Reviewing the Harley-Davidson 2021 Pan America 1250 - WOULD I BUY THIS?
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- Опубліковано 24 кві 2021
- Baldy just got back from the Mojave Desert at Harley-Davidson’s First Ride Event where he rode the 2021 Pan America 1250 adventure motorcycle for the first time. Baldy asks all the important questions, including seat height, suspension, the amazing new engine, the throaty exhaust and sound, brakes, electronics, luggage/racks, how it compares to the BMW 1250 GS, and ultimately decides if he would buy one.
Featuring fellow journos & friends Spurgeon Dunbar, Justin Dawes, Lance E. Jones, and legend speed record holder Erin Sills.
Live Blog of the Event: advrider.com/first-ride-and-r...
Join the ADVrider Community: advrider.com/f
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Music:
Lipsia by Sapajou / sapajoubeats
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
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![Would I REALLY buy the Harley-Davidson Pan America? [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VdFOPzL0UQE/mqdefault.jpg)
![Would I REALLY buy the Harley-Davidson Pan America? [4K]](/img/tr.png)
Thus far, this is the best video that covers the Pan America. Hands Down.
I thought this was pretty good, for a more in-depth review, watch the one Law Abiding Biker put out. Harley invited Ryan and Lurch to come ride these at Sturgis and Ryan really covered a lot too. I think you might like it.
You killed it Baldy!
I've seen a lot of videos, and most of them look pretty similar:
- Express early skepticism about Harley pulling this off
- Admit being wrong
- Talk about stonkin' motor!
- Describe bike features
- Talk about how it rides on/off road
- Talk about how it stacks up to competition
This is the first video I've seen that goes in-depth into the height of the bike (and super well done with that, Baldy!) with the various seat options, as well as digging in to some of the P&A offerings.
The explanation about the top case was fantastic! I thought I'd read about pretty much all there was to learn about this bike, to date, and that was definitely a new piece of information! Very cool!
Just a super well-done video! Congratulations, and THANK YOU for giving us something different!
Thanks! I knew the pro moto journalists would cover performance and specs well, so I decided to try and answer the questions we had gotten on the live blog about comfort, fit, etc.-more what everyday riders are focused on.
@@Baldy Mission accomplished, sir! 👍
You can't blame people being skeptical after the Street series, Livewire and all of their "new" motorcycles they were supposed to release.
@@robertp457 Not really sure what you mean? The Livewire has been available for sale for two years now, and the Street series has been available for sale since 2014.
I like how you conferred with your colleagues in the industry. Rarely seen, but a benefit to the viewer. Well done!
I have to admit I was a sceptic when the Pan American was announced, but it's clear that Harley thoroughly researched the market, figured out what they could do to differentiate the bike, and executed very well to bring a true contender to market. Pretty impressive considering the company has never built an adventure bike before.
Thought harley started with an adventure bike? Wasnt the first or 2nd bike they ever made an adventure bike?
KTM had never made an adventure bike either. ...then they made the 950.
I love that the most common comment about this motorcycle is exactly the same as yours; "I'm impressed for their first attempt"
this isn't abject failure, but it's not a success either. The fact that people are only "impressed for a first effort" is a testament to just how far away H-D still is from making affordable, desirable, marketable motorcycles for motorcycle enthusiasts.
This bike will never be successful. It's just bad philosophy. There is nothing about the company or the people behind it that lend itself to building motorcycles like these. ...and I'm not just talking about ADV bikes specifically, but any performance motorcycle made to a price point.
The reason the KTM is so good is because they are an off-road motorcycle company. The reason the GS is so good is because they have been refining and redesigning it for almost 40 years. So..maybe in 40 years this bike will be great, or maybe if H-D buys up (and dismantles) a few more dirtbike companies they'll learn what they need to...but I wouldn't hold your breath.
Jumping from a BMW to a Harley. I never thought I’d consider it...but here I am. Congrats HD!
Same for me . 1250 GS to the new HD special pan america
I'll be hanging onto the GSA for a while. This bike does look promising, but I'm always hesitant to get the first year of a new model before seeing if there's any issues that need to be corrected. That goes for every manufacturer, including BMW.
@@TimothyT230 It's a good trade off for valves that NEVER need adjusting and cheaper maintenance overall.
@@TimothyT230 yeah, I've owned plenty of them. Kawasaki Ninja 650R, Honda CBR 600RR, Ducati Panigale 899, etc. Why?
@@TimothyT230 oh I'm not switching any time soon, I'm just interested and looking forward to riding one of these. I have 2 BMWs right now, a 17 GSA and a 16 R nineT and I have no complaints about either of them.
Whoa this is by far the best Pan America video out right now. I love how it was shot and I get to see all my favorite journalists in one video give their highlights. I guess I don't expect anything less from ADVRider...
