Harley Davidson Pan America Test Ride and First Impressions
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- I was beyond excited to have the opportunity for a Harley Davidson Pan America test ride at the 2021 Giant Loop Ride! The HD Pan America is an impressive new machine and quite an accomplishment considering it is the first off road offering from Harley. My time with the bike was short, but I was able to get a good feel for the bike and am happy to be able to share my Harley Davidson Pan America review and first impressions with all of you. The bike is loaded with electronics and features, which is not surprising considering the price. We were able to ride a short out and back on the highway and put the bike to the test, even getting some idea of what the Harley Davidson Pan America top speed might be. 150 HP is a lot, but the bike is easy to handle and extremely smooth to ride. The display is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. The bike is comfortable when seated, but I have to say that the standing on the pegs on the Pan America is challenging because of the way the tank tapers and the fact that it's pretty slippery, so it's hard to grip with your knees. The peg position is also a little weird for standing up. All in all, I think the PanAmerica is a very solid road bike, but it's not going to be the most capable when you leave the pavement. My Harley Davidson Pan America off road review is that it's probably a 75/25 machine. It's a great road bike that will get you there in comfort and it can survive the occasional gravel road, but it's not going to be an amazing off road machine for anything difficult.
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That Plated Life: / @thatplatedlife
#PanAmerica #HDPanAmerica #HarleyDavidsonPanAmerica
Check out all my videos from the 2021 Giant Loop Ride:
Giant Loop Ride Day 1: • Road Trip, Thunderstor...
Giant Loop Ride Day 2: • Camp Morning, 50 Miles...
Giant Loop Ride Day 3: • Injured, Out of Water,...
Harley Davidson Pan America Test Ride: • Harley Davidson Pan Am...
Adventure is for EVERYONE: My Presentation at the 2021 Giant Loop Ride: • ADV/Dual Sport Adventu...
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I agree with you about the complexity. The auto ride height is a brilliant choice by HD since nobody else offers it, but I really hope they tested it way beyond reason to make sure it would be robust. Great review!
I like the wait a few years idea :) I was shocked when I originally looked up the prices ! Glad you got to test one out for us :)
They are crazy expensive
Cheaper than I expected HD to charge. Look at the Livewire. $30K A Electra Glide Limited close to $30K a HD Trike is north of $40K. Crazy. I think I will keep my KTM. AND I am also a long time Harley Rider too. Keep them coming. Great job. 👍
Compared to other more capable ADV bikes it’s expensive though.
Speedometer is in km/hr. Nothing to worry about :]
Oh yeah I forgot to mention that
Finally a good review the power sounds pretty good. I know it’s a polarizing bike but I hope it’s a success for Harley. I love my T7
The power is VERY good
Finally, an honest review. Every other reviewer acts like it’s the best bike ever!
I didn't get paid for my review 😂😂😂
Oh ya all the other reviews were dishonest...lol
Fantastic review! Thank you for your honest impressions and I think HD should thank you for your diplomacy. Great job!
Thanks for watching!
Just came upon this episode and had to chuckle. Coming from a HD history as I do I can tell you that this bike is HD’s attempt to capture the ADV markets’ interest so they can retain riders. Nothing on this bike is there to target a true adventure motorcycle rider. As you realized, this is a bike for road warriors that want to hit unimproved roads that their Roadking or Electraglide can’t safely handle. More power to them if they have the cash. What I want to see is a Honda CRF450RL or Kawasaki KLX300 with a factory original 4 to 5 gallon fuel tank. I don’t need all those bells and whistles, I just want more range to be out there exploring without the need for auxiliary fuel sources. Cheers to you and your crew Dork! Keep it frosty. 😎👍🍺🍻
Thank you for your first ride review. From your previous reviews I know you are giving a true review for most dual sport riders!!! This was a great review & again thank you for your opinions!!!!
Thanks for watching!
@@DorkintheRoad Thanks for your time & effort in making the videos. Again it’s appreciated by your video fans & myself!!!!
Very cool. I think you are spot on with your review. I have not ridden one yet, but when you look at the other reviews and specs it has it's market. Good job HD
Thanks for watching!
Thats awesome mr Dork! I'm glad you were able to get on one of the Pan Ams.
