HUGE DIFFERENCE. Be careful 'till your used to it. The boxer is pretty gentle and forgiving, much better than other bikes, but you are going to absolutely love it! Such a huge upgrade.
I met Jeff on the road. He was very eccentric on his thoughts and review plan with this bike. He bought me a bag of lays Potatoe chips and a soft drink and explained that he really likes this bike even know it is rough around the edges as he said. He then explained how functionally this bike was. He said he loves the v-twin and tracks with a real purpose. he liked using the massive Lucious horsepower and justified the speeding tickets he obtained from this review. He was thinking of ditching the cops but decided it may not be the best idea. This bike has the best of the best tolls for safety and reliability. I can keep going if you would like. The pan America is an eager bike that likes to hang out on fire roads and such. It also is very confident and can brake on a dime. It works beautifully and stable. Have a nice day. Thanks jeff.Oh jeff had to hang his legs in a safe place as he explains in the video
I owe you a huge apology. You are 100% correct. I cannot turn off the ABS except in Enduro Pro, and in that mode, you can only turn it off partially. Love your videos
Still riding my 2021 and loving it. Reliability and after sales support - I have to say that the dealership I purchased from and another closer shop have been responsive to warranty claims, I've had a new engine and starter solenoid. I have the noisy fuel pump and will probably try a 3rd party option and fit myself. Honestly, that's pretty much it. All the original promotional materials were correct, this bike is everything H-D promised. I looked at everything else and would have loved a KTM or Ducati, but I couldn't get the trade-in on my previous Ultra Limited, so when the Pan America came out, I took the plunge. Long distance riding - I'm going to confess that I'm not comfortable taking it too far without keeping a H-D shop reasonably close. Next year I'm doing a 9 day ride with some fellow H-D touring guys, but like many others they ride a lot slower than I like, so in theory mine won't be labouring much. I did do a three day ride up in AR with some of the local Ducati guys and I didn't have any problem keeping up, the Pan America has all the horse power you need to kill yourself. Thanks for your review.
As far as H-D’s claim of being “first” with their Pan America Special suspension, that was specifically in reference to the Adaptive Ride Height, which they were absolutely the first. Otherwise, you’re correct that semi-active electronic suspensions have been around for a while now. Ducati would later announce a similar functionality to ARH in their Multistrada, but it only dropped the rear of the bike by manipulating preload, where the Pan Am lowers the front and rear suspension with bladders of a sort that are separate from the preload, rebound, and damping functionality of the suspension. I own a 2022 PanAm Special, but I’m not a H-D fanboy. However, I’ll give them their due on those super-rare occasions when they do manage to innovate in a meaningful way.
@lloydfuller331 Peter is on every harley thread whining and complaining. I don't think he's ever owned a harley or any bike for that matter. I think his daddy was a harley guy and left him when he was younger. So now, in his mind, harley and anyone that owns one is the devil. Lol.
My 11th HD was a PAS 21. Rode it for a year and 16.000 km. Had all the issues in the book but never once a word or a peep from HD. Apart from recall letters that is. So rider experience? Allso lost a bundle on it when I traded it in for a 22 R1250GS but completely satisfied on the reliability and customer experience side now. Hope for all the fans, like I was, they'll get it right one day but 'till than....
I ended up doing the same thing (5000 miles). When the bike worked, it was a fantastic hooligan machine, but the constant codes, CELs, and limp mode that couldn't be sorted out after 6mos was too much. I took a bath and am now the happy rider of an R1250GS Adventure.
I’m sorry for you bud. Sounds like we had a very similar experience. I so wanted this to work. But like a toxic girlfriend eventually you just have to let it go.
Similar experience here, tried to make it work with a 21 and a 22 PA, and like a toxic relationship you miss the fun but definitely not the bad times! So glad to have it out of my life, took a 6k bath on it to be rid of it but so worth it, no more HD junk for this guy.
Glad to see this info and observations on the new 2023 model. The 10K miles review was perfect for one who is getting interested in a PA if/when the electronic bugs and a few "rough edges" get smoothed out. Looking forward to more and I'm subscribed!
