When I bought my Pan America, I felt like I would mainly (almost exclusively) ride on the road and this would be used more like a sport touring bike by me than an adventure bike. I’ve owned it now for about 2 months and have over 2K miles on it. I’ve not been off-road at all. In fact, I’ve only been down a dirt or gravel road once so far for a grand total of 1/4 mile. So, I bought the sport side cases. Now, I have not been in any real downpour yet, but they’ve held up good and look good and carry my stuff. So far I am pleased.
Glad I went with the aluminum set and top case. Very pleased with the quality and don't mind the rugged look. It is and adventure bike, not a bar hopper.
Good review, well made and clearly presented. These side cases are more for the guy who rides 2000 miles on the highway and 100 yards across the gravel car park to go "Glamping" at a managed resort. ( He tells the guys at work, that he went out in the back woods, dispersed camping when he gets back from the weekend.) A lovely product for sure and they do fit the bike properly. Aluminium cases are more for the guys who go on more serious adventures. (You can beat the dents out of aluminium cases with a rock!)
I have been using an old sissy bar mount T Bag lying flat on the tail for the past 10,000 miles. This was because I didnt care for how wide the aluminum cases are. Forget about the soft bags.Fugly. I like the sport hard bags especially since they require no additional hardware. I sport tour on pavement only. . I think that Iam sold after your informative video. Also leaves the tail clear for camping gear. Thanks Mike
Great video, thanks a lot! I wan't a cool, good looking two cylinder cruiser / crossover / tourer / adventure with storage for a xxl full face helmet and other stuff without a topcase but with sport tourer like side cases without big ugly steel frames behind. Harley Low Rider ST (think the ST price is very expensive), Pan America, Honda NT1100 (side cases are too small for the helmet), Honda 750X ("Tank"-case is too short for full face helmet) are on my list and it's hard to find informations about the original stylish side cases. Happy to find your video.
Nice thorough review. I wonder if a bead of silicone in the lid lips would help with water intrusion and firm up the wobbly closed position? Thanks for your unbiased reviews, and comedy.
I had added the sport cases in my purchase agreement but before they came in I changed to the soft bags. The soft bags asking with the mounting hardware is about the same price as the sport cases plus if I ever want the aluminum cases the hardware is already installed in the bike. My pan am is still in winter storage for another couple weeks so I can't say how the soft bags actually workout.
Great and very informative content. If you ever get your hands on the hard cases, even a loaner, please do a review just like this one. Thanks for sharing.
“Your rear end profile” 😂 Thanks for the video. I’m buying these and using my Pan American as a sport tourer and I agree about the Adv style boxes not looking very good.
Always excellent videos Mike. I’m looking to sell my RK and pick up a PA. It reminds me of a really nice upgrade to my late and lamented 2006 Buell Ulysses.
Nicely done. Especially the helmet storage. It’s a pity these don’t seem to really be up to snuff quality-wise, they look great, but for that money they should be waterproof.
My dealer did replace my left side case that was leaking and the new one is better. But still the overall quality/ fit and finish is not as high as I hoped.
I bought the Sport side cases and top box for my Pan Am and I'm quite happy with them. I wouldn't say they are as good as the H&B luggage that my Buell Ulysses came with but they are decent. While HD isn't exactly giving them away, they are cheaper than what it was going to cost to put side cases on the 2019 Z900RS that I traded for the Pan Am. I am never going off road so don't really worry about needing the more robust aluminum cases and I can't stand the look of either the cases or the brackets that are required to mount them. I'm used to having luggage that isn't waterproof, so I have all the bags and liners required to pack my stuff in so that wasn't even a consideration for me - YMMV. The instructions for keying the locks are terrible!!
Great review, they look great but nice to know of the issues with fit and finish. I went with the plainest soft bags I could find and at $170 won’t hurt my feelings if they get scuffed up in a tip over.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel I mounted rigg gear bags to the harley mounts. I like the look and the mounts provide even more crash protection for the muffler. The harley soft bags were tempting but the look all saggy even before they are loaded.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Hi Mike, I love your channel, nothing else like for PAS 1250. I contacted you about the Barkbusters, and now I was wondering how you got your motor black. I have never seen one before. I also have an Orange’21, and this bike has frustrated me more than any other bike I’ve owned. Software mostly, and the recalls. Now waiting for new headpipe because heat shield bracket broke. I found your channel mentioned on the Pan America online forum. The forum pointed out that the side stand bolts can back out. I checked mine, and one was 2/3 out, with no thread locker from the factory. Not my experience with Harley bikes
Beware the lock mechanism can jam. Also the lock barrels can come out. Harley replaced my original pair but the replacements have gone the same way after only using them twice. Still waiting for Harley to give me an answer.