So, I'm one of those Beta Testers. I bought one. Mine does not have the Adaptive Ride Height. I don't mind, even though I'm 5'8" with a 30.5" inseam. The ergo fit me to a T when riding, especially standing.
The clutch, I agree. It has adjustability but I have it at the closest setting and it isn't close enough. But when I'm riding, i don't notice it.
The side stand, I love where it is. The center stand will capture the side stand if you have the side stand up when you put the bike on the center stand. The bike goes up on the center stand far easier than my 02 Kawasaki ZZR1200.
I'm not off-roading my Pan Am right now because I can't get the accessories. Everything is sold out and I want that heavier duty skid plate.
So far.... big * there... I'm loving the bike. I am a guy that has owned 5 other Harley's and I still have a 17 Ultra Classic for full disclosure. But I'm not myopic about brands, I've also have three Kawasakis in the garage and grew up on Yamahas and Hondas.
If the bike proves durable and reliable, we will be bestest of friends for a very long time.
Does yours have an "Offroad Mode"? The bikes we rode only had Rain, Tour, and Sport. If they had an offroad mode they didn't tell us how to activate it.... which was probably smart, cuz I would have tested it out.
@Duc Fan Hi Duc Fan! Yes, mine has a off-road mode. Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, and a customizable mode, which I haven’t set yet. I’m still messing around with the display and modes. All the electronics are a new thing for me.
I’m betting that Harley had the off-road mode (S?, supposed to be two off road modes, I thought, but mine seems to only has the one.) “flashed” off the bike since they didn’t seem to want people off road at the event.
The owners manual is digital, which is a bit of a challenge for an old school guy like me.
Edit: Just figured it out. I have to hold the off-road mode selection down for a couple of seconds and it takes me to off-road plus.
Lots of electronics could mean lots of problems. I love how few gadgets my 17 AT has, I think I'll keep it. Thanks for the review dork.
I completely agree
The base spec version will make a great replacement to my XB12X when it's time has come. Thanks for the info!
It's probably the best bike Harley ever built, great review, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Great review! One thing to take note of is the fact that they offer taller seats for taller riders. Based on your comment of it being cramped for you, I'd go with the tall seat to stretch your legs out and bar risers for the top part. That can completely change the feel of a bike. I know when I did the rear spring and handlebars, my dr650 was a COMPLETELY different feeling bike, it went from feeling like an overgrown scooter to a real proper dirtbike ergonomically.
For your test ride, the bars were adjusted and set back with very little rise. For taller riders, risers are available and an aftermarket version is available $100 less than H-D. Longer control cables aren’t necessary for the standard risers on this bike, unless you ape hangers LOL. Tank knee pads are available for gripping the tank.
I’ve had mine for a month and 1500 miles. Great on forest service roads here in New Mexico and a blast on the highway getting there.
Enjoyed your review!
What an exciting bike from HD. I can see this bike bridging the gap between HDs current and future customers. Give me more next gen HD! Thank you.
It's pretty exciting!
Most honest review I’ve seen to date.
I try to consider the good and the bad as much as I can.
I think for HD loyalists its great to give them something new that can take them new places, and I honestly am amazed at how good it is on their first try. But it hasn't taken my eye off the AT
I'm with you on both points
So fun to hear your thoughts! As a short person, the reach to the bars was a stretch sitting, but standing, the bike was brilliant! :-) I agree about it not being the bike for me :-) love that adaptive ride height though!
It's quite the innovation!
Appreciate the insight. The $$$$$ and multiple electronic systems are a deal breaker for me. I'm like you, keep it simple, less possibilities for failures, that you would not be able to repair on your own.
🇺🇸 Good review Dude! Sorry I stood right in the middle of your interview shot like a total rookie! Good stuff… 👍🏽🏁
I thought it was an awesome cameo!
@@DorkintheRoad Me too! It was all great. Keep up the good work, I’m looking forward to the rest of the footage. 🙂
You could sense your excitement. 150 hp is a lot! The bike looks like a winner for H-D. Your assessment of it as an Adventure Tourer is most likely very accurate. That should work out for Harley because it seems to be the way most people use their Adv bikes. I’m glad H-D let you do the video. Some manufacturers (Yamaha) don’t allow that.
Truthfully, I did not hat it like I thought I would . But compared to the other bikes I road I went a different direction. But if your a die hard HD guy this is your jam !!