I rode the PAS when it was introduced. What a fun exciting motorcycle. I almost bought one but had a bad dealer experience so I passed. As it turned out I’m glad I didn’t get one given all the teething issues these have had. I found the TFT to be too small, and I didn’t like having to use the HD app to connect to your music and mapping. There were a few other small quirks. The fun factor while riding the PAS is 10+. Hopefully, they’ll figure it out.
You dodged a bullet not buying a PA! I've had a 21 and a 22, both were giant turds and I am so thankful to have them out of my garage! HD lost a lifelong customer with me over the abortion called the Pan America
@dmac5497 that's too bad. I bought a 22 with 640 miles on it. If the guy had waited a little longer, he would have found that most issues were addressed with a new battery and some software updates. Relocating the radiator hose, etc,,. It's been fantastic for me so far. I was fortunate that the first guy loaded it up with everything possible, and I saved a good deal of money.
@bobcob3362 lol I had two of those turds a 21 and a 22, I did refresh after refresh, upgraded the battery, exhaust, radiator hose etc, all the known issues and still had many many more issues! Those bikes are fun when they run, but all in all overpriced junk that HD rushed to market, I tried to love the bike but fell out of love quickly when both of them left me stranded repeatedly and spent more time on a trailer to the dealer than in my garage, sorry not drinking the HD kool-aide ever again, the 22 was my 9th and last HD.
@dmac5497 I'm sorry to hear that. I'm still waiting to see for myself. Granted, I haven't put many miles on it yet, but it's been a great ride for me so far. I traded my 2012 ultra for it. Had that one since new. A little too old to hold up a 1k lb. bagger anymore. Only put 11k miles on it. But it had its issues, too. Bad fuel pump wiring, leaking stator, leaking shifter gasket, and a couple other small issues. My Japanese bikes? Much more reliable. I have a kawasaki versys sitting next to the PAS. I already anticipate problems with the HD. Hey, it's an HD. Lol. But it's a fun bike with more tech and a better riding experience than my versys. From where I sit, which probably isn't everyone, I'm always prepared for the worst. To me, the experience is the joy. Having some issues won't bother me. I'm retired and have the time and money to just except it, and enjoy it no matter what. HD is a crappy bike in a reliability comparison to almost any other. You and I both know that. HD is a mediocre bike with a big dealer network. That has an appeal in itself. And you'll need it. Lol. My 2 cents is this, if you can't afford the complete package harley offers ( repairs included,) , don't get one.
@bobcob3362 pure unadulterated garbage, I spoke with an engineer at HD that was deeply involved with the Pan America project, his words not mine " there are those that have had problems and those that will have problems with the Pan America "
I have a '22. The first bike was replaced entirely under warranty. The replacement bike still had lots of problems, but I put a lot of miles on it because I *hope* that what I break under warranty (VVT wiring had a short in it - currently in the ship for clutch, stator and fuel pump) will all break while the motorcycle is still under warranty. Still, it's my favorite bike I've ever ridden, including numerous extended test rides of other brands. My second favorite is the BMW GS 750 (yes, 750, which I like better than the 850) and third favorite has to be the Low Rider ST. For adventure bikes, every time I get on one I just think 'but it's still not as good as the PAS" - there is always something missing that, emotionally or praticality, just misses ticking all the boxes for me. I haven't tried the Tenere 700 World Rally yet, but the base model feels cheap and weak in comparison.
Have one also love the bike but just lost the front cylinder no compression 3000km on it Dealer is picking it up from my house next week for repairs I am lucky to have an awesome dealership they let me use their demo Pan America no hesitation Still my favourite Harley to ride
I've been real disappointed since the street fighter concept got thrown out that would have had this engine. I don't see myself replacing my 07 Dyna but I keep trying to get hard bags on it. The aftermarket mounts for factory dresser bags fit but the position of the shocks is problematic so no bags mounted. After that I ended up wanting to try out something different and picked up a 94 VFR for $900 with 50k+ miles. The trans is wearing out and all the plastics are falling apart with broken mounts held together with gorilla tape. But it's one of the best bikes I've ever ridden and I think it sounds great. Only bikes I could see replacing it would be a Hayabusa or a ZX14. I've been keeping my eye on the Pan America because of the engine and setup. I'm 6' 3" but don't like forward controls. It sounds like this would be close to my VFR but hearing it's not got much in the low range surprises me since my VFR has power everywhere from 3k up to 11k. I hope I can get free time for a test ride on one of these.
