What do you think? Should I sell the KLR and get a Pan Am? Don't forget to check out Cardo, use the code SPITE10 for 10% off your purchase! bit.ly/3IUZ1hM
really think about it, but I already know you are probably gonna do it anyway. If you can afford it, get the pan-am and have the motorcycle you really want. We all know you have a pan-am waifu body pillow that you keep on the dl
That's exactly why I believe in a mechanical motorcycle which can be fixed and maintained at home with some simple hand tools. Instead of a mechanical monstrosity of sensors and wires and specialty parts and tools which require extensive experience and knowledge to operate. I miss the days of mechanical motorcycles being the sole focus of the bike instead of the high-tech bullshit they're peddling on us by force these days. Suddenly all the carbureted bikes are being phased out for fuel injected bikes simultaneously. That's not a conspiracy I don't know what is.
I love my 22 pan am and I do agree motorcycles are freedom and adventure the fact that Harley Davidson man an off-road motorcycle made me jump at one yes can stuff go wrong with sensors yes it’s true it can but I’ve had mine dropped and crashed offroad and I was in some pretty deep woods in WV one hit was bad enough I thought I would have to restart the bike and all but it didn’t leave me stranded it did get back up and keep going but like I say really just need to ride it
@@kugangles9860 Absolutely, if you got the money, go for it. I don't have it and I'd gladly buy the KLR which I have to money to buy and more importantly TO DROP. Cause if you have an Adv that you want to ride on dirt, you're going to drop it. A lot. And HD replacement parts are reaaaally expensive. Trust me I have a Buell and I know that.
@@thierryfaquet7405 I can't see paying over $7,000 for any bike. For the amount of that Harley. I can have 4 motorcycles. I currently have 3 and still nowhere close to the HD price.
@@toddmichaels42 Where did I say that ? I said I will have way more fun on a Panam (or any big ADV really). Fun on a KLR is limited to easy dirt roads. As soon as you do anything else it's heavy, lack power and comes with all the drawbacks of a single cylinder engine. The KLR is such a bad package it's not even sold in Europe anymore... Sure you may not have the money to buy a 20k+ bike and that's life. But the KLR specifically is bad. It's obviously still a bike and you can still have fun with it. But I would never buy one even if I could (being EU).
"Why is there a 20 year lag time for Kawasaki" Meanwhile, they're comparing to a Harley. The company that has, until the Pan-Am, literally made the same motorcycle over and over again since their inception 😂
My gen 1 KLR is light at 415lb and makes 42 horsepower. They get slower with upgrades. In mud on a hill side, gentle power application is crucial. That soft KLR suspension is smooth on gravel roads. I drop mine all the time with no guards. It's dented but fine.
@@nooneimportant4335 I envy your strong back. I'm sure that thing is awesome. Fast and luxurious. I'm old, I need less than 400lbs if possible. There are lighter bikes, but that wide KLR seat and smooth ride are nice enough. I wish to fit an air shock on the rear. Then I could lower it like a chopper for the highway and air up off-road.
"Dented"...makes it faster...bolder...less theft prone... I love mine...in fact i.a gonna go outside and make it BETTER. IM GONNA KICK IT over a few times!!
I've watched Ryan at Fortnine try to destroy a KLR 650 - impressive what it will do. Even smashing a hole in the pan didn't stop it after a bit of JB Weld filled the hole
This is a genuine question. Did you snag Whitney from "he who shall not be named", or is she joining you from time to time? Love what direction you've taken the channel man! Keep up the good work!
Since YN made that “let him go” video with spite, I unsubscribed and haven’t watched a video of his since. (Fuck that douchebag) Spite landed on his feet and god bless this man🤩
My 2c, you can buy yourself one loaded pan-america, or you can buy three base klr's, and put two of your buddies on the spares, and go have some rad adventures with your friends.
@@alexv5581 i feel the same... i just dont think that for example the engineering you get is 3 times the invested money of a cheaper bike. There is no as much return..... i could get a tenere or a transalp and be as happy or happier.
@@coyotebrown2294 i agree.... but for motorcycles at mid 20-30k you can get suspersport bikes that i consider have way more return than what an adv bike offers. Thats true engineering. Adv bikes are way overhyped....
Each of the last three times I bought a new bike I spent less, and got I better bike each time. It's a point of pride for me. But I don't think I can do that again, unless there is a bike both better and cheaper than a Z900 SE.
Exactly the video I wanted to see! Having owned a KLR in the past and currently owning a PA I often wonder why. I could be just as happy with the KLR for my type of riding and have $14,000 more. But, the PA is fun!
@@MyWatchIsEnded Considering that the adventure touring motorcycles end up in Gen X and later hands, maybe. A really basic bike on a long road trip could create more rider fatigue. I know that putting on some music and having navigation can be very helpful so I'm not going to plain about it. If I wanted a motorcycle without those features I'd get a Honda CRF 450 Rally.
@@viperq I get it, threre is a reason why people call them a tractor. Considering that he used to clown on the entire ADV category at one point there seems to be a charge of opinion at some point. 🤣
I’ve ridden a KLR for a little over three years and absolutely love it. However, I have some friends with Harley’s and considered buying a PanAm when they first came out. At that time the Harley dealership simply didn’t want to sell it and kept pushing me to cruisers. Lately I’ve been doing considerably more off-road riding and I’ll stick with the KLR for the foreseeable future. It’s the perfect bike for a weekend warrior who actually goes off-road.
Seems every Pan America owner video I watched goes something like this "I love the reliability, it's been perfect except for X and Y that were replaced under warranty, oh and the time Z had to be replaced as well. Other than that, it's flawless. There is the ghost problem that keeps coming up but it's not a big deal, I'm sure the next software patch will fix it."
They're nice bikes for what they are. However I agree with you 110% on that statement. Another thing I notice a lot with these Pan Am Vids is that these guys compare power more than the off road capability.
I think Harley is headed in the right direction with the Pan America. It is undoubtedly a bike that had a ton of purpose and direction built into it. There are numerous rave reviews. It seems obvious that it was intended to compete with all of the “premium” big displacement ADV bikes currently available from numerous manufacturers. I don’t think the KLR was considered in the Pan America design. They are two very different bikes that in my opinion have completely different intended audiences. Both are excellent bikes but will certainly appeal to different riders with different riding styles. Excellent video! Keep up the excellent content.
I have them both. I love my 08 KLR650 for the simplicity and reliability it brings. The PanAmerica is a great bike and has many features but sometimes you just can't beat the KLR
Few things give me the joy of checking the performance of the videos on this channel and comparing them to that other channel. With a tenth of the subscribers. Spite, keep up the great work.
You could get both of the new Vstrom and Transalp for the Harleys price tag and to me they both look more interesting, more capable offroad and are far more customizable due to thier price tag. Pan America videos are getting kinda old, there are new and exciting bikes coming out but all the attention is focused on this glorified streetbike with some offroad capabilities.
Middle aged rider just returned to the sport. The KLR got me excited so I bought a 22 Pan Am Special. I was a "Never Harley" guy, came up through 90s sport bikes. Last bike was a cbr1100xx. No Regerts! The Pan Am is everything it's supposed to be and the Harley support is top notch.
Nice video! I'm a 2022 KLR 650 Adventure owner as well. It bubbles down to two things. Price and value. I'm new to Adventure riding and though I could have possibly afforded the Pan America I would have been more frustrated if I ate it (which I have a few times in the dirt) and hurt the bike, then with the KLR. The KRL is hands down the best starting bike. It's affordable and very giving on being able to learn the in's and out's of riding to get confident. My plan is to ride the KLR for a year or so, get some dirt and scratches on the bike, then trade it in for a Pan America so I can ride confidently in style 🙂
Great video guys. On point. While the KLR doesn't win outrigjt, the comment of "it will get the job done and you can go anywhere on it," was excellent. First time I've seen a video that has solid points on the Harley vs you get it cause it's a Harley.