It's definitely not for everyone. I think you're gonna be happy with what you ended up with 😁
Great review. I agree with your comment that it's hard to spend $20,000 if you aren't 100% sure. Especially on a first gen, first try ADV bike 👍🤘
Some people are probably more comfortable with it.... But I'm not one of them
Some people have a lot of money and the need to be "first to have one"
I am not one of those either. Give me the tried and true, reliable bikes
After 8 months of riding motorcycles. This bike is exactly what I’ve been wanting from a motorcycle. I want a touring machine that is super stable and comfy on the highway while also being sporty and aggressive and nimble, doesn’t weigh 900lbs, doesn’t take hours of practice to get accustomed to riding, can be taken around town or to the store, and can jump off-road and bust down a dirt road with relative ease. It literally weighs less than my sportster! This bike checks every single box on my wishlist of what I’ve found that I want from a motorcycle after riding for 8 months now. It just isn’t the right time for me just yet and I really don’t care at all about all the massive amounts of tech on this bike. I want ride modes, abs, hill hold sounds cool, just the minimum basics. Actually hoping for a 975 less technical version. Btw, I absolutely love how it looks! It looks like a BOSS!
You've had one for 8 months? How?!
@@ducfan9546 No, that came out wrong. After 8 months of riding. This bike is exactly what I’ve been wanting from a motorcycle. Meaning, I’ve only been riding motorcycles for 8 months, but now have a much better grasp on what it is I want from a bike. I tend to just blurt things out sometimes.
I test-rode one also at the Giant Loop, and agree with your comments. It seems to me to be a 75/25 bike, and the Pan American has some good qualities. Roll-on in the sport mode is impressive. The major problem for Harley is that competition in that category is fierce - Honda's Africa Twin, KTM's 1290, and the BMW 1250 are all terrific bikes in that category & price range. I do think they will get existing Harley owners interested in trading their road bike for this due to flexibility for some off-road.
I agree. I think we'll get some Harley converts.
@@DorkintheRoad Here´s one of them :)
I like the looks of the Pan America. However, I think it may a bit much for me. Last year I got myself a bike which only has the electronics you have to have - ABS. I am still having trouble with the LCD and the fuel indication (rode a Yamaha XT for 20 years with a carb and fuel switch - never had any trouble technology-wise). I did not want nothing even remotely offroad again - did not like the high center of balance. However, by accident I discovered that little new bike can do offroad to a certain extent, too. It has a good ground clearance, I got myself bar risers for comfort - which made standing up much easier. So yes, at least gravel roads and easier offroad is perfectly doable. Will add some heated grips and Scottoiler later.
Love Mexico this time of year:)
It's quite lovely, and so close to Burns!
You are absolutely right
It's not for everyone
But still, even if I had the money to buy it, I don't want a motorcycle that I'm sure will start every time or break down who knows where.
Not to mention the prices for parts and labor after it comes out of warranty
Love to hear more about the extra features.
I totally agree, this bike need risers! The Harley parts has one already listed… why didn’t they just use that one? Now you’re gonna need risers and extended cables
They want you to pay for all that 😂
Decent review, but I always find some things very subjective when it comes to bike reviews. The big red flag for me is people that say "too many electronics." I always ask "what was your negative experience with them?" but never seem to hear anything, just sort of an overall fear of "what if" scenarios... I remember the same thing when fuel injection and ABS first came out, and now people mostly want that stuff despite the resistance to change. If electronics are to be avoided because they are a "con" we should remove TFT displays, cruise control, heated seats and grips, rain modes, quick shifters, duel clutch technology, ABS, traction control, launch control, electronic tire PSI gauges, automatic preload adjustment, slipper and assist clutches, LED lights, heck... even radios on certain bikes! Everyone should ride a 1970's cafe' racer and nothing else! It's like when I hear Jeep Wrangler guys talk about how they want a carb'd engine because "fuel injection might die in the middle of nowhere" and I always ask "when was the last time you took your jeep wrangler to the middle of the Amazon and the fuel injection went out?"
I had been watching many videos about this bike. I'm a big dude. I like to be comfy on my bike . It's a Lazyboy . Lol but now im sold on getting a Road Glide. I want extreme comfort and you can put a glide down a dirt road. Anyone riding that pan wouldn't be doing anymore than that anyways lol
Thanks for an even-handed review. I have to admit to being surprised for how good this bike looks on paper. But at the end of the day I’m left asking “why would I buy this instead of the AT or the GS?” And have no answer for that.