Really like this video format, especially the inclusion of other journalists' opinions. Good on you for having the HD reps explain some of the systems and features firsthand. This video is a cut above the others out there. Kudos.
I’ve watched a bunch of Pan America videos and this is the best one by a wide margin.
I'm not to sure about that. I'll have to think about it.
Definitely!
I concur
OK. I have never, ever, had an interest in any Harley, but this bike is seriously amazing. I hope that HD can let the design ideas and corporate direction of the PanAm drive the company. I'm looking for a new ADV bike and this one will get me into a HD shop.
Strangely enough, all the small things you covered e.g. accessories, were of great interest as no one else has mentioned them in any depth,.
just like harley to sell a bike with accessories probably needed/wanted ..
instead of just including them..
@@lonarbuckle9788 What other manufacturer includes tall and low seats, both spoke and cast wheels and luggage? Maybe you're just jaded against Harley?
I think they have a potential winner. Reliability will be the final exam.
and... how soon can they actually get them out. Went to my dealer, nothing till July/August for those who didn't pre-order.
I agree. I have to admit that as a long-time Kawasaki and BMW owner, I am very impressed with Harley’s engineering and attention to detail. If this engine is durable and reliable, they have a winner. I am not a real adventure rider, currently ride a K1200LT for long trips and KLR650 for backroad riding, but this engine looks like a great platform for a family of bikes. I’d love to see Harley build a luxury touring bike around the Revolution Max engine. They could give both Honda and BMW some real competition.
@@LTVoyager
Giving an engine engineering juggernaut like Honda is a pipe dream. BMW’s Boxer possibly.
@@roadglide Have you ridden the “new” Gold Wing? It is not an impressive redesign at all. Even though Honda had 6+ years to analyze BMW’s K1600 series, they came out with a bike that is 80 lbs heavier, has less power, has less range, is less comfortable, has smaller luggage capacity and has poorer suspension. My wife and I test road pretty much every possible successor to our aging LT and not captured our fancy. In the same summer (2018) we rode the Gold Wing, K1600GTL, K1600GA, and Yamaha Intercontinental. Each had its strengths, but none were a better all-around touring package than is our 2007 K1200LT. If Harley puts the same level of detail in a luxury touring bike design as they have in the Revolution Max 1250 engine, they could easily give both BMW (its 1600 bikes are getting long in the tooth) and Honda (its Gold Wing wasn’t even state of the art when released in 2018) some serious competition.
So much this! It's great that Harley is making a good first impression on the marketplace. If I recall correctly, so did the M8 (with its sumping and trans oil transfer issues), and the Twin Cam (with its cam bearing and cam chain tensioner issues). Let's see how the beta testers do with it for a year or so then see how good of a bike it is.
Wow, so happy that HD did this right- and with respectable pricing. Bravo!
What price were you quoted? I stopped by my local dealer and finally discovered that it was around $32,000 after I had to sit down and act like I was interested in purchasing it.
@@hdfbrider32 I have not gone shopping for any quotes... I assumed MSRP at $20k was the norm at dealers. It doesn't surprise me some HD dealers are being greedy and stupid. Hopefully most dealers are being reasonable cuz ADV bike competition is fierce.
Harley really hit a home run coming out of the dugout never playing the game in many many years.
I think it was really smart to mention the dealer network. Assuming every Harley dealer will work on this bike, in my town alone there are 3 dealers in a 20 minute radius. The closest BMW dealer is nearly 3 hours away. The local Ducati dealer is always in a state of new ownership, and the KTM dealers aren't any better.
Hey Jim, there is another dealer factor not mentioned here and that is the friendliness of the network itself. As an ADV rider I have utilized the Harley network for a decade and have received unanimous support from mechanics with long beards and more tattoos than a prison yard. Those guys made me feel WELCOME, even on a BMW GS or on a vintage Kawasaki sport bike. Sure, they gave me good-natured ribbing for my Aerostich, like anyone else does outside of a BMW rally, but they were friends. Harley has advantages and the ones I think of as insiders are a whole different, and better, breed than the stoplight wannabees we love to make fun of.
Yes! Your right, you throw a rock in any direction and hit a Harley Dealer. Plus Harley is pretty good about advanced training for the mechanics, or at least that's what I've been told.
As a prior service manager for HD, the real question will be whether the dealerships near you have mechanics who received the training necessary to work on this bike.
Having switched from a chain drive bike to a shaft drive bike several years ago, I don't think I ever want to go back to a chain drive.
The bike is impressive, and your video production quality is amazing!
Great video. Diffrent presentation. Brief and lots of info on the important stuff. I was not expecting you say you'll buy the HD. I can't wait for May!