Hey Spite, I camped across the creek from you at GetOn ADV Fest in SD. I had the tan 2022 KLR. I rode up from Grand Lake, CO with the orange Giant Loop bag. My bike did fine on the ride up but on the way back it was 100 deg F and the stock Dunlop K750 rear just melted at 85 mph. If I had the right tire pressure they may have been okay, but it was probably like 25 psi in the rear. I'm switching to Dunlop 606 front and TKC80 Rear (can't get a front) I have 7,000 miles on the bike and my riding this season will be jeep trails and two tracks. I live two miles from a National Forest access, yay Colorado. What I love about the KLR is loading it up with a weeks worth of camping gear and a yeti cooler and it not complaining. The thing is a tank at a cheap price. Love the Channel and keep up the good work. Wish you guys had more trails around you. I think you need to move your shop to the mountain west, and that's coming from a Bowie grad!
Today I tried the Pan America special because a full optional version with the luggage tris, comes waaay cheaper than a 1250gsa here in Milan I found it very nimble and light, comfortable, and the auto lowering is nuts, really effective
I've listened to most of Graham Field's audiobooks, world travelling on an old KLR650. In Turkey he wild camped, a load of tourist hot air balloons sailed overhead and he looked up at them in awe. I imagined being in a balloon and looking down onto a dirt bike, tent and rider situated in the scrub and how jealous I'd be of that guy compared to my 2 hour tourist trip.
Spite, where you say that the KLR is primarily a dirt road bike that can be ridden on the street I live on the coast in central Ca and we have many twisty canyon roads. I love the KLR on these twisty roads and secondly know I can take it off road and I do that but its pretty heavy but does get the job done. My other bike is a BMW R1200RT and it is my mile cruncher and very comfortable so for me I have the best of both worlds. I love the simplicity of my KLR, comfort and dependability and it was inexpensive.
I own a 2011 KLR, I've been beating on it for 12 years and 88,000 miles. I love that bike. I bought a 21 Pan America in June of 21. I've been beating on it for two years and 21,000 miles. I love that bike too. If I'm commuting to work, riding 100 miles to ride a dirt road or hauling my woman, it's PA all the way. If I'm going 50 miles, alone to camp, OR if I'm doing really tough trails, KLR is the bike. The KLR is simpler to work on. If the world ends and I need to escape, it'll be on the KLR.
That KLR will run forever and is bullet proof. The PanAm will require more Maintenace and expensive trips back to the dealer. That bike should be compared to a BMW GS not the KLR. I've ridden an older GS and absolutely loved it. I've been thinking of picking up a GS but I'm apprehensive with all the electronics. I don't doubt the PamAm is a great riding bike but I'd never buy an HD with all those electronics and technology.
Spite, with respect, you really aren't comparing a 40 hp bike at 1/3 the price to a 150 hp bike are you? You shouldn't. I get you like the PA as most of us would compared to a much more modest motorcycle...any much more modest motorcycle is the point.
@@wicklowjohn I actually get Spite's Harley fanboyism. He's a very big dude who likes a full size bike, lots of power and who doesn't like the nice an upright GS riding position? But comparing it to this 40 hp Kawwie is kinda of ridiculous. Yes, compare it to other big boy bikes like you suggest. I like Harleys because I like all motorcycles but also understand why $7K motorcycles exist, especially on Craigslist.
I just bought the pan american 1250 special and I LOVE IT! Its so comfortable, its very responive and fast on sport mode, Very comfortable on touring mode. I haven't used it off-road yet; but Im pretty sure it will be awesome too. The electronic suspension its magical because it drops a couple of inches when I turn on the bike and I can reach the floor with both feet. I'm 5'8" amd its perfect for my height.
Ryan F9 said of the KLR "I wouldn't take a (Ducati) Multistrata as far as Manitoba, but I'll ride a KLR to Mars". That's about as ringing an endorsement as any that I can think of.
I really like the Pan America. It represents a great direction for Harley Davidson and I ride a Road King. And I like the versatility of the adventure style motorcycle. So one day after our local dealer got a Pan America in for a demo model, I decided it was time to take one out. Problem was, as a relatively short rider, I could not sling a leg over its tall, wide chassis. And if I could not do that easily I just would not feel safe on this bike and it would likely not end up as an enjoyable bike to own or ride, and for 20 grand (plus add on for the luggage cases) I thought I could find a better way to spend my money. After my son bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, I had a look at their V85TT Adventure bike. It is a simple, air cooled 850cc V-twin engine in a modern framed nicely suspended sub 500 pound bike with shaft drive. Yes, it is tall but it is also narrow making it fairly easy to mount. While it does not make the power of the HD, it does make nice torque based power and is just plain fun to ride. It also comes with the trunk and side cases all for a bit over $13,000. The base model comes in almost a grand cheaper if you don't need the luggage. I just have to say how much fun it is to ride it. It is very comfortable over the road and do take it on dirt roads but for anything more off road challenging I would rather take out the dirt bike.
I agree with a comment below. I'm tired of comparison videos comparing things that are nothing alike. I'm sure in the near future we'll see a video comparing the KLR to a Ducati Penigale V4. It's not just you Spite. It's a lot of you tubers...
The Pan Am is just fantastic, it is definately worth getting the flagship Adventure bike. I just brought one, I've had a 1988 Lowrider Sport for 35 year, I come from a country/farm background, I've spent a lot of time on dirt and a lot of time in the mountains on bitumen, I did vintage motocross in the 1980-1990's on a 1974 Yamaha 400cc motocross bike, I've done track racing on a stripped and hotted up 1971 CB500 (modified to 600cc). I also love to ride sidecars, fast, on the road, in the rain and on the dirt. I have a sidecar I fit to the old hotted up Lowrider. I've been riding 45+ years, so I think I'm qualified to put my opinion out there. The Pan Am is an amazing bike, it will do dirt, mountain roads, fast roads, wet roads, touring and track. I don't think there is enough said about the Pan Am active suspension, it is like having multiple bikes in one, the difference between Sport, Road, Comfort, Dirt soft and Dirt firm, is just amazing, then there are the engine modes that go with them, it is just crazy that they Harley Davidson did an Adventure bike, it does everything you ever wanted, except from being an uncomfortable chopper, that is restricted in where it can go. I'm in Australia, we have a lot of country and dirt roads, I only got the bike 21 March 2023, it is the exact same one as in your video (note I hate the Orange, Blue and Yellow tank schemes). During run in, I did an highway trip for 300km, I was varying the revs, doing 110kph in 4th, 5th and 6th, slowing down and speeding up. I got 21km/lt, 4.8lt/100km or 59mpg, and the range was 438km for the 21 lt tank. The 1988 Lowrider is hotted up, it is as raw as the Pan Am on Sport mode (up to 7,000rpm), it only gets 14km/lt, 7lt/100km or 40mpg. The Pan Am is 40kg lighter than my old Lowrider, and I doubt an that rides a Pan Am, would not admit they enjoyed it.
We owned something comparable - two Yamaha XT 600 Es. We gave them away to a buddy, as they started to spunk around a little. After a thorough cleaning - still running without complaint. They took us all over the country (just Germany, but still...), and our buddy still goes with them everywhere he wishes. These things, if you maintain them, are practically immortal. The downside: no luxury, no electronics to speak off. But also nothing that you need a dealership to get repaired. Why we chose again simple Yamahas. The LCD display and electronic fuel injection plus ABS feel so high techy to us (ridiculous, I know). But no riding modes or other such things. I rode with my Tracer 700 all over our country on the German Autobahn. It was a blast and so much fun.
For me, Pan America is not even on the radar as an Adventure Bike. To me a more reasonable investment would be something like a Himalayian Royal Enfield for a sum of under $5000. Have ridden the KLR and a Royal Enfield, and they are very similar but the RE is apparently lighter and more nimble in the crap. The Pan Am is more of a road bike that can be forced into the dirt while the KLR is more of a dirt bike that can handle the highway if forced to.