That's a tough one to answer. Comes down to personal preference at that point I guess
Have you had a chance to ride one again? Now that it’s been proven to be OK off road I’m just curious on your feelings now in 2024?
Great review! Now that they made an expensive one, they should consider taking all the fluff and electronics out of it and make a smaller lightweight one to compete with the T7.
Harley doesn't believe in low budget bikes. They like every their cheap bikes a bit over price compared to competitive models.
Mexico is pretty this time of year :-)
It really is. So nice to visit
I think it’s taller than 32” I’m short at 5’6” but I was barely able to tip toe it. I’ve been on the Tiger 900 in the regular and low trim and a R1250GS low. I was more planted on all of them especially the Tiger 900 low, I was able to flat foot that.
👍 Cool. Wish I was there.
It was a great event!
That’s interesting that it feels narrow, because it doesn’t look narrow. Although, I’ve not yet seen one in person. The adaptive ride height intrigues me, because I’m a short guy, and I’ll take any opportunity to get my feet closer to flat-footing. I don’t want to be a beta-tester, so I’ll probably wait for a time, then check one out. Who knows, I might turn out to be a Harley guy 🤷♂️ Appreciate your review and thoughts on the bike!
A Grand Tourer that can go off road. I want one, and I think it looks very cool, but it could not replace my 1090 so I can't have one. But if I had lottery money, I would soooo have one.
It's a fun machine!
I ran into a guy at a gas station yesterday who had one, he raved about the thing but with cases it cost him over 30 grand Canadian. I think I've come around on it, the looks have really grown on me for one, but I'm too cheap for that.
Of course he's raving about it to justify the outrageous cost
In my opinion this bike should be compared with the BMW 1250GS, Ducati Multistrada 1260 and the new V4, and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. The big displacement ADV bikes with 19in front wheels. I’d be really curious to see if HD releases an “Enduro” or “R” version, or what the aftermarket comes up with for off-road capability.
Still not a stretched turbo 'busa with knobbies, though
Not even close. Note: the stretched turbo busa doesn’t need a 21in front wheel for off-road, because the front tire never really touches the ground.
Things got a face only a mother (and apparently a dork) could love, not for me. Glad to hear its a good bike tho!
Is the PanAmerica like every other Harley kickstand, never extended enough and sketchy?
Seemed fine to me, but it hurt my brain to reach FORWARD to find it.
agreed, with so many others, great review. Very insightful Pros/Cons. For what its worth, not sure the AT is the best direct comparison, maybe 1250 GS, Multi 1260, or Adventure S. AT is just so much more offroad focused, which you note at 10:40-11:30.
I agree it's not the best comparison, but it's the only similar bike I have a lot of experience with
Still gonna stick with my Africa twin…. Ain’t even a question in my mind
It's no AT, that's for sure
The handlebar on you bike was rotated way too much towards the rider as if someone really short asked for it. You should have asked them to rotate it away from you which would have raised them at least 2” and then readjust the controls to suit.
Pan America.. HD version of the RAM 3500 Extra Dually..
I am waiting for the 2022 (in the US) KTM 1290…lower seat than the 790/890 and the tanks are now down low. Take a look at the reviews in Europe….Wow.
I like it. BUT it’s a new type of bike for Harley. See how the reliability goes.
Was about to throw some cash at an Indian FTR. Didn't test ride but didn't have to. It was too squished. Pegs to high and bars too low. Disappointed it didn't fit but now a newer version of a relic is out, so I've forgot about the Indian for now😁
FTR is a fun bike but it's less than ideal for a lot of types of riding
My knees were " Warning super sport cramps detected"
3 bikes to look at for a “classic” style off-roader. The FTR, Triumph Scrambler XC, and the Ducati Desert Sled. All super fun in their own way, unless you want a modern off-roader.
Cool bike overall. Definitely a 75/25 tour bike. I don’t understand love it or hate it designs. I mean no one drives a Nissan Cube or Kia Soul lol. If they made the thing badass looking blacked out more harleyesque scrambler design I think a lot more people would be on board. Who knows though that’s just what I like. Thing does look like it rides like a dream on the street and gravel roads though.
