cruiser bent. That said, expect the Maverick to be positioned a shade under the Harley considering the brand, and the components on offer.
The Mavrick shares its 440c 440cc single-cylinder with the Harley-Davidson X440. This is a 2V SOHC air- / Oil-cooled engine, producing 27bhp at 6000rpm and 36Nm at 4000rpm through a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch. Worth noting is the fact that the Mavrick gets a slight retune compared to the Harley, and consequently makes 2Nm less. However, Hero’s engineers claim that 90 per cent of this peak torque is available right from 2000rpm which should help rideability.
The Mavrick again shares its trellis frame with the Harley. However, unlike the Harley, it doesn’t get USD forks up front, just regular telescopic forks. It also doesn’t get gas charged twin shocks at the rear – wheel travel is 130mm. The Mavrick runs a 17-inch front wheel which should make it a more nimble handler compared to the Harley, and a wider rear tyre as well. It has a wet weight of 187kg (alloy wheels) or 191kg (spoke wheels) with a fuel capacity of 13.5-litres. The 2100mm length holds a 1388mm wheelbase with ground clearance at 175mm and seat height at 803mm. The Mavrick also gets a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc brake.
The Hero Mavrick 440 gets full LED illumination and over 35 bike connectivity features. The electronics can be controlled through a fully digital negative LCD cluster and include a gear position indicator, turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone integration.
Prices for the Hero Mavrick 440 will be announced in February, which is also when bookings will open. It will go up against the likes of the Harley-Davidson X440 (Rs 2.29 lakh ex-showroom), Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (Rs 1.49 lakh ex-showroom), Triumph Speed 400 (Rs 2.33 lakh ex-showroom), Honda CB300R (Rs 2.4 lakh ex-showroom), and KTM 390 Duke (Rs 3.10 lakh ex-showroom).