I got these for the cost and looks. They worked great. Water and dust proof. That's where the story ends. Dropped the bike in some loose rocks and sand. The bag lifted up and broke the seat base. Had to plastic weld that because it's backed ordered until the end of time. The bag itself got scratched. Then the lock just started spinning around and would just pull out. I could not take it off the bike or open. I messed with it and was able to get it off the bike but not opened. I dropped it off at the dealer mid October where it sets waiting for the lock. They have to go through the steps of replacing the lock before they can warranty the bag for a replacement. Very frustrating to say the least. Before the lock went bad to keep the bags from getting ripped of during a crash I drilled a hole and put a pin in the lower support. It's frustrating that I could order new bags but the dealer can get parts to do warranty work. Come on Harley Davidson you got to do better at taking care of those that purchased bike and it accessories..
I’d be ok with the bags themselves if they mounted to something stronger on the bike. I’m waiting on a replacement left side case since mine leaks. But it’s only been a few weeks so far.
No issues with waterproofing. They do not like being dropped though. Key cylinder has issues for sure. After about 6 months the entire assembly just spun around and ended up locking me out of my side case. Warranty covered the replacement.
My bike came with the set and I'm glad I have them, but they are pretty cheaply constructed. I can't tolerate the aluminum case being so far off the bike on the right side.
The biggest surprise here was the sport cases are only 5" narrower than the aluminum panniers. Bestem makes fitted liners that are currently $35. Has anyone figured out what those aluminum rails are for? With only one on each case, I can only imagine they are for securing a duffle across the pillion seat in a way that makes the cases impossible to open.
In my opinion, the Sport Cases have only the following benefits - lower price compared to aluminum cases - more integrated, sport touring bike look - ability to be keyed to the same key as your bike - ability to leave them unlocked to be able to open and close them without a key The biggest issue with them is they are not robust / well made in my opinion. They feel like a low to medium quality aftermarket part and not typical of the quality I'd expect from something with the HD brand name on it.
Good video. I too like the look of these cases compared to the aluminum cases. Question for you, how wide are the handlebars on the Pan America? Are these cases wider than the hanlebars?
Yes, they are wider than the bars by a little bit. The bars ,actually measuring edge to edge on the hand guards as that is the widest point, measured about 37 inches.
Mine leak. They are a good idea, executed poorly. I wish wider crash bars were available, both front & rear. Not all of us go off road. Assembling the key lock cylinder was maddening. Then HD put a short how-to on their web site
UPDATE! Since filming this review my dealer has replaced my left side case under warranty. Pleased to report the new case passes the water proof test!
Mike, I have just purchased the cases, so it would be interesting to see if the part number has changed!
When I bought my Pan America, I felt like I would mainly (almost exclusively) ride on the road and this would be used more like a sport touring bike by me than an adventure bike. I’ve owned it now for about 2 months and have over 2K miles on it. I’ve not been off-road at all. In fact, I’ve only been down a dirt or gravel road once so far for a grand total of 1/4 mile. So, I bought the sport side cases. Now, I have not been in any real downpour yet, but they’ve held up good and look good and carry my stuff. So far I am pleased.
I’m going to go with these as well. How have your cases held up this last year?
@@loganurquhart11 very good. No problems.
Fantastic video - I am considering these cases and this answers all my questions. Thanks!
Be sure to also watch my Accessory Regret video to get additional thoughts on why I got rid of them too.
Thanks for the thorough review. I had considered buying them, but I'm having second thoughts, also given the Italy price of €1,163.00
I’ve since gotten rid of mine in favor of soft bags. They were ok, certainly could be better for the price.
Glad I went with the aluminum set and top case. Very pleased with the quality and don't mind the rugged look. It is and adventure bike, not a bar hopper.
You made a good choice. The sport cases were a disappointment.