Some people ask why compare the two. Makes sense to me. Should I pay cash for a klr or finance a panam? They are two different segments, but real world shoppers often compare things from different segments anyway
I just started riding last year and bought a 2014 Klr. It’sa great fit for my rural location and skill level. That being said, I sat on a Pan America special at the dealer and it quickly made its way onto my dream bikes list.
So, I currently own a R1250GSA, sold my Africa Twin to buy it, and sold my KLR to purchase that. I've ridden a Panamerica up at Tourtech in WA and I have to say, I don't understand why you bag on the GS. The PanAm is quick as balls, and the lowered seat height for shorter riders is a huge selling point! But would I sell my GS for it after riding it? No. So my challenge to you Jake and Whitney, should you ever find yourself in the PNW, hit me up! I want to give you my blessing to go flog my bike however you will!
Barring destruction of either bike by accident there is one thing certain. 50 years from now, that KLR will still be on the road long after the electronic HD PA monster is long dead in a land fill. Yes, the KLR is slow and you have no right to expect fast for the price of a KLR. $20,000 for a PA, I didn't become financially independent by throwing money around or borrowing to buy bikes. I had a KLR for 5 years and it was 100 percent reliable and I could count on it everywhere.
The most commonly missed factor about price in adventure bikes is that it's not so much about your ability to purchase it - it's about your *willingness* to really have fun with the bike. I mean, I could afford to buy a PanAm, but I wouldn't be comfortable really throwing it around offroad for fear of breaking it. Meanwhile, I'll ride my T7 with total disregard for its welfare because it's so sturdy, cheap and easy to fix. To me (for MY use case) the KLR isn't there. It's not fast and fun enough on road. My T7 though? Sure, while the KTM/GS/PanAm bros have faster bikes, but it's SUPER RARE to find riders of those bikes willing to push them faster than my T7 will go - I've no problem tearing up twisty mountain highways at 180kph. But with that said, if you're happy with the performance characteristics of the KLR, it absolutely allows you to just go to town and have fun without fear, it'll never die, and can be fixed with some flex tape and zip ties, and is even cheaper.
Thank you guys for really highlighting the different handling characteristics of bikes with 19 inch front wheels and 21 inch front wheels. If you want to have fun on the road, best to stick with 19 or smaller front wheels.
The HD is too expensive for 99% of owners to even try what a KLR owner would do. Look at these comments, tons of people talking about dropping an eight thousand dollar bike without a worry. At $20k those dings and chips in the paint are going to suck 3years into a 5 or 6year loan.
I want something I can comfortably cruise on all day and then play off road a little bit as well which is why I’m drawn to the HD but I have a special place in my heart for KLRs ❤️
I really don't want a humped to death KLR but a PA is too big and powerful for my skill level right now. Wish they would make a smaller displacement PA, like 750 or 883 if they really wanna go that route.
There is a good chance the PA is released with the 975 engine they are using in the Nightster this year. It is about 2/3 the power of the 1250. Also, if you have the money, don't panic about the power. I got the 1250 Sportster S and it almost got away from me on the first day so I dropped the power mode to "road" until I was comfortable. Six months later I put it back in sport and it stayed there. I ripped the throttle on a wet road while turning in "Sport" and I felt the traction control kick in one time. Even on the KLR, doing something that stupid would put you on the ground. The tech package can balance out your skills until you are more proficient.
I too hope that Harley Davidson continues putting out competent bikes in the ADV class. Something to compete with the T7 would be sweet!! Smaller displacement simplified tech and preferably a 21” front wheel.
If you don't have cruise control, that Atlas throttle lock on his KLR is the one to get. It's expensive as throttle locks go, but the on/off lever button switch is SO MUCH safer and easier to use at-a-moments-notice than the ones that require you to tighten or loosen them by twisting them on the bar end to "engage" or "disengage" them.
Rode the harley today...blinkers suck, quickshifter sucks, the and seat was not right for me. However. Its a beast on the highway and handles really well.
Believe it or not I cross shopped these 2 bikes. I thought I could get a PanAm and trade my Goldwing and ATV and replace both with one bike. But alas…dealer markup. I couldn’t find one anywhere under $25,000. And that’s with zero accessories! I bought a brand new KLR marked down for the same price as the dealer markup on a Pan Am!! Kept the Wing. Have 2 nice bikes. People brag about Harleys dealership network and Harley dealerships are the worst part about Harley for this reason alone! If that PanAm was so sought after to mark it up $8000 then why is it still sitting there 4 months later?
I'm looking at getting a bike and the klr seems like it will do everything I need. Decent on road, mild off road, simple and reliable. Not to mention you can get one for like 4-5k
The klr radiator does not get clogged with mud like the Pan am does , all that stuff behind the front wheel is in danger of damage , a good bike with a few flaws, the next version will be even better.
I understand all the comments about watching your money. I bought a 6 yr old bike recently. But I'm also a believer in remembering there is no time like the present. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Clearly you love the HD. Get it and have no regrets!
Alright I get it. You are in love with Harley and the PA...lol I do find it hard to understand your opinions vs the GS. Coming from being a Honda rider, when I test rode the PA then riding an Africa Twin AS, I was impressed with the PA, but not overwhelmed and when I rode the GSA , it was just better to me. And has comntinued to be now 22 k miles later, Just don't understand some of y'alls comments. Perplexed.
It’s a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge argument. Buy what your comfortable riding because ultimately that will get you out riding more and your far more likely to develop your skills on a bike that inspires confidence. I have a GSA because it just does what I want it to do. I do far more with it than most GS owners. I’m not going to say it’s perfect or the best at anything. I’ve ridden almost everything in the segment and I keep going back to my GSA, the others haven’t managed to convince me to make a trade. I ride with a group. There is a Pan Am, a KTM, Honda, and even some smaller dirt bikes. It’s fun to see what the different bikes can do. What I’ve learned is that it may require a different technique or line we all get through to the end of the same trails.
The Pan America really is awesome but i can't justify it here in denmark because offroading is illegal and the bike costs 50,000usd at the cheapest. I really want the KLR but it doesn't exist here either. I'll just have to stick with my nakedbikes.
Inexpensive, simple, purist motorcycling. Thats why I like what Royal Enfields doing, id say the KLR would be more my bag. PS RE are bringing out a 450 and 650 Himalayan soon, it will be interesting to see what they do with it but ive seen some spy pics of the 450 frame and it looks very Tenere 700-ish.
KLR has been the domain of real men for decades. Mine is lifted front and back and my seat +2". Nobody with less than a 36" inseam is riding off with my bike. I keep trying to justify extra bikes so I could loan one out but if I set them up for me nobody else can ride them. Get 14&17 tooth sprockets and an Eagle Mike prevailing torque nut and sprocket swaps take 15 minutes. Highway to swamp.
Kawasaki has a KLR 650S on their current Demo Days lineup. I rode it (because I have the shortest legs known to man!) and it was a fun bike to ride. It was the first time I could even consider this type of bike since it was shorter. If I got one, it would be pretty much for off roading (plenty of dirt trails and such here in San Diego area) since I already have a cruiser for running around town and long trips.
I do agree with Whitney on service. I took BMW and Triumph bikes off my list because it looked like I would be forced to go to the dealer sometimes for service.
The only thing that kept me from buying the Pan Am I physically saw was that the seat wasn't readily adaptable for me to sit halfway up the passenger seat. The KLR is the only bike out of the Showroom that I can relatively operate comfortably stock. The Honda Fury is surprisingly comfortable but I actually ride. M109 will probably be my next bike but a +3" seat will be my first purchase.
I recently took a Pan America on a demo ride and got a Charlie horse within the first mile because my long legs are not used to being tucked up so high. I did like the power. Still waiting on Kawasaki to let me do a demo on a KLR I'm kinda fancy to the KTM 390 Adventure.