Baldy - full stop your video is the best and most informative one I have seen come out of this demo weekend. I actually learned some things about the bike that I didn't catch just from reading the specs. Awesome work!
I agree, I love the style and flow!
He did a good job and it was all "just the facts, ma'am!" and the last minute or so made it clear where it sits in the overall market, and it sits in a good place!
The accessories part was a real value add...nice work. You’ve added a whole lot to the information about this bike. It’s looking more and more like this is going to be a huge success for Harley.
Of course, they could have put those upgraded footpegs, lights, and radiator shield on stock, but then they wouldn't have had anything to sell you post-sales. And that's not how HD works.
A really comprehensive vid. Well done. I loved hearing about all the detail touches. Clearly the designers put some love into this :)
I rode a Pan America. I definitely want one now.
Those final words are music to my ears.
I am so excited to ride this bike. Thanks for your review it means a lot!
Great job Baldy!!! Your videos have really gone Pro!!! Glad you like the bike!! It looks like a winner!!!
The best reviews Baldy... thanks for this.
Great video! Entertaining, fast pace. I've watched a few of this Pan America review videos from the press, and you've got the best one. Looks like Harley did pretty well with the bike too!
Great video. Best video so far that I have seen. Must take a testride after this when available in Europe.
Cool to see a bit behind the scenes. I like the direction Harley is going. Hopefully they keep branching out to new areas, as they will actually gain new riders.
Best video so far I've seen on the HD Panamerica. Great and really honest review.
so glad i found your videos today great information and now i’m sold on the day maker lights too.
Great Review! It certainly answers the most important questions any buyer will want to know.
Great review and video. Thank you!
Very nice video and the image quality is outstanding!
That was superb...thanks for the great review.
Way to go Harley-Davidson, very happy to see this innovation in their fleet and to the ADV segment. Good review Baldy.
Harley needed a win, and they got it. I still love my Road Glide, but I'm going to consider the Pan Am. It may come in handy for the coming Apocalypse.
Pretty amazing you put this ahead of the GS. Can't wait for my test ride next weekend!
Incredible, I’m amazed. I pray Harley does the same thing in a smaller /light weight platform. Make a big thumper or light weight 800 twin!
Great video. It's so useful to know at least the height, and if possible the inseam and weight, of the reviewers. I'm 6'4" with a long midsection, and that has a huge influence on my purchases. Good job!
You guys deserve more subscribers! Great video! I'm subbed. I'm spending my morning watching all the same videos from this same Pan America launch and I must say this is the best review thus far that I've watched. Keep makin' them and we'll keep watching.
ride safe,
Scott
Thanks Scott! I just watched your review of the Moto Guzzi V85. Oooo, I need one of those too.
I'm thinking about getting one of these. I'm of similar age and stature. This video was very helpful. You covered some specifics about options, ride height adjustments, risers, etc. that I haven't seen on any of the other reviews. Thanks for the great work.
Wow! Surprised and delighted to see this from the home team.
excellent video! wished for some more off-road footage and prefer seeing your eyes when you present. Thanks for killing it!
Hi Baldy, great stuff Harley killed it in there first entry to this segment.
I agree, that’s the most informative and well done video to date. I’ve been contemplating buying another bike, after this
Great review. I’ve never ridden an adventure bike. But I want one of these. Well done HD.
Best review of the Pan America I've seen so far.
What review?
Every new video teaches me about more features and options! Thanks for sharing this. I gave them a deposit as soon as they would take it. I sold my R1200GS and I’m impatiently waiting for my Pan Am 😁
@@TimothyT230 yes if you count a KLR650 with aluminum boxes. 😁 I got the Pan Am two days ago and I couldn’t be happier!
@@TimothyT230 my plan is to maintain the chain until it is time for replacement and then swap to that new diamond coated chain developed for BMW. They claim no lube, no wear, ever. Cost about $300. 😁
@@TimothyT230 here’s the story.
wonderfulengineering.com/bmws-new-industrial-diamond-coated-motorcycle-chain-would-not-require-any-maintenance/amp/
That was awesome and and walk the talk throughly enjoyed the clip..
Great review. You included off road experience and options. Also, you said why like or dislike. I'm not sure that this is the bike for me but its versatility is beginning to sell me more and more. Thanks.
I have been thinking how a self lowering seat could work for over 10 years. I am happy someone finally came up with the idea. Most dual sport bikes come with a 36"+ seat height. I lowered my KLR 650 2" and I still couldn't flat foot it at a stop sign. Great report and good information. My Ural does not matter for the seat height.
Fun to watch. Nice shades BTW 😎
great review guys,i really appreciate it
Great review!
Beautiful review and people! I would buy it too! 🏍🇨🇷 Best Wishes from Costa Rica
I WANT one!