HD does have a quick shift. And just like everything HD, you have to buy it over the parts counter. I think it should be included in the price. New models are classic bold new graphics upgrades. Nothing new and could be improved quite a bit by: Redesigning the windscreen mechanism and using a wind screen with no distortion. Handlebars can have more offset to bring them back and in a position closer to the bar-seat-peg dimensions of the BMW. Lower the foot pegs a bit to give a little more leg room and make standing sitting an easier transition (Don't have to stand up out of a deep squat). Put a real side stand on the bike that works independently of the rear stand and offer a retrofit kit. Increase the leverage ratio of the rear stand. For all the marketing crap for smaller/lighter riders, the leverage ratio on the rear stand is so poor that anyone less than 160lbs is going to have the also pull up on that crappy rear luggage rack/frame Put a rear stand lift handle on the left side of the bike Increase the sturdiness of the rear rack On the aftermarket side, they can offer lower ratio counter-shaft and drive sprockets to gain better low-end, low speed drivability. We all know this bike hates and mostly can't idle around with the stock gearing, lower gears may help, and it's limited to 135MPH so lower gearing is not going to harm that.
It looked like you had the seat in the low position no wonder you had not enough leg room? And the PAS was the first bike to have automatic ride height get your facts right please!
Harley Davidson has not listened to the customers at all, the same waste pump in both the 23 and 24 year model, the warranty has expired on many and HD has left the customers with an expensive replacement they have to pay for themselves, if Harley Davidson were serious they would have made a recall.
Just bought a 2021 with 2k miles! I’m pumped. Will be here next week! Coming from a KLR650 I’m kinda nervous. Will be super different in power.
HUGE DIFFERENCE. Be careful 'till your used to it. The boxer is pretty gentle and forgiving, much better than other bikes, but you are going to absolutely love it! Such a huge upgrade.
I met Jeff on the road. He was very eccentric on his thoughts and review plan with this bike. He bought me a bag of lays Potatoe chips and a soft drink and explained that he really likes this bike even know it is rough around the edges as he said. He then explained how functionally this bike was. He said he loves the v-twin and tracks with a real purpose. he liked using the massive Lucious horsepower and justified the speeding tickets he obtained from this review. He was thinking of ditching the cops but decided it may not be the best idea. This bike has the best of the best tolls for safety and reliability. I can keep going if you would like. The pan America is an eager bike that likes to hang out on fire roads and such. It also is very confident and can brake on a dime. It works beautifully and stable. Have a nice day. Thanks jeff.Oh jeff had to hang his legs in a safe place as he explains in the video
I owe you a huge apology. You are 100% correct. I cannot turn off the ABS except in Enduro Pro, and in that mode, you can only turn it off partially. Love your videos
No worries here I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing the feature!!
Still riding my 2021 and loving it.
Reliability and after sales support - I have to say that the dealership I purchased from and another closer shop have been responsive to warranty claims, I've had a new engine and starter solenoid. I have the noisy fuel pump and will probably try a 3rd party option and fit myself.
Honestly, that's pretty much it.
All the original promotional materials were correct, this bike is everything H-D promised. I looked at everything else and would have loved a KTM or Ducati, but I couldn't get the trade-in on my previous Ultra Limited, so when the Pan America came out, I took the plunge.
Long distance riding - I'm going to confess that I'm not comfortable taking it too far without keeping a H-D shop reasonably close. Next year I'm doing a 9 day ride with some fellow H-D touring guys, but like many others they ride a lot slower than I like, so in theory mine won't be labouring much. I did do a three day ride up in AR with some of the local Ducati guys and I didn't have any problem keeping up, the Pan America has all the horse power you need to kill yourself.
Thanks for your review.
As far as H-D’s claim of being “first” with their Pan America Special suspension, that was specifically in reference to the Adaptive Ride Height, which they were absolutely the first. Otherwise, you’re correct that semi-active electronic suspensions have been around for a while now. Ducati would later announce a similar functionality to ARH in their Multistrada, but it only dropped the rear of the bike by manipulating preload, where the Pan Am lowers the front and rear suspension with bladders of a sort that are separate from the preload, rebound, and damping functionality of the suspension. I own a 2022 PanAm Special, but I’m not a H-D fanboy. However, I’ll give them their due on those super-rare occasions when they do manage to innovate in a meaningful way.