Love the water test with the weatherman voiceover! Great video!
Good review, well made and clearly presented. These side cases are more for the guy who rides 2000 miles on the highway and 100 yards across the gravel car park to go "Glamping" at a managed resort. ( He tells the guys at work, that he went out in the back woods, dispersed camping when he gets back from the weekend.) A lovely product for sure and they do fit the bike properly. Aluminium cases are more for the guys who go on more serious adventures. (You can beat the dents out of aluminium cases with a rock!)
I have been using an old sissy bar mount T Bag lying flat on the tail for the past 10,000 miles.
This was because I didnt care for how wide the aluminum cases are. Forget about the soft bags.Fugly.
I like the sport hard bags especially since they require no additional hardware.
I sport tour on pavement only. .
I think that Iam sold after your informative video.
Also leaves the tail clear for camping gear.
Thanks Mike
I was the same way on soft bags too, but I do really like my Mosko bags now. Each has pros and cons though.
Great video, thanks a lot! I wan't a cool, good looking two cylinder cruiser / crossover / tourer / adventure with storage for a xxl full face helmet and other stuff without a topcase but with sport tourer like side cases without big ugly steel frames behind. Harley Low Rider ST (think the ST price is very expensive), Pan America, Honda NT1100 (side cases are too small for the helmet), Honda 750X ("Tank"-case is too short for full face helmet) are on my list and it's hard to find informations about the original stylish side cases. Happy to find your video.
Nice thorough review. I wonder if a bead of silicone in the lid lips would help with water intrusion and firm up the wobbly closed position? Thanks for your unbiased reviews, and comedy.
Thanks for sharing such detailed explanations, I can´t wait to this bike (and its accessories) to be launched here in Brazil at the end of this year!
I had added the sport cases in my purchase agreement but before they came in I changed to the soft bags. The soft bags asking with the mounting hardware is about the same price as the sport cases plus if I ever want the aluminum cases the hardware is already installed in the bike. My pan am is still in winter storage for another couple weeks so I can't say how the soft bags actually workout.
Excellent review - and it is unique as of this moment. Very well done! Thanks.
Great and very informative content. If you ever get your hands on the hard cases, even a loaner, please do a review just like this one. Thanks for sharing.
“Your rear end profile” 😂 Thanks for the video. I’m buying these and using my Pan American as a sport tourer and I agree about the Adv style boxes not looking very good.
I hope they work out better for you than they did for me.
Always excellent videos Mike. I’m looking to sell my RK and pick up a PA. It reminds me of a really nice upgrade to my late and lamented 2006 Buell Ulysses.
Excellent review!
Nicely done. Especially the helmet storage. It’s a pity these don’t seem to really be up to snuff quality-wise, they look great, but for that money they should be waterproof.
My dealer did replace my left side case that was leaking and the new one is better. But still the overall quality/ fit and finish is not as high as I hoped.
Awesome Entertaining Informative Review. Thanks.
I bought the Sport side cases and top box for my Pan Am and I'm quite happy with them. I wouldn't say they are as good as the H&B luggage that my Buell Ulysses came with but they are decent. While HD isn't exactly giving them away, they are cheaper than what it was going to cost to put side cases on the 2019 Z900RS that I traded for the Pan Am. I am never going off road so don't really worry about needing the more robust aluminum cases and I can't stand the look of either the cases or the brackets that are required to mount them. I'm used to having luggage that isn't waterproof, so I have all the bags and liners required to pack my stuff in so that wasn't even a consideration for me - YMMV.
The instructions for keying the locks are terrible!!
Which would you like to choose just top box or the side cases?
Great review, they look great but nice to know of the issues with fit and finish. I went with the plainest soft bags I could find and at $170 won’t hurt my feelings if they get scuffed up in a tip over.
I’ve been thinking of soft bags that don’t need a rack that I can toss on quickly for off road trips.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel I mounted rigg gear bags to the harley mounts. I like the look and the mounts provide even more crash protection for the muffler. The harley soft bags were tempting but the look all saggy even before they are loaded.
I use the dry bags for luggage, totally dry, compressible when not full. No damage on tip-over. Price is right. 😎🇺🇸
Agreed, love my soft bag setup that I've got now.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Hi Mike, I love your channel, nothing else like for PAS 1250.
