Harley-Davidson has released a U.S. owner’s manual for the X 500, indicating the roadster manufactured by China’s Qianjiang Motorcycle will be coming to America for the 2024 model year. The X 500 was announced for the Chinese market in April and later for Australia and New Zealand, but the newly published owner’s manual leaves very little doubt about a U.S. launch.
The manual for the 2024 X 500 was released on Harley-Davidson’s Service Info site, with some distinct changes compared to the 2023 owner’s manual, adding information specific to the American market, such as a U.S. vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual’s VIN breakdown explicitly outlines the codes for models manufactured by Qianjiang in China for export to the United States.
The 2023 manual included warranty information that was specific to the Chinese market, with a section titled “Other Limitations” that included six items. The 2024 manual adds a seventh item specifically for United States customers about modifications that are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board.
Elsewhere, there is language for “USA Owners 49 State Limited Emissions Warranty,” as well as a section about emissions control warranty for California, as well as a definition of tampering with noise control or exhaust emissions control systems in contravention of EPA regulations. None of this was present in the 2023 manual, and they would only be necessary for models to be sold in America.
The X 500 is the second model to be produced under the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang, following the X 350. In its Q1 2023 report, Harley-Davidson reiterated that they were intended mainly for the Chinese market, with an X350RA variant to be used by Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. At the moment, there is no indication of a consumer version of the X 350 for the U.S., though that was true of the X 500 up until today.
We expect there will be a strong reaction in some corners about Harley-Davidson selling a Chinese-produced motorcycle in the U.S. with the impending arrival of the X 500.
The 2024 owner’s manual showed no changes to the specifications for the X 500. That means we can expect the same liquid-cooled 500cc Parallel-Twin engine, claiming 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. The claimed wet weight remains 456 pounds, and the fuel economy is unchanged, still claiming 49 mpg. Valve inspections are scheduled for every 15,500 miles.
2024 Harley-Davidson X 500 Specifications
Engine: Liquid-Cooled, Parallel-Twin Cylinder, 500cc
Displacement: 500cc
Bore x Stroke: 69.0 mm x 66.8 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Horsepower: 46.9 hp at 8,500 rpm (claimed)
Torque: 33.9 lb-ft. at 6,000 rpm (claimed)
Fuel System: Electronic Air Intake Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust: 2 into 1 short order, 3 catalysts
Main Drive: Chain, 74/38
Maximum Lean Angle: 46.9° left, 49.5° right
Front Suspension: 50mm inverted rebound adjustable
Rear Suspension: Oil-air separation, rebound damping adjustable, preload adjustable shock absorber
Front Brake: Dual four-piston fixed calipers
Rear Brake: Single-piston floating caliper
Rear Wheel: Cast Aluminum
Front Tire: Maxxis Supermaxx ST 120/70-ZR17/58W
Rear Tire: Maxxis Supermaxx ST 160/60-ZR17/69W
Length: 84.1 inches
Seat Height: 32.3 inches
Ground Clearance: 6.0 inches
Rake / Trail: 24.5° / 4.0 inches
Wheelbase: 57.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Oil Capacity (With Filter): 0.8 gallons
Curb Weight: 456 pounds (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 49 mpg (claimed)
Lighting
Front Lights: All LED, low beam, high beam, and position lights; Tail Lights: All LED Lights; Front Signal Lights: All LED Lights; Rear Turn Signal Lights: All LED
Instrumentation
Combined electronic instrument Stepper motor indicates vehicle speed, digital indicates speed, hour, total travel, two-way (A+B), km/mile indication.