@@PeterAngles-ks9fpThat goes for every feature of anything that’s out of warranty.
@lloydfuller331 Peter is on every harley thread whining and complaining. I don't think he's ever owned a harley or any bike for that matter. I think his daddy was a harley guy and left him when he was younger. So now, in his mind, harley and anyone that owns one is the devil. Lol.
My 11th HD was a PAS 21. Rode it for a year and 16.000 km. Had all the issues in the book but never once a word or a peep from HD. Apart from recall letters that is. So rider experience?
Allso lost a bundle on it when I traded it in for a 22 R1250GS but completely satisfied on the reliability and customer experience side now.
Hope for all the fans, like I was, they'll get it right one day but 'till than....
I ended up doing the same thing (5000 miles). When the bike worked, it was a fantastic hooligan machine, but the constant codes, CELs, and limp mode that couldn't be sorted out after 6mos was too much. I took a bath and am now the happy rider of an R1250GS Adventure.
I’m sorry for you bud. Sounds like we had a very similar experience. I so wanted this to work. But like a toxic girlfriend eventually you just have to let it go.
Similar experience here, tried to make it work with a 21 and a 22 PA, and like a toxic relationship you miss the fun but definitely not the bad times! So glad to have it out of my life, took a 6k bath on it to be rid of it but so worth it, no more HD junk for this guy.
Glad to see this info and observations on the new 2023 model. The 10K miles review was perfect for one who is getting interested in a PA if/when the electronic bugs and a few "rough edges" get smoothed out. Looking forward to more and I'm subscribed!
Glad it was helpful! Me too!
I rode the PAS when it was introduced. What a fun exciting motorcycle. I almost bought one but had a bad dealer experience so I passed.
As it turned out I’m glad I didn’t get one given all the teething issues these have had. I found the TFT to be too small, and I didn’t like having to use the HD app to connect to your music and mapping. There were a few other small quirks.
The fun factor while riding the PAS is 10+. Hopefully, they’ll figure it out.
You dodged a bullet not buying a PA! I've had a 21 and a 22, both were giant turds and I am so thankful to have them out of my garage! HD lost a lifelong customer with me over the abortion called the Pan America
@dmac5497 that's too bad. I bought a 22 with 640 miles on it. If the guy had waited a little longer, he would have found that most issues were addressed with a new battery and some software updates. Relocating the radiator hose, etc,,. It's been fantastic for me so far. I was fortunate that the first guy loaded it up with everything possible, and I saved a good deal of money.
@bobcob3362 lol I had two of those turds a 21 and a 22, I did refresh after refresh, upgraded the battery, exhaust, radiator hose etc, all the known issues and still had many many more issues! Those bikes are fun when they run, but all in all overpriced junk that HD rushed to market, I tried to love the bike but fell out of love quickly when both of them left me stranded repeatedly and spent more time on a trailer to the dealer than in my garage, sorry not drinking the HD kool-aide ever again, the 22 was my 9th and last HD.
@dmac5497 I'm sorry to hear that. I'm still waiting to see for myself. Granted, I haven't put many miles on it yet, but it's been a great ride for me so far. I traded my 2012 ultra for it. Had that one since new. A little too old to hold up a 1k lb. bagger anymore. Only put 11k miles on it. But it had its issues, too. Bad fuel pump wiring, leaking stator, leaking shifter gasket, and a couple other small issues. My Japanese bikes? Much more reliable. I have a kawasaki versys sitting next to the PAS. I already anticipate problems with the HD. Hey, it's an HD. Lol. But it's a fun bike with more tech and a better riding experience than my versys. From where I sit, which probably isn't everyone, I'm always prepared for the worst. To me, the experience is the joy. Having some issues won't bother me. I'm retired and have the time and money to just except it, and enjoy it no matter what. HD is a crappy bike in a reliability comparison to almost any other. You and I both know that. HD is a mediocre bike with a big dealer network. That has an appeal in itself. And you'll need it. Lol. My 2 cents is this, if you can't afford the complete package harley offers ( repairs included,) , don't get one.