When I started riding 20 years ago, I was told that "it's a matter of WHEN--not IF--I drop my bike". (Thankfully "when" hasn't come yet.) With adventure riding, I think that saying holds more water. Personally, I'm not sure that I'm willing to shell out an additional 12 grand on a bike that I know is probably going to get dropped. Add in all the electronics (which really don't like being jostled, or dumped in sand, water and mud), and I think I'll stick with the KLR.
Honestly, the PA isn't designed to go offroad. I think this video sums it up, its PERFECT - for riding 55 mph pavement to Sturgis. I don't think there are many people that are going to throw $20k+ at this planning on doing a BDR or anything more than a couple of miles on groomed gravel once or twice. I'm sure it's a hoot to ride and they will sell plenty to people that want to do that, but it's not an adventure bike unless your adventures are limited to pavement.
The most beautiful thing about the KLR is that the only thing I clean is the chain. The Gen 3 is an absolute disappointment. The KLR is the 4 cylinder CJ5 of motorcycles. The Pan Am is the Raptor.
$167 per month for the KLR vs $350 for the admittedly superior Pan America at 60 months plus the difference in full coverage insurance, for my income level there is only one choice (KLR).
All right. Fourteen minutes in you are marveling about Harley Davidson's proclivity for low seat heights? You just arrived from what planet? For me the big ADV bikes are simply touring bikes in Jeep drag. My two up touring bike, I bike my wife selected, is a 2004 Multistrada 1000, which I feel is a touring bike in supermoto drag. We liked it so much that we bought a used 2003 Multistrada for the five years that we lived in Europe. Our best ride in Europe you might ask? Corsica. Its like riding a paved enduro. The Tour de France went through there a while back that they repaved some of the roads for it. The place is awesome, except for the eastern beach areas.
I'm a novice who's rly new to the sport, so take this with a grain of salt. I think this comparison would be more meaningful if we were comparing the pan america to other top flight adv bikes. Like an offering from BMW, the tenere 700, and Ducati's latest offering. I think the original concept of this vid was examining whether people were missing out by settling on a less expensive adv bike, or whether the extra coin for the pan america was worth it. But it quickly devolved into the pan america show, as the hosts sort of conceded they were comparing a luxury g wagon to a bench seat Chevy pick up. Like, the comparison was so disparate their attention gravitated towards just lauding the pan am, bc y'all don't want to say that the klr is bad, it's just that the pan am is stunningly good. And at that point, it felt like the thesis evolved into asking whether the pan am is the best adv bike. And for that, I'd like to see it compared against other top of class competition, to properly set it's offering in the context of it's intended use case.
Lots of reviewers compare similar bikes. These comparisons of dissimilar bikes are fun and helpful. Besides, Spite and Whitney like to wing it with whatever they can find to ride. Great channel to hang out on.
Love my Pan America. Mad respect for the KLR as it's a proven platform though. My buddy's dad, my bud, and me rode all over Moab running trails and exploring for a week and other than having to put a quart of oil in his old KLR it was great. The PA is bigger and heavier, but it shocked me at how good it was off road. Coming from riding dirt bikes all my life to owning my first ADV I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the PA is NOT a dirt bike and you shouldn't expect it to handle like one. For what it is, it's DAMN good. Is it better than the KLR? Depends on what you wanna do. Is it more for your money than the KLR? Probably not because the price difference is insane. Do I regret the price tag of the PA? Hell no!
Think how cool it would be if Harley would release the Bronx. When I look at the Pan-America I can see the roots of the Bronx hiding in there. If you love riding the P-A, then imagine how much fun the Bronx will be. I don't like adventure bikes, so the P-A holds no charm for me, but the Bronx is right up my alley.
Lay-out request guys. You did really well in this vid, but most often you pay little attention to the suitability of bikes for dudes, chicks or guys, that are shorter than you two. (eg. I'm 5'8") Because, whereas all the other features are plus and minus ticks for brownie points, the seat height (or adjustability thereof) can be the black and white, can consider buying or can not even consider buying, feature of the bike.
Nothing beats the bulletproof, jack of all trades, master of none, KLR. Maybe get the PanAm if you are a delicate pampered princess who enjoys the fancy fluffy stuff, and if you like having your wallet drained by the Harley executives. It's a good bike but I would never pay into their price gouging. I enjoy the raw ride experience and reliability of my KLR anyways, so to me it's a no brainer for the price ($4k for a 2015 model with less than 3k miles when I bought it in 2018)
Just bought an eMtb that cost more than my KLR and have lots of fun on both. Wouldn't get the same fun from a flagship bike that costs 3-5 times more than my two toys.
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What do you think? Should I sell the KLR and get a Pan Am? Don't forget to check out Cardo, use the code SPITE10 for 10% off your purchase! bit.ly/3IUZ1hM
try out 1290 super ADV 1st
really think about it, but I already know you are probably gonna do it anyway. If you can afford it, get the pan-am and have the motorcycle you really want. We all know you have a pan-am waifu body pillow that you keep on the dl
@@AddumEnied I second this. I would buy a KTM adventure bike over a Pan Am.
Keep the KLR & Sell some Cardo to get the PanAm.
@@1wesleydb sell the KLR and buy a 990 adventure.
To me motorcycles are about freedom.
High price tags with high payments are the opposite of freedom.
That's exactly why I believe in a mechanical motorcycle which can be fixed and maintained at home with some simple hand tools. Instead of a mechanical monstrosity of sensors and wires and specialty parts and tools which require extensive experience and knowledge to operate.
I miss the days of mechanical motorcycles being the sole focus of the bike instead of the high-tech bullshit they're peddling on us by force these days. Suddenly all the carbureted bikes are being phased out for fuel injected bikes simultaneously. That's not a conspiracy I don't know what is.
I love my 22 pan am and I do agree motorcycles are freedom and adventure the fact that Harley Davidson man an off-road motorcycle made me jump at one yes can stuff go wrong with sensors yes it’s true it can but I’ve had mine dropped and crashed offroad and I was in some pretty deep woods in WV one hit was bad enough I thought I would have to restart the bike and all but it didn’t leave me stranded it did get back up and keep going but like I say really just need to ride it
💯
High price tags are relative… I think the Pan America is a bargain for what you get and for Harley.
Yup, I paid cash for my 2022 KlR650 Adventure. I could NEVER dream of paying cash for a new Harley Davidson ANYTHING.
I’ll take the KLR and the ability to actually pay my bills lmao
Totally agree. Who wouldn't want the Pan America, but I have a lot of other stuff to pay for too.
Well if it's something that you can't afford yeah, it's dumb to buy it. For others that can afford it, why not?
@@kugangles9860 Absolutely, if you got the money, go for it. I don't have it and I'd gladly buy the KLR which I have to money to buy and more importantly TO DROP. Cause if you have an Adv that you want to ride on dirt, you're going to drop it. A lot. And HD replacement parts are reaaaally expensive.
Trust me I have a Buell and I know that.
@kugangles9860 even if I could afford it , probably still wouldn't, Harley is very overrated lol
Yeah, but is it slow?
To even compare these 2 bikes rationally is a compliment to Kawasaki.
👌
Can't argue with that!
“The KLR650: it never complains.” Pretty sure that was its slogan sometime in the 90’s. Great bike.
Ultimately, a KLR is a third the price. For that, it took me all over the country last summer, including highways.
And yet I would definitely pay 3 times more and have fun doing it.
@@thierryfaquet7405 I can't see paying over $7,000 for any bike. For the amount of that Harley. I can have 4 motorcycles. I currently have 3 and still nowhere close to the HD price.
@@thierryfaquet7405 Rather take a bike and a massive trip over an expensive bike if it is either or.
@@thierryfaquet7405
Why do you think the KLR isn't fun?
@@toddmichaels42 Where did I say that ? I said I will have way more fun on a Panam (or any big ADV really).
Fun on a KLR is limited to easy dirt roads.
As soon as you do anything else it's heavy, lack power and comes with all the drawbacks of a single cylinder engine.
The KLR is such a bad package it's not even sold in Europe anymore...
