Back in December, Harley-Davidson released the world's first glimpse of the production model of the X350. Although the bike hasn't been officially unveiled yet, it's evident that it won't be solely an entry-level option for the Asian market but a fully produced model for the US market as well.

Details about the Harley X350, along with a larger X500 model, surfaced through Chinese type approvals. Now, multiple documents have emerged in the US, confirming its forthcoming arrival. The first document was a submission to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) earlier this month, which included the "X350RA" listed among several other H-Ds for the company's 2023 model year. Additionally, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released paperwork validating that three variations of the X350 comply with the state's stringent emissions regulations.

The NHTSA paperwork only featured the X350RA version, whereas CARB's documentation includes the X350, X350RA, and X350RA Derating Removed, all possessing the same weight and a 353cc engine capacity. The presence of the "X350RA Derating Removed" model, as indicated in the CARB document, may provide an explanation for the NHTSA's observation that the X350RA seemed underpowered. The NHTSA document displayed the X350RA with a power output of 23 hp, which is unusually low for a small 353cc twin. In contrast, the Chinese type-approval paperwork for the standard Harley X350 listed its power output as 36 hp. The separate existence of the X350RA and X350RA Derating Removed versions, as shown in the CARB document, suggests that a detuned variant of the X350RA is available, potentially accounting for its relatively modest power output.

Further analysis of the CARB paperwork reveals that all three versions share the same engine: a 353cc version of the Qianjiang parallel twin, already employed in various QJMotor and Benelli models. Each version features two three-way catalysts, pulsed-air injection, multipoint fuel injection, and two heated oxygen sensors in the exhaust system to comply with emissions regulations. Meanwhile, the NHTSA document discloses that the official model code for the X350RA is LWZX350RA, and it confirms that the model will be manufactured in China. The manufacturer code in the VIN is "LBB," assigned to Qianjiang, while all other Harley models for the US market bear Harley's own "1HD" manufacturer codes and are built in the US.

As we disclosed in December, the X350 and X500 models will be produced by a joint venture between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang in China. Qianjiang is the parent company of QJMotor and Benelli and is part of the larger Geely automotive empire, which encompasses car brands such as Volvo and Lotus, as well as several Chinese companies. The joint venture, named Zhejiang Jisheng Motor Vehicle Co., Ltd., recently obtained approval from the Chinese government to manufacture motorcycles, eliminating the final obstacle that had delayed the project for several years behind the scenes.

Although the X350 wasn't unveiled alongside the other 2023 Harley-Davidson models presented in January, including the company's 120th Anniversary models, the Nightster Special, and the new Breakout 117, Harley-Davidson has planned numerous events throughout 2023. It is expected that additional new model launches will occur at some of these events.

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