Holy crap! Did you guys see the new sportster? That’s exactly what I meant by this comment! I think I’m gonna have no choice but to get one.
I expected them to be larger than they actually were. Looked much more capable than the Buell Ulysses was.
Seems appealing more to shorter riders then.
I think there are adjustments that can be made for taller riders, but they're definitely working to make the bike less intimidating to shorter riders
great review\;]
Thank you!
Lol, I put it in sport about 20 feet after pulling away.
I at least waited until I got to the road 😂😂
Not really fair to say it's a 75/25 bike without actually riding it offroad. Js
Harley doesn't have an "inconsistent reputation for reliability" unless you compare it to the Japanese bikes.🤣 It finishes pretty high on the reliability list actually. They have for many years. Ahead of Bmw even. I ride a Yamaha which has been at the top of the list for many years. Js. Good video.
I compare everything to the Japanese bikes. It's why I keep ending up with them 😂
BMW def has reliability problems unless you ask a BMW owner (in which case they're always awesome). This looks to me like HD attempting to capture the older ADV rider who doesn't do much off-road, but has BMW money.
The Africa Twin is $17,999 not half of $20,000. I believe the Harley is $21,500 with all the options not sure where or when you got your Honda but you got a good deal. A Triumph Tiger 900 has very similar hp and torque ratings as the Honda AT at a similar price but it's supposed to handle better than the AT? There are so many ADV bikes there should be one for everybody but they're getting expensive. Nice review and video on the Harley. I wonder if the standard AT is worth getting verses the SE/ADV bike? Have you ridding both? Is the AT possible for a beginner to learn on?
I paid $9500 for my AT. That's what I was referring to
@@DorkintheRoad Was that new or used? I want an ADV bike they all look good but they're expensive now. Do you think a beginner could handle an AT?
I need to quit watching vids on the Pan Am. I can't afford one so I am torturing myself. lol
LOL...Inconsistent reputation for reliability...perfectly said.
😁
Honestly, they actually have a VERY good reliability reputation with people that ACTUALLY owned them. They haven't been unreliable since the 70s
Harley hasn't neen an unreliable machine in a long time. They have consistently finished just below the Japanese but above everyone else for many years. Google it.
9:20 - BYEeeeeeeeeeeee
Lol who was that blur?
If anything it is cheaper than the Ducati Multistrada V4.
Funny how much that Mexican test area looks like central Oregon...
I was really impressed that Harley Davidson took a chance at entering the adventure motorcycle category. I've never been a fan of the brand, at all, and one major concern I'd have is reliability.
Harley is known for its problematic and unreliable longevity.
I ride everything and I've never had a Harley break on me. The only problem I've helped fix was leaky rocker boxes on a 30 year old Softail. Evo on is pretty solid.
Too expensive for what it is. No way I'd choose it over a gsa
For the price it should pick itself up if you dump it 😅
Nothing says US made bike review like a long ride in a straight line 🤣🙈
I was stuck with the route they gave us. All the roads out there are long and straight
@@DorkintheRoad no stress mate, just an European picking on you, couldn’t resist 🤪
Any bike built to cash in on a trend... I have my doubts its going to be worth spending that much money on. My 2 cents, having never ridden it.
It's hard to spend 20k on anything you aren't 100 percent sure about
I’m hearing lots of folks mentioning the ergonomics as less than ideal.
Sounds like a potential coffee getter.
It's very comfortable when you're sitting down
I rode one last week and find it much more comfortable than 1290 superadventure s...my only complaint was the display graphics/interface seemed dated.
Well it is America's answer to the BMW GS1200. They will look fine sitting next to each other in the Starbucks parking lot. It will make it easy to spot someone's political affiliation. Republicans will ride the Harley's and Democrats the BMW's. LOL
I find the HD seat more comfortable than the KTM, but the KTM had more comfortable ergonomics, especially for standing.
@@howardelzey2760 🤣
Fun bike but it's still an $expensive$ Harley.
Other than I think it looks butt ugly, I don’t like the windshield
Look up the most reliable motorcycles. H-D is more reliable than BMW.
How does HD rank compared to Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki?
That's the fugliest bike I've ever seen, biggest con for me, then the absurd price