Sure you may not have the money to buy a 20k+ bike and that's life. But the KLR specifically is bad.
It's obviously still a bike and you can still have fun with it. But I would never buy one even if I could (being EU).
"Why is there a 20 year lag time for Kawasaki"
Meanwhile, they're comparing to a Harley. The company that has, until the Pan-Am, literally made the same motorcycle over and over again since their inception 😂
@PeterAngles-ks9fp still whining about harley eh? Here's a thought. Don't get one and STFU about it.
My gen 1 KLR is light at 415lb and makes 42 horsepower. They get slower with upgrades. In mud on a hill side, gentle power application is crucial. That soft KLR suspension is smooth on gravel roads. I drop mine all the time with no guards. It's dented but fine.
Idk man I’ve had my pan am in some deep shit and it’s more capable then you think
@@nooneimportant4335But how would you feel if you dropped it?
@@mogthemoogle_160 I have dropped it multiple times
@@nooneimportant4335 I envy your strong back. I'm sure that thing is awesome. Fast and luxurious. I'm old, I need less than 400lbs if possible. There are lighter bikes, but that wide KLR seat and smooth ride are nice enough. I wish to fit an air shock on the rear. Then I could lower it like a chopper for the highway and air up off-road.
"Dented"...makes it faster...bolder...less theft prone...
I love mine...in fact i.a gonna go outside and make it BETTER.
IM GONNA KICK IT over a few times!!
The PanAm is the perfect ADV to go to Starbucks. The KLR is the perfect ADV to get the raw ingredients for Starbucks
Get the KLR for the price and it works…. The fun is not with the bike but the journey
Disagree. There is fun with more power.
Agreed, power isn't everything for most seasoned people
I've watched Ryan at Fortnine try to destroy a KLR 650 - impressive what it will do. Even smashing a hole in the pan didn't stop it after a bit of JB Weld filled the hole
This is a genuine question. Did you snag Whitney from "he who shall not be named", or is she joining you from time to time?
Love what direction you've taken the channel man! Keep up the good work!
That would be some drama lol
@kunoyang ohhh yeah haha. I haven't kept up with his channel much since they split ways, so I'm truly curious.
She does both channels with no problems.
Whitney is active in both channel even though I no longer watch the Y
Since YN made that “let him go” video with spite, I unsubscribed and haven’t watched a video of his since. (Fuck that douchebag)
Spite landed on his feet and god bless this man🤩
Nice. Litterally buying a klr 650 this week so perfect timing in the video.
My 2c, you can buy yourself one loaded pan-america, or you can buy three base klr's, and put two of your buddies on the spares, and go have some rad adventures with your friends.
The KLR - the AK-47 of bikes.
I would give that title to the Royal Enfield Himalayan
Spot on bro 😂
Guess I’m a reverse snob, when motorcycles get much over $10,000 I lose interest in them. Simple and relatively cheap are huge pluses to me.
Then you're missing out on excellent engineering
@@alexv5581 i feel the same... i just dont think that for example the engineering you get is 3 times the invested money of a cheaper bike. There is no as much return..... i could get a tenere or a transalp and be as happy or happier.
@@trailrider1980 Yep in guns, cars, motorcycles, everything I guess “Diminishing Returns” kicks in pretty quick.
@@coyotebrown2294 i agree.... but for motorcycles at mid 20-30k you can get suspersport bikes that i consider have way more return than what an adv bike offers. Thats true engineering. Adv bikes are way overhyped....
Each of the last three times I bought a new bike I spent less, and got I better bike each time. It's a point of pride for me. But I don't think I can do that again, unless there is a bike both better and cheaper than a Z900 SE.
Exactly the video I wanted to see! Having owned a KLR in the past and currently owning a PA I often wonder why. I could be just as happy with the KLR for my type of riding and have $14,000 more. But, the PA is fun!
Wait until it fails.
Ride what fits you and fits how you ride.
What I find amusing is that Spite used to clown on BMW guys for simping and now he’s a Pan Am simp. 😂
I'll admit the pan am is a nice bike but is extremely overpriced. Simps for high-tech equipment is always the norm in this "iPad generation".
@@MyWatchIsEnded Considering that the adventure touring motorcycles end up in Gen X and later hands, maybe. A really basic bike on a long road trip could create more rider fatigue. I know that putting on some music and having navigation can be very helpful so I'm not going to plain about it. If I wanted a motorcycle without those features I'd get a Honda CRF 450 Rally.
LOL he still hates BMW boxer engines.
@@viperq I get it, threre is a reason why people call them a tractor. Considering that he used to clown on the entire ADV category at one point there seems to be a charge of opinion at some point. 🤣
I’ve ridden a KLR for a little over three years and absolutely love it. However, I have some friends with Harley’s and considered buying a PanAm when they first came out. At that time the Harley dealership simply didn’t want to sell it and kept pushing me to cruisers. Lately I’ve been doing considerably more off-road riding and I’ll stick with the KLR for the foreseeable future. It’s the perfect bike for a weekend warrior who actually goes off-road.
Time to get Whitney on a Tuareg 660, Transalp 750 and a Africa Twin. Make it happen Spite. 😉
Or at least off the pavement.
Bump
Seems every Pan America owner video I watched goes something like this "I love the reliability, it's been perfect except for X and Y that were replaced under warranty, oh and the time Z had to be replaced as well. Other than that, it's flawless. There is the ghost problem that keeps coming up but it's not a big deal, I'm sure the next software patch will fix it."
They're nice bikes for what they are. However I agree with you 110% on that statement. Another thing I notice a lot with these Pan Am Vids is that these guys compare power more than the off road capability.
I think Harley is headed in the right direction with the Pan America. It is undoubtedly a bike that had a ton of purpose and direction built into it. There are numerous rave reviews. It seems obvious that it was intended to compete with all of the “premium” big displacement ADV bikes currently available from numerous manufacturers. I don’t think the KLR was considered in the Pan America design. They are two very different bikes that in my opinion have completely different intended audiences. Both are excellent bikes but will certainly appeal to different riders with different riding styles. Excellent video! Keep up the excellent content.
I have them both. I love my 08 KLR650 for the simplicity and reliability it brings. The PanAmerica is a great bike and has many features but sometimes you just can't beat the KLR
I have the best of both. A 2003 KLR and a 2022 Pan America Special.
I also work six days a week .
No regrets though
Few things give me the joy of checking the performance of the videos on this channel and comparing them to that other channel. With a tenth of the subscribers. Spite, keep up the great work.
Ngl these reviews of bikes with you and Whitney talking on the road are my favs.
You could get both of the new Vstrom and Transalp for the Harleys price tag and to me they both look more interesting, more capable offroad and are far more customizable due to thier price tag.
Pan America videos are getting kinda old, there are new and exciting bikes coming out but all the attention is focused on this glorified streetbike with some offroad capabilities.
Transalp 750s aren't sold in the U.S. yet.
Middle aged rider just returned to the sport. The KLR got me excited so I bought a 22 Pan Am Special. I was a "Never Harley" guy, came up through 90s sport bikes. Last bike was a cbr1100xx. No Regerts! The Pan Am is everything it's supposed to be and the Harley support is top notch.
This is me and the reassurance I needed lol getting my Pan Am Saturday, just sold my sports bike last week and also started this considering a KLR 😎
Nice video! I'm a 2022 KLR 650 Adventure owner as well. It bubbles down to two things. Price and value. I'm new to Adventure riding and though I could have possibly afforded the Pan America I would have been more frustrated if I ate it (which I have a few times in the dirt) and hurt the bike, then with the KLR. The KRL is hands down the best starting bike. It's affordable and very giving on being able to learn the in's and out's of riding to get confident. My plan is to ride the KLR for a year or so, get some dirt and scratches on the bike, then trade it in for a Pan America so I can ride confidently in style 🙂
I had the forerunner, a 1985 KLR 600 and it was an excellent motorcycle.
Whitney and Spike = RUclips magic. But...yadda, yadda, yadda,...please (Harley) just give me a Bronx.
