Harley-Davidson is perhaps the most hallowed name in motorcycling, but since the demise of its Street 500 model in 2021, the brand hasn’t offered a LAMS-compliant bike with beginners in mind. Happily, that changed late last year with the introduction of the X350 and X500 models.

I was recently offered a ride of the larger of the two bikes, the X500, and was keen to find out what sort of Harley $11,495 buys you in 2024.

First up, it’s a good-lookin’ rooster, though the smaller (and cheaper), flat track-inspired X350 is arguably more handsome again. Despite being heavily derived from the Benelli Leoncino 500, the X500’s styling has been refined from the tank through to the seat and rear guard to give off a vibe somewhat reminiscent of Harley’s XL1200 Roadster. Still, the bike bears more than a passing resemblance to the Benelli.

It’s powered by a 500cc, DOHC parallel twin producing 47hp (35kW) at 8500rpm and 34lb-ft (46Nm) at 6000rpm, and while it won’t tear your arms out of their sockets, that’s hardly the idea. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, the engine is linear, learner-friendly, and entirely adequate.

The X500 is also quite well-appointed in the suspension and braking departments. Both the 50mm fork and monoshock rear end offer rebound adjustability – impressive for a bike at this price point – with the shock also being preload-adjustable. Four-piston, twin 320mm disc front anchors do the job nicely, and while the bike is aimed at new riders, it’s still fun to ride at a moderate clip.

Despite the relatively low 820mm seat height, the riding position is relaxed, upright and plenty comfortable enough for longer rides, even for larger units like myself. That being said, my missus didn’t speak fondly of the rearward-sloping pillion seat, which she struggled to feel comfortable and secure on.

The X500 is a fairly analogue machine by modern standards; aside from government-mandated ABS brakes, there are no electronic rider aids, and instrumentation is limited to a single circular display conveying the basics to the rider. Realistically though, on a bike like this, it’s all you need.

Pundits might struggle to get comfortable with the idea of a Chinese-built Harley-Davidson, but entry-level motorcycles need to be built to a price point, and an American-made machine would be priced well beyond the means and inclination of most young riders, especially with competing manufacturers having already embraced the idea of building bikes in China, India and Thailand.

The X500 should be enjoyed for what it is, and that’s a great-value, LAMS-compliant urban commuter that’s also up to the task of highway use. It also happens to be a cost-effective way of getting that logo on your tank, and that’s no small thing.