After the launch of the Harley-Davidson X440, it was only a matter of time before Hero used the platform to launch their own competitor into the fray. The newly-released sketches reveal that the Mavrick 440 has a circular headlamp with what looks like a daytime-running light, indicating that the Mavrick 440 could be dressed in a neo-retro design language. The upright handlebars mean that the Maverick 440 could have a fairly neutral riding position, which would make it comfortable for long rides and city commuting alike.
The sketches also reveal a wide one-piece seat that tapers towards the front of the bike, which could make the bike more accessible to riders with shorter legs at the expense of a little extra cushioning. The Mavrick 440’s suspected test mules have been spotted wearing camouflage on Indian streets. They’ve sported a single exhaust coming from the single-cylinder engine. They’ve also had alloy rims coupled with front and rear disc brakes and twin shock rear suspension, and a trellis frame. The Mavrick’s 440 designation could mean that it uses the Harley-Davidson X440’s engine, which puts out 27bhp at 6000rpm and 37Nm at 4000rpm. Harley-Davidson claimed that the engine makes 90 per cent of its torque as early as 2000rpm. Whether that low-end grunt is carried over to the Maverick 440 is anyone’s guess.
Upon launch, the Mavrick 440 will enter a segment filled to the brim with heavyweight competitors such as the Triumph 400 twins and its stablemate the Harley-Davidson X440. Other competitors might include the Royal Enfield Bullet and Classic 350, or the Honda CB350 triplets as well as the KTM 390 Duke, a bike that is in a league of its own. Hero has never sold a motorcycle of such large capacity before. Its partnership with Harley-Davidson and their experience building larger motorcycles is sure to help. Whether that translates into the production-spec Mavrick 400 remains to be seen.