My klr made great trade in fodder for my pan America, best thing I ever decided to do.
Great video guys. On point. While the KLR doesn't win outrigjt, the comment of "it will get the job done and you can go anywhere on it," was excellent. First time I've seen a video that has solid points on the Harley vs you get it cause it's a Harley.
Hey Spite, I camped across the creek from you at GetOn ADV Fest in SD. I had the tan 2022 KLR. I rode up from Grand Lake, CO with the orange Giant Loop bag. My bike did fine on the ride up but on the way back it was 100 deg F and the stock Dunlop K750 rear just melted at 85 mph. If I had the right tire pressure they may have been okay, but it was probably like 25 psi in the rear.
I'm switching to Dunlop 606 front and TKC80 Rear (can't get a front) I have 7,000 miles on the bike and my riding this season will be jeep trails and two tracks. I live two miles from a National Forest access, yay Colorado. What I love about the KLR is loading it up with a weeks worth of camping gear and a yeti cooler and it not complaining. The thing is a tank at a cheap price. Love the Channel and keep up the good work. Wish you guys had more trails around you. I think you need to move your shop to the mountain west, and that's coming from a Bowie grad!
Today I tried the Pan America special because a full optional version with the luggage tris, comes waaay cheaper than a 1250gsa here in Milan
I found it very nimble and light, comfortable, and the auto lowering is nuts, really effective
Love my klr, would like better highway performance and cruise control but not gonna shell out another 12k for a pan am. Might buy a used africa twin.
I've listened to most of Graham Field's audiobooks, world travelling on an old KLR650. In Turkey he wild camped, a load of tourist hot air balloons sailed overhead and he looked up at them in awe. I imagined being in a balloon and looking down onto a dirt bike, tent and rider situated in the scrub and how jealous I'd be of that guy compared to my 2 hour tourist trip.
Spite, where you say that the KLR is primarily a dirt road bike that can be ridden on the street I live on the coast in central Ca and we have many twisty canyon roads. I love the KLR on these twisty roads and secondly know I can take it off road and I do that but its pretty heavy but does get the job done. My other bike is a BMW R1200RT and it is my mile cruncher and very comfortable so for me I have the best of both worlds. I love the simplicity of my KLR, comfort and dependability and it was inexpensive.
I own a 2011 KLR, I've been beating on it for 12 years and 88,000 miles. I love that bike. I bought a 21 Pan America in June of 21. I've been beating on it for two years and 21,000 miles. I love that bike too. If I'm commuting to work, riding 100 miles to ride a dirt road or hauling my woman, it's PA all the way. If I'm going 50 miles, alone to camp, OR if I'm doing really tough trails, KLR is the bike. The KLR is simpler to work on. If the world ends and I need to escape, it'll be on the KLR.
That KLR will run forever and is bullet proof. The PanAm will require more Maintenace and expensive trips back to the dealer. That bike should be compared to a BMW GS not the KLR. I've ridden an older GS and absolutely loved it. I've been thinking of picking up a GS but I'm apprehensive with all the electronics. I don't doubt the PamAm is a great riding bike but I'd never buy an HD with all those electronics and technology.
Spite, with respect, you really aren't comparing a 40 hp bike at 1/3 the price to a 150 hp bike are you?
You shouldn't. I get you like the PA as most of us would compared to a much more modest motorcycle...any much more modest motorcycle is the point.
I was thinking it would be nice to compare the PanAm against the GS, AfricaTwin and Transalp. Far to much Harley fanboy
@@wicklowjohn I actually get Spite's Harley fanboyism. He's a very big dude who likes a full size bike, lots of power and who doesn't like the nice an upright GS riding position? But comparing it to this 40 hp Kawwie is kinda of ridiculous. Yes, compare it to other big boy bikes like you suggest.
I like Harleys because I like all motorcycles but also understand why $7K motorcycles exist, especially on Craigslist.
I just bought the pan american 1250 special and I LOVE IT! Its so comfortable, its very responive and fast on sport mode, Very comfortable on touring mode. I haven't used it off-road yet; but Im pretty sure it will be awesome too. The electronic suspension its magical because it drops a couple of inches when I turn on the bike and I can reach the floor with both feet. I'm 5'8" amd its perfect for my height.
I’d take the Harley to a coffee shop, or maybe cars and coffee, but I’d take the KLR around the world.
Ryan F9 said of the KLR "I wouldn't take a (Ducati) Multistrata as far as Manitoba, but I'll ride a KLR to Mars". That's about as ringing an endorsement as any that I can think of.
I really like the Pan America. It represents a great direction for Harley Davidson and I ride a Road King. And I like the versatility of the adventure style motorcycle. So one day after our local dealer got a Pan America in for a demo model, I decided it was time to take one out. Problem was, as a relatively short rider, I could not sling a leg over its tall, wide chassis. And if I could not do that easily I just would not feel safe on this bike and it would likely not end up as an enjoyable bike to own or ride, and for 20 grand (plus add on for the luggage cases) I thought I could find a better way to spend my money. After my son bought a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, I had a look at their V85TT Adventure bike. It is a simple, air cooled 850cc V-twin engine in a modern framed nicely suspended sub 500 pound bike with shaft drive. Yes, it is tall but it is also narrow making it fairly easy to mount. While it does not make the power of the HD, it does make nice torque based power and is just plain fun to ride. It also comes with the trunk and side cases all for a bit over $13,000. The base model comes in almost a grand cheaper if you don't need the luggage. I just have to say how much fun it is to ride it. It is very comfortable over the road and do take it on dirt roads but for anything more off road challenging I would rather take out the dirt bike.
I agree with a comment below. I'm tired of comparison videos comparing things that are nothing alike. I'm sure in the near future we'll see a video comparing the KLR to a Ducati Penigale V4. It's not just you Spite. It's a lot of you tubers...
The Pan Am is just fantastic, it is definately worth getting the flagship Adventure bike. I just brought one, I've had a 1988 Lowrider Sport for 35 year, I come from a country/farm background, I've spent a lot of time on dirt and a lot of time in the mountains on bitumen, I did vintage motocross in the 1980-1990's on a 1974 Yamaha 400cc motocross bike, I've done track racing on a stripped and hotted up 1971 CB500 (modified to 600cc). I also love to ride sidecars, fast, on the road, in the rain and on the dirt. I have a sidecar I fit to the old hotted up Lowrider. I've been riding 45+ years, so I think I'm qualified to put my opinion out there.
The Pan Am is an amazing bike, it will do dirt, mountain roads, fast roads, wet roads, touring and track. I don't think there is enough said about the Pan Am active suspension, it is like having multiple bikes in one, the difference between Sport, Road, Comfort, Dirt soft and Dirt firm, is just amazing, then there are the engine modes that go with them, it is just crazy that they Harley Davidson did an Adventure bike, it does everything you ever wanted, except from being an uncomfortable chopper, that is restricted in where it can go.
I'm in Australia, we have a lot of country and dirt roads, I only got the bike 21 March 2023, it is the exact same one as in your video (note I hate the Orange, Blue and Yellow tank schemes). During run in, I did an highway trip for 300km, I was varying the revs, doing 110kph in 4th, 5th and 6th, slowing down and speeding up. I got 21km/lt, 4.8lt/100km or 59mpg, and the range was 438km for the 21 lt tank. The 1988 Lowrider is hotted up, it is as raw as the Pan Am on Sport mode (up to 7,000rpm), it only gets 14km/lt, 7lt/100km or 40mpg. The Pan Am is 40kg lighter than my old Lowrider, and I doubt an that rides a Pan Am, would not admit they enjoyed it.
How much was it?
We owned something comparable - two Yamaha XT 600 Es. We gave them away to a buddy, as they started to spunk around a little. After a thorough cleaning - still running without complaint. They took us all over the country (just Germany, but still...), and our buddy still goes with them everywhere he wishes.
