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The Harley-Davidson Pan America is one of our favorite adventure bikes on the market. Here's why.
Harleys are among the most popular motorcycles in the world, and the American brand has a reputation for building some of the finest motorcycles roaming our streets and highways. The first Harley from 1903 was practically a bicycle with a motor, and since they've crafted iconic motorcycles featuring their famous screaming V-twin engines. But Harley-Davidson hadn't ventured into the adventure touring segment in close to 120 years of existence. They produced an all-electric motorcycle, the Livewire, before giving their loyal fun base a purpose-built ADV. But the wait is over, and Harley has a new entry into the ever-growing bike category with the Pan America 1250.
Harley describes the Pan America as "a two-wheel multi-tool built to endure, designed to explore and engineered for adventure." That shows they have confidence in their newest product, although it's too early to get cocky in a genre dominated by the almighty BMW 1250GS. We doubt they want their baby compared to a bike with more than four decades of excellence on its resume. That the comparisons are coming in is a flattering compliment, although it leaves a lot to prove, and we think the Harley-Davidson Pan America has enough in its locker to earn respect among its peers. Here's why we love the Pan America.
There hasn't been a Harley like the Pan America before. Harleys are synonymous with cruisers and stylish street hooligans. But this time, they ripped apart the design-rule book and brought us their first-ever adventure touring bike. It is a new generation of rugged Harleys boasting the spirit of the iconic American off-road vehicles.
The Pan America comes with plenty of "I've never seen that on a Harley before" features, from the new engine, which acts as a structural member, to the large full-color touch display showing ride data, and GPS maps in place of the traditional rounded speedometer and tachometer.
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The V-twin engine configuration is one of the few features to stay true to the brand's DNA in the Pan America. But it is liquid-cooled, a feature only a handful of their bikes come with after its introduction in 2014. The powertrain designated Revolution Max pushes out 150 ponies and 94lb-ft of torque.
The engine is incredibly flexible and forgiving, with the independent Variable Valve Timing broadening the overall powerband and improving torque management. The power is copious, yet the bike has good manners.
The HD Pan America has loads of premium features to maintain control and comfort through the toughest environments. It is built from the ground up upon an endurance, exploration, and adventure foundation. The Special trim gets the electronic setup, including advanced technology, a ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, ABS, and Drag-Torque Slip Control.
Also, it comes with multiple ride modes, including Comfort, Balance, Sport, Off-Road Soft, and Off-Road Firm, all of which adjust power output and throttle response with a touch of a button, making it accessible for experienced riders and beginners.
The Pan America comes with Semi-Active-Suspension, which features electronically adjustable front and rear suspensions by SHOWA utilizing data from sensors on the bike. The suspension automatically controls damping according to the prevailing conditions and riding activity.
Also, a progressive system links the rear suspension with the swingarm and frame, providing a progressive feel through the stroke, thus maintaining a comfortable ride on the road and a high level of comfort and control across harsh conditions. Another system, the Vehicle Loading Control, senses the total weight of occupants and luggage and selects the optimal suspension sag by adjusting the rear pre-load accordingly.
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The HD Pan America feels highly refined, capable and intuitive in every detail. From the responsiveness of the Max powertrain to the low vibration even on full throttle and dull roar over the typically high-decibel exhaust.
The chassis electronics are also among the best in class and indicate Harley took their time to refine the Pan America.
The Adaptive Ride Height is arguably Harley's killer hook feature. It tries to fix one of the biggest issues with traditional ADV bikes. They are often tall and heavily loaded by nature, making them tippy when you stop. It is a big problem, especially for the short riders. The Adaptive Ride Height seeks to fix this by featuring three height options, quickly adjustable without needing tools.
Also, the ARH feature lowers the bike by two inches every time you come to a stop. The optional tall or short seat options to help you adjust seat height add the bike's accessibility to riders under 5'8".
Harley has also jumped on the increasingly common of having the engine as the main structural element instead of bolting to the frame. It results in a stiff and robust chassis resulting in neutral, stable handling.
In dirt conditions, the Harley-Davidson Pan America feels confident and planted and is well-balanced and controllable at low speed.
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Upon its release, the HD Pan America prompted mixed reactions towards its styling. The front end is as divisive as the new massive kidneys on new BMW cars. But it is unique and hasn't appeared on any bike before, making it stand out from the crowd.
The front end drew inspiration from the Road Glide's shark nose fairing with headlights similar to the Fat Bob. Also, it lacks the prominent beak or the high front fender you will traditionally find on many ADVs.
With the Enthusiast Collection initiative's launch, Harley aims to celebrate the diversity of the Harley-Davidson community in an annual series of special limited-edition bikes based on existing models that pay tribute to its loyal customers.
The Pan America 1250 Special and the Tri Glide Ultra receive the 2022 G.I Enthusiast Collection to honor members of the Harley community who have and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed forces. They come wrapped in stunning Mineral Green Denim Deluxe paint job with military livery and are a modern interpretation of the war-time military motorcycles.
RELATED: Big ADV Battle: Harley-Davidson 1250 Pan America Vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
Harley's new big boy faces great expectations as it enters a highly competitive segment with capable rivals. The BMW R1250GS has a long-standing pedigree being a descendant of excellent adventure tourers produced over four decades. Other rivals like the Triumph Tiger 1200 and the Ducati Multistrada bring cutting-edge innovation to wrestle with BMW's legacy.
Yet, the Pan American proves a worthy adversary on its first try. The rich selection of optional accessories makes it a multipurpose motorcycle capable of going head-to-head with anyone in the market.
Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.