@bobcob3362 pure unadulterated garbage, I spoke with an engineer at HD that was deeply involved with the Pan America project, his words not mine " there are those that have had problems and those that will have problems with the Pan America "
I have a '22. The first bike was replaced entirely under warranty. The replacement bike still had lots of problems, but I put a lot of miles on it because I *hope* that what I break under warranty (VVT wiring had a short in it - currently in the ship for clutch, stator and fuel pump) will all break while the motorcycle is still under warranty. Still, it's my favorite bike I've ever ridden, including numerous extended test rides of other brands. My second favorite is the BMW GS 750 (yes, 750, which I like better than the 850) and third favorite has to be the Low Rider ST. For adventure bikes, every time I get on one I just think 'but it's still not as good as the PAS" - there is always something missing that, emotionally or praticality, just misses ticking all the boxes for me. I haven't tried the Tenere 700 World Rally yet, but the base model feels cheap and weak in comparison.
they have a quickshifter option since 22. Will cost a couple of "HD"s of course.
BAHAHAHAH!! HD's!!
Absolutely love my 23 Pan America Special
Any issues, or has it been good?
Have one also love the bike but just lost the front cylinder no compression 3000km on it Dealer is picking it up from my house next week for repairs
I am lucky to have an awesome dealership they let me use their demo Pan America no hesitation
Still my favourite Harley to ride
Subscribed cause you are in NH! Good review, considering one of these myself. Wish it had a quick shifter for sure.
Thanks for the sub!
Just traded my Lowrider S in on one. Super cool so far. Great video!
the 24 model upgraded the battery and a few other things.
I've been real disappointed since the street fighter concept got thrown out that would have had this engine. I don't see myself replacing my 07 Dyna but I keep trying to get hard bags on it. The aftermarket mounts for factory dresser bags fit but the position of the shocks is problematic so no bags mounted. After that I ended up wanting to try out something different and picked up a 94 VFR for $900 with 50k+ miles. The trans is wearing out and all the plastics are falling apart with broken mounts held together with gorilla tape. But it's one of the best bikes I've ever ridden and I think it sounds great.
Only bikes I could see replacing it would be a Hayabusa or a ZX14. I've been keeping my eye on the Pan America because of the engine and setup. I'm 6' 3" but don't like forward controls. It sounds like this would be close to my VFR but hearing it's not got much in the low range surprises me since my VFR has power everywhere from 3k up to 11k.
I hope I can get free time for a test ride on one of these.
My next motorcycle, coming from an HD/FLHX
HD does have a quick shift. And just like everything HD, you have to buy it over the parts counter. I think it should be included in the price. New models are classic bold new graphics upgrades. Nothing new and could be improved quite a bit by:
Redesigning the windscreen mechanism and using a wind screen with no distortion.
Handlebars can have more offset to bring them back and in a position closer to the bar-seat-peg dimensions of the BMW.
Lower the foot pegs a bit to give a little more leg room and make standing sitting an easier transition (Don't have to stand up out of a deep squat).
Put a real side stand on the bike that works independently of the rear stand and offer a retrofit kit.
Increase the leverage ratio of the rear stand. For all the marketing crap for smaller/lighter riders, the leverage ratio on the rear stand is so poor that anyone less than 160lbs is going to have the also pull up on that crappy rear luggage rack/frame
Put a rear stand lift handle on the left side of the bike
Increase the sturdiness of the rear rack
On the aftermarket side, they can offer lower ratio counter-shaft and drive sprockets to gain better low-end, low speed drivability. We all know this bike hates and mostly can't idle around with the stock gearing, lower gears may help, and it's limited to 135MPH so lower gearing is not going to harm that.
If it were shaft drive,I'd consider it.
I would like a torquey-er bike.... I think.... I tend to favor torque over HP
It looked like you had the seat in the low position no wonder you had not enough leg room?
And the PAS was the first bike to have automatic ride height get your facts right please!
Clunky is good. Your last gear change was kinna _clunky_ though.
thx,
S
You know it!! LOL
I have a 2023 pan american. This bike is fabulous!
Triumph
Harley Davidson has not listened to the customers at all, the same waste pump in both the 23 and 24 year model, the warranty has expired on many and HD has left the customers with an expensive replacement they have to pay for themselves, if Harley Davidson were serious they would have made a recall.
This is not a review, it is a preview. Get your terms right mate.