These things, if you maintain them, are practically immortal. The downside: no luxury, no electronics to speak off. But also nothing that you need a dealership to get repaired.
Why we chose again simple Yamahas. The LCD display and electronic fuel injection plus ABS feel so high techy to us (ridiculous, I know). But no riding modes or other such things. I rode with my Tracer 700 all over our country on the German Autobahn. It was a blast and so much fun.
For me, Pan America is not even on the radar as an Adventure Bike. To me a more reasonable investment would be something like a Himalayian Royal Enfield for a sum of under $5000. Have ridden the KLR and a Royal Enfield, and they are very similar but the RE is apparently lighter and more nimble in the crap. The Pan Am is more of a road bike that can be forced into the dirt while the KLR is more of a dirt bike that can handle the highway if forced to.
Some people ask why compare the two. Makes sense to me. Should I pay cash for a klr or finance a panam? They are two different segments, but real world shoppers often compare things from different segments anyway
Price is the number one comparison shopping..nobody cross shops these two....
I just started riding last year and bought a 2014 Klr. It’sa great fit for my rural location and skill level. That being said, I sat on a Pan America special at the dealer and it quickly made its way onto my dream bikes list.
I have a 2008 Electra Glide Classic and i love it . living in Vermont with dirt roads around every turn, love my 2022 KLR
On my 53 y/o l turned to a 2008 KLR 650 from 1300/1600cc cruiser touring bikes.Simple reliable.Less it have more l get.
Next on Completely Different Bikes for Different Riders - Kawasaki Concours vs. HD Street 500.
So, I currently own a R1250GSA, sold my Africa Twin to buy it, and sold my KLR to purchase that. I've ridden a Panamerica up at Tourtech in WA and I have to say, I don't understand why you bag on the GS. The PanAm is quick as balls, and the lowered seat height for shorter riders is a huge selling point! But would I sell my GS for it after riding it? No. So my challenge to you Jake and Whitney, should you ever find yourself in the PNW, hit me up! I want to give you my blessing to go flog my bike however you will!
Barring destruction of either bike by accident there is one thing certain. 50 years from now, that KLR will still be on the road long after the electronic HD PA monster is long dead in a land fill. Yes, the KLR is slow and you have no right to expect fast for the price of a KLR. $20,000 for a PA, I didn't become financially independent by throwing money around or borrowing to buy bikes. I had a KLR for 5 years and it was 100 percent reliable and I could count on it everywhere.
All these Pan Am videos are just Spite trying to convince himself to go through with buying a Pan Am for himself, doooo eeeeet!
I'm the anti-Doohickey Thermo Bob guy, I purposely bought the 22 Traveler to prove everyone wrong, we shall see :)
The most commonly missed factor about price in adventure bikes is that it's not so much about your ability to purchase it - it's about your *willingness* to really have fun with the bike. I mean, I could afford to buy a PanAm, but I wouldn't be comfortable really throwing it around offroad for fear of breaking it. Meanwhile, I'll ride my T7 with total disregard for its welfare because it's so sturdy, cheap and easy to fix.
To me (for MY use case) the KLR isn't there. It's not fast and fun enough on road. My T7 though? Sure, while the KTM/GS/PanAm bros have faster bikes, but it's SUPER RARE to find riders of those bikes willing to push them faster than my T7 will go - I've no problem tearing up twisty mountain highways at 180kph.
But with that said, if you're happy with the performance characteristics of the KLR, it absolutely allows you to just go to town and have fun without fear, it'll never die, and can be fixed with some flex tape and zip ties, and is even cheaper.
Thank you guys for really highlighting the different handling characteristics of bikes with 19 inch front wheels and 21 inch front wheels. If you want to have fun on the road, best to stick with 19 or smaller front wheels.
The HD is too expensive for 99% of owners to even try what a KLR owner would do.
Look at these comments, tons of people talking about dropping an eight thousand dollar bike without a worry.
At $20k those dings and chips in the paint
are going to suck 3years into a 5 or 6year loan.
I want something I can comfortably cruise on all day and then play off road a little bit as well which is why I’m drawn to the HD but I have a special place in my heart for KLRs ❤️
The Gen 3 is all day comfortable out of the box
Whitney on this channel is gold, she seems so natural and a great addition!
Keep up the good work guys, ride safe ✌🏼
I'm gonna be the bad guy with this take.... I have no problem with her insight or opinions, but her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me.
I really don't want a humped to death KLR but a PA is too big and powerful for my skill level right now. Wish they would make a smaller displacement PA, like 750 or 883 if they really wanna go that route.
There is a good chance the PA is released with the 975 engine they are using in the Nightster this year. It is about 2/3 the power of the 1250. Also, if you have the money, don't panic about the power. I got the 1250 Sportster S and it almost got away from me on the first day so I dropped the power mode to "road" until I was comfortable. Six months later I put it back in sport and it stayed there. I ripped the throttle on a wet road while turning in "Sport" and I felt the traction control kick in one time. Even on the KLR, doing something that stupid would put you on the ground. The tech package can balance out your skills until you are more proficient.
@@MrEiniweini Or, just don't rip the throttle on a wet road.
@@hopkinsfamily1891 I thought I covered that by calling it a stupid move in my post. But thank you for your non-input.
I too hope that Harley Davidson continues putting out competent bikes in the ADV class. Something to compete with the T7 would be sweet!! Smaller displacement simplified tech and preferably a 21” front wheel.
The KLR is exactly the opposite of the PanAm: Reliable.
Great video. KLR vs Himalayan next
If you don't have cruise control, that Atlas throttle lock on his KLR is the one to get. It's expensive as throttle locks go, but the on/off lever button switch is SO MUCH safer and easier to use at-a-moments-notice than the ones that require you to tighten or loosen them by twisting them on the bar end to "engage" or "disengage" them.
Rode the harley today...blinkers suck, quickshifter sucks, the and seat was not right for me. However. Its a beast on the highway and handles really well.
Believe it or not I cross shopped these 2 bikes. I thought I could get a PanAm and trade my Goldwing and ATV and replace both with one bike. But alas…dealer markup. I couldn’t find one anywhere under $25,000. And that’s with zero accessories! I bought a brand new KLR marked down for the same price as the dealer markup on a Pan Am!! Kept the Wing. Have 2 nice bikes. People brag about Harleys dealership network and Harley dealerships are the worst part about Harley for this reason alone! If that PanAm was so sought after to mark it up $8000 then why is it still sitting there 4 months later?
I'm looking at getting a bike and the klr seems like it will do everything I need. Decent on road, mild off road, simple and reliable. Not to mention you can get one for like 4-5k
The klr radiator does not get clogged with mud like the Pan am does , all that stuff behind the front wheel is in danger of damage , a good bike with a few flaws, the next version will be even better.
I understand all the comments about watching your money. I bought a 6 yr old bike recently. But I'm also a believer in remembering there is no time like the present. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Clearly you love the HD. Get it and have no regrets!
I just got back from a day trip to eureka springs today 🙂 Love that little town!
Alright I get it. You are in love with Harley and the PA...lol I do find it hard to understand your opinions vs the GS. Coming from being a Honda rider, when I test rode the PA then riding an Africa Twin AS, I was impressed with the PA, but not overwhelmed and when I rode the GSA , it was just better to me. And has comntinued to be now 22 k miles later, Just don't understand some of y'alls comments. Perplexed.
It’s a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge argument. Buy what your comfortable riding because ultimately that will get you out riding more and your far more likely to develop your skills on a bike that inspires confidence.
I have a GSA because it just does what I want it to do. I do far more with it than most GS owners. I’m not going to say it’s perfect or the best at anything. I’ve ridden almost everything in the segment and I keep going back to my GSA, the others haven’t managed to convince me to make a trade.
I ride with a group. There is a Pan Am, a KTM, Honda, and even some smaller dirt bikes. It’s fun to see what the different bikes can do. What I’ve learned is that it may require a different technique or line we all get through to the end of the same trails.