I contacted you about the Barkbusters, and now I was wondering how you got your motor black. I have never seen one before.
I also have an Orange’21, and this bike has frustrated me more than any other bike I’ve owned. Software mostly, and the recalls. Now waiting for new headpipe because heat shield bracket broke.
I found your channel mentioned on the Pan America online forum. The forum pointed out that the side stand bolts can back out. I checked mine, and one was 2/3 out, with no thread locker from the factory. Not my experience with Harley bikes
Mike, very detailed presentation! Excellent.
Beware the lock mechanism can jam. Also the lock barrels can come out. Harley replaced my original pair but the replacements have gone the same way after only using them twice. Still waiting for Harley to give me an answer.
Great video Mike!
Excellent review, thanks.
I got these for the cost and looks. They worked great. Water and dust proof. That's where the story ends. Dropped the bike in some loose rocks and sand. The bag lifted up and broke the seat base. Had to plastic weld that because it's backed ordered until the end of time. The bag itself got scratched. Then the lock just started spinning around and would just pull out. I could not take it off the bike or open. I messed with it and was able to get it off the bike but not opened. I dropped it off at the dealer mid October where it sets waiting for the lock. They have to go through the steps of replacing the lock before they can warranty the bag for a replacement. Very frustrating to say the least. Before the lock went bad to keep the bags from getting ripped of during a crash I drilled a hole and put a pin in the lower support. It's frustrating that I could order new bags but the dealer can get parts to do warranty work. Come on Harley Davidson you got to do better at taking care of those that purchased bike and it accessories..
I’d be ok with the bags themselves if they mounted to something stronger on the bike. I’m waiting on a replacement left side case since mine leaks. But it’s only been a few weeks so far.
No issues with waterproofing. They do not like being dropped though.
Key cylinder has issues for sure. After about 6 months the entire assembly just spun around and ended up locking me out of my side case. Warranty covered the replacement.
I’m going to ask about a warranty replacement on my leaky case next time I’m at the dealer. Glad to hear you got your issues taken care of.
Thank You perhaps my next bike .
My bike came with the set and I'm glad I have them, but they are pretty cheaply constructed. I can't tolerate the aluminum case being so far off the bike on the right side.
The biggest surprise here was the sport cases are only 5" narrower than the aluminum panniers.
Bestem makes fitted liners that are currently $35.
Has anyone figured out what those aluminum rails are for? With only one on each case, I can only imagine they are for securing a duffle across the pillion seat in a way that makes the cases impossible to open.
There are hooks on the top of each case to secure something across the seat. The aluminum inserts are just decorative.
Excelent video!!
Got them, why? Easy to put on and take off! No ugly brackets when off.
Great video. I was thinking about those cases. Maybe not now :)
To be fair, the dealer is replacing my left side case due to the leaks.
The locks jammed on mine. Harley replaced them and they also failed.
@@alancousins846 I had one fail, they replaced the bag and I then got rid of them. A nice concept, but poor design.
I really prefer the looks of those over the aluminum. Is there any real functional difference?
In my opinion, the Sport Cases have only the following benefits
- lower price compared to aluminum cases
- more integrated, sport touring bike look
- ability to be keyed to the same key as your bike
- ability to leave them unlocked to be able to open and close them without a key
The biggest issue with them is they are not robust / well made in my opinion. They feel like a low to medium quality aftermarket part and not typical of the quality I'd expect from something with the HD brand name on it.
Good video. I too like the look of these cases compared to the aluminum cases.
Question for you, how wide are the handlebars on the Pan America? Are these cases wider than the hanlebars?
Yes, they are wider than the bars by a little bit. The bars ,actually measuring edge to edge on the hand guards as that is the widest point, measured about 37 inches.
bonjour
ou peut on acheter ces valises?
merci
should be able to order them at any Harley Davidson dealer
Mine leak. They are a good idea, executed poorly.
I wish wider crash bars were available, both front & rear. Not all of us go off road.
Assembling the key lock cylinder was maddening. Then HD put a short how-to on their web site
My dealer replaced my leaky one under warranty. The replacement is holding up well so far.
I've read reviews that. these bags leak, not waterproof.
My replacement case is holding up well so far as being waterproof.
The locks fail and you can't open bag to even get them off.
Yup. Had that happen and ditched them for soft bags.