Thank you for the most excellent video.
Good review. Sounds like a decent motorcycle. Glad Harley is getting into this market.
By far the best video I’ve seen of the Pan America. I have to say I would consider one but I think I may have to wait for the second year.
Phenomenal review!!
Great review amigo..., ride on👊🏼😎
Great video! I appreciate your rationale for buying the Pan America over the other competitors. Kudos to HD for coming out swinging for the fences! I'm sold too!
I just test road one last week. I don't plan to do any serious off-road riding, but sport touring is my thing. I'm sold! Working on the financial end and the availability of the Sport saddlebags and top box.
Great video! It was nice to hear that I'm not fooling myself...
Brutally honest review and a few little tidbits we didn’t know about. Harley really did do their homework
Amazing video!
My dad went there also. He enjoyed it. Said he constantly changes suspension settings because it was fascinating. Good video explaining things man
Great review ! Of all the reviews I've read or watched yours had way more info on options and accessories . As a Tiger 800 owner this bike has my attention .
Dont do it Bob! Tiger clan must stick together
Great video, Baldy!
Nice review Chris!!
I agree its a great bike👍.
Nice informative vid
thanks for showing.
They got almost everything right at the first try, very well done, Harley. This engine will power many new models for sure!
Great video!
Great review, thanks! Love the Zombie mural, too!
Nice to see they really thought through the ergonomics with the seat and bar options, in addition to the self-lowering suspension. And some reasonably good accessories available right out of the box.
Man thanks for the review
You really answered a lot of questions I had about this bike, especially since my local dealer sucks and they never know anything about tech specs.
Best video to date about the Pan-American
Nice job Chris! Never thought I'd be looking at a Hardley... until now.
Great bike review, appreciate your insights into this bike. I see that Harley Davidson has done their homework in making this a competitive bike for this market. They have a lot of accessory options which makes me think that HD wants to nickel and dime customers for options that should be standard but over all it seems like a new model and it looks pretty good.
Great review. Thanks.
Seems Harley has nailed it and you completely nailed it.Great review that answered my questions and more important,my wifes.
Enjoyed your video. I really like this Harley.
Good real world review Baldy. I have to admit, I never thought I'd like the Pan America. I currently own a R1250GSA and it's in no danger of getting replaced by the H-D. However, I sure like the Pan America and feel like H-D has gone above and beyond what most thought they could do in this segment.
Great review
Great presentation!
Best video I have seen so far.
Thanks! They’re sending one to my home in a couple of days to take my wife camping on and do another video. Can’t wait!
I have a waiting list of about 10 customers so far they want to see this bike should be any day now!
Thanks for the review. I have been waiting to see what real adventure riders think of this motorcycle and you are certainly a real ADV rider. It's too bad they charge extra for the low or tall seat rather than just giving the buyer the option. I also think it should have the radiator protection, skid guard, and wide pegs as standard since it is an ADV bike after all. I do understand that's how things work though and it helps keep the price of the bike down and other manufacturers do the same.
Subbed. Great review 👍
I am really starting to fall in love with this motorcycle. I've always wanted a USA made motorcycle and this is the first H-D I ever wanted.
What an excellent review. Not only does it look great, but it seems so well thought-out, so many great details. I really hope it will be a breakthrough success for Harley. If they made a model with less cc (something around 700-800), but with that same suspension system, I might be seriously interested. And those different seat options, too.
Great Review
Great info you can't find anywhere else!!
Good review. Coming from a GS and riding a 20 years old Harley I might buy a new Harley in the future😂
i want one! saw one at the dealer on saturday, even better in person.
Great review, I liked that you involved the H-D techs to demonstrate some of the features and accessories. I think Harley did a wonderful job of developing this bike, when it comes time to replace the Super Ténéré, if they haven’t killed it like they did the XR and the Buells it will probably be the bike I go with. Once again, great review and it really sounded like an impartial one.
I took a test ride after watching this video and I'm sold, to the point where I'm getting rid of my 1290 superduke gt for the PanAm, what a magical bike....just for reference I use to have a 2018 GS Rallye...👍 Great review 👍
A true test would be to load PanAmerica down with camping gear, drive it 500 miles on the freeway with a group of similarly loaded BMW, KTM and other adv bikes. Then immediately take them deep off road 50 miles into the boondocks to a wild campsite, pitch tents, kick back, make supper, and swap lies. Then come home the next day by a different route. No support vehicles or nannies. Take anything you want -- so long as you carry it on the bike. That would tell the tale. In fact, Harley-Davidson should challenge other makers to do the above!
Best Pan-America video by far!
Man that bike is the real:deal. It’s nice to see a rider (who are generally brand loyal) choose it over all others in that category. Honestly shocked 😮. Great review.
Informative and entertaining...