The Pan America really is awesome but i can't justify it here in denmark because offroading is illegal and the bike costs 50,000usd at the cheapest. I really want the KLR but it doesn't exist here either. I'll just have to stick with my nakedbikes.
that satin green color is fire... looks good in pictures/vids, looks amazing in person.
Inexpensive, simple, purist motorcycling.
Thats why I like what Royal Enfields doing, id say the KLR would be more my bag.
PS RE are bringing out a 450 and 650 Himalayan soon, it will be interesting to see what they do with it but ive seen some spy pics of the 450 frame and it looks very Tenere 700-ish.
Agree. And I hope RE doesn't ruin the Himalayan by chasing the crowded midsize adv market.
A comparison between GS and PanAm will be freakin awesome.
Spite doesn't like any BMW bikes so unlikely we would get an objective review
One more pan am video and I calling it, I have ZERO interest in a Harley Pan Am simp channel.
KLR has been the domain of real men for decades. Mine is lifted front and back and my seat +2". Nobody with less than a 36" inseam is riding off with my bike. I keep trying to justify extra bikes so I could loan one out but if I set them up for me nobody else can ride them. Get 14&17 tooth sprockets and an Eagle Mike prevailing torque nut and sprocket swaps take 15 minutes. Highway to swamp.
I still can't believe that these bikes cost the same as what a good midsize sedan did about 10 years ago.
KLR all day.
Kawasaki has a KLR 650S on their current Demo Days lineup. I rode it (because I have the shortest legs known to man!) and it was a fun bike to ride. It was the first time I could even consider this type of bike since it was shorter. If I got one, it would be pretty much for off roading (plenty of dirt trails and such here in San Diego area) since I already have a cruiser for running around town and long trips.
I do agree with Whitney on service. I took BMW and Triumph bikes off my list because it looked like I would be forced to go to the dealer sometimes for service.
The only thing that kept me from buying the Pan Am I physically saw was that the seat wasn't readily adaptable for me to sit halfway up the passenger seat. The KLR is the only bike out of the Showroom that I can relatively operate comfortably stock. The Honda Fury is surprisingly comfortable but I actually ride. M109 will probably be my next bike but a +3" seat will be my first purchase.
I recently took a Pan America on a demo ride and got a Charlie horse within the first mile because my long legs are not used to being tucked up so high.
I did like the power.
Still waiting on Kawasaki to let me do a demo on a KLR
I'm kinda fancy to the KTM 390 Adventure.
Oh man you guys coordinated t-shirts with bike paint! So awesome!
I love my KLR, if I had to buy a tourer I would love the PANAM! It would be great to have a tour that went off road (;{~
When I started riding 20 years ago, I was told that "it's a matter of WHEN--not IF--I drop my bike". (Thankfully "when" hasn't come yet.)
With adventure riding, I think that saying holds more water. Personally, I'm not sure that I'm willing to shell out an additional 12 grand on a bike that I know is probably going to get dropped. Add in all the electronics (which really don't like being jostled, or dumped in sand, water and mud), and I think I'll stick with the KLR.
Honestly, the PA isn't designed to go offroad. I think this video sums it up, its PERFECT - for riding 55 mph pavement to Sturgis. I don't think there are many people that are going to throw $20k+ at this planning on doing a BDR or anything more than a couple of miles on groomed gravel once or twice. I'm sure it's a hoot to ride and they will sell plenty to people that want to do that, but it's not an adventure bike unless your adventures are limited to pavement.
If you’re not dropping your bike from time-to-time you’re probably not riding hard enough off-road.
@@canoequest2 Considering that I ride an old police bike, I don't offroad.
The most beautiful thing about the KLR is that the only thing I clean is the chain. The Gen 3 is an absolute disappointment. The KLR is the 4 cylinder CJ5 of motorcycles. The Pan Am is the Raptor.
I love my KLR, Pan Am is great but i just don't have that kind of money.
It's not worth the headache honestly. Your bike will stand the test of time. As for the Pan Am I wouldn't be so sure. Harley is too late to the game.
$167 per month for the KLR vs $350 for the admittedly superior Pan America at 60 months plus the difference in full coverage insurance, for my income level there is only one choice (KLR).
All right. Fourteen minutes in you are marveling about Harley Davidson's proclivity for low seat heights? You just arrived from what planet?
For me the big ADV bikes are simply touring bikes in Jeep drag. My two up touring bike, I bike my wife selected, is a 2004 Multistrada 1000, which I feel is a touring bike in supermoto drag. We liked it so much that we bought a used 2003 Multistrada for the five years that we lived in Europe. Our best ride in Europe you might ask? Corsica. Its like riding a paved enduro. The Tour de France went through there a while back that they repaved some of the roads for it. The place is awesome, except for the eastern beach areas.
I'm a novice who's rly new to the sport, so take this with a grain of salt.
I think this comparison would be more meaningful if we were comparing the pan america to other top flight adv bikes. Like an offering from BMW, the tenere 700, and Ducati's latest offering.
I think the original concept of this vid was examining whether people were missing out by settling on a less expensive adv bike, or whether the extra coin for the pan america was worth it. But it quickly devolved into the pan america show, as the hosts sort of conceded they were comparing a luxury g wagon to a bench seat Chevy pick up. Like, the comparison was so disparate their attention gravitated towards just lauding the pan am, bc y'all don't want to say that the klr is bad, it's just that the pan am is stunningly good.
And at that point, it felt like the thesis evolved into asking whether the pan am is the best adv bike. And for that, I'd like to see it compared against other top of class competition, to properly set it's offering in the context of it's intended use case.
Lots of reviewers compare similar bikes. These comparisons of dissimilar bikes are fun and helpful. Besides, Spite and Whitney like to wing it with whatever they can find to ride. Great channel to hang out on.
These two bikes compete like a electric scooter vs a lawn mover. There is very little overlap in the P.A. and KLR markets
Love my Pan America. Mad respect for the KLR as it's a proven platform though. My buddy's dad, my bud, and me rode all over Moab running trails and exploring for a week and other than having to put a quart of oil in his old KLR it was great. The PA is bigger and heavier, but it shocked me at how good it was off road. Coming from riding dirt bikes all my life to owning my first ADV I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the PA is NOT a dirt bike and you shouldn't expect it to handle like one. For what it is, it's DAMN good. Is it better than the KLR? Depends on what you wanna do. Is it more for your money than the KLR? Probably not because the price difference is insane. Do I regret the price tag of the PA? Hell no!
Think how cool it would be if Harley would release the Bronx. When I look at the Pan-America I can see the roots of the Bronx hiding in there. If you love riding the P-A, then imagine how much fun the Bronx will be. I don't like adventure bikes, so the P-A holds no charm for me, but the Bronx is right up my alley.
"The bionic flowers of the future" Spite and Whitney gold!
KLR sounds more like Himalayan, I think that'd be a good comparison.
Lay-out request guys.
You did really well in this vid, but most often you pay little attention to the suitability of bikes for dudes, chicks or guys, that are shorter than you two. (eg. I'm 5'8")
Because, whereas all the other features are plus and minus ticks for brownie points, the seat height (or adjustability thereof) can be the black and white, can consider buying or can not even consider buying, feature of the bike.
Nothing beats the bulletproof, jack of all trades, master of none, KLR. Maybe get the PanAm if you are a delicate pampered princess who enjoys the fancy fluffy stuff, and if you like having your wallet drained by the Harley executives. It's a good bike but I would never pay into their price gouging. I enjoy the raw ride experience and reliability of my KLR anyways, so to me it's a no brainer for the price ($4k for a 2015 model with less than 3k miles when I bought it in 2018)
Harleys are for people that can afford them. If you work at taco bell, you'll never afford one.
The pan am starts at the equivalent of 25k USD in Australia or 35k Australian that's a lot to play with offroad
Gota pay to play
Just bought an eMtb that cost more than my KLR and have lots of fun on both. Wouldn't get the same fun from a flagship bike that costs 3-5 times more than my two toys.