Pan America Special Review The Harley-Davidson Adventure Bike On and Off Road! What's it really like
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2021
- We review, at long last, the Harley-Davidson Pan America Special Adventure motorcycle.
We are proper cruiser riders and would consider ourselves hard core Harley riders. What did we think of this very different motorbike?
This isn't a technical review, although we do cover the most important specs, but its more an evaluation of how it rides and performs on and off road.
Our main focus, therefore, was how the power, torque size and weight feel when riding.
What does it sound like? We find out! - Авто та транспорт
FINALLY! The first review I've seen with a Deadwood Green Pan Am. I bought it in that color 'cause it looks like something the US Army would build. HA!!
Really does, looks like harly are going back to their roots a bit, congrats on the bike
Totally, we think it’s the best colour! You’ve made a good choice 👍🏻
The Pan Am is one of the very few beautiful motorcycles. The normal full length muffler shows confidence and looks awesome, in a world where Yamaha and others are still poorly copying Buell's short blob mufflers. The BMW GS is ugly as hell now with the X headlight, and all the Yamaha and Kawasaki bikes are so ugly that they aren't even rideable. And then you have the Honda Transalp with it's awful front headlight design. This leaves only the Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger and the Pan America---these are the best looking ADV bikes right now. Triumph ruined their triple by making it rough and coarse, and the Africa Twin is beautiful but dog slow. The Pan America looks awesome, and the green color is epic.
I got to see a Pan America in person and the amount of attention it got... It's a huge bike in person and just really stands out. There's nothing like it. The engine stands out on display, and there is nothing hidden.
Loved that really good review as ever , I think the fact it’s a bloody good road bike will be its saving grace as 98% of people with adventure bikes have never left the tarmac 😎🇬🇧👌🏍👌stay safe keep the faith
Very true points! Glad you enjoyed the video buddy 😎
I love the idea of using this as a big, fast, sport adventure bike for long distance rides and touring with the added benefit of taking some dirt roads along the way. I personally think it looks like a freaking boss too! It just says “yeah I’m an ADV bike, but I’m a Harley ADV bike” no mistaking it for anything else on the road.
Funny how so many will berate this bike based simply on looks and “it’s not a real Harley” yet every other adv bike looks alike and share more features with a praying mantis than a good looking motorcycle. Wonder why they don’t receive the same scrutiny? I guess because they aren’t Harley Davidson! I personally believe the MoCo has hit it out of the park with this one. Time will tell the tale.
Very true, good points there Robby!
LOL
... and if you flip the switch forward, your head pops off!
Well, I SAT on one two weeks ago so I'm a flippin' expert. The fit and finish is almost Harley quality. I'm 6' and with the seat in the lower position I felt comfortable solidly on the balls of my feet. That's much better than the BMW 1200 and the KTM 790. The bike is heavy though. Well, so are the BMWs and KTMs, but that's why I have a Harley _Ultra Classic_ for cruising across the country, a RE Himalayan for short adventures and a KTM 390 for mid-range adventures. They are so nice and light. You can throw them around ... ahem ... the RE and KTM I mean. If I didn't have the Ultra, I would get the _Pan America S_ in a heartbeat.
Great job again men,
S
Some good points there! We’d recommend giving the Honda crf300l a go if you’re thinking of a serious light dual purpose off roader! Thanks for the comment as always! 😎
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Well, I rode a ~2002 XR250R just after the turn of the century. That, and the fact that only truth exists on _UA-cam,_ convinced me that Honda trail bikes are boring, so dreadfully, awfully boring ...
... and I want to be a lion tamer!
...
oh, shut up and go ask your dad.
;)
S
Looks like something the military would build! As always I really like how you weave riding and review clips together, never boring! Thanks for all the work you put in to all your videos!
It sure does! Thank you David, appreciate it.
First review I’ve seen of this bike and hats off to HD for trying something new. Most of these will never go off road so how it handles on the road is going to be key. Top review as always gents👍
Thanks buddy, yes most of them will just get ridden on the road and they’re certainly great for that!
I took a three hour test ride on one this morning. It's a cracking bike. Plenty of power and handles really well. Good tech. A few gremlins in that I think it needs taller risers and maybe lower footpegs. Even with the ARH feature down, it is still a tall bike. I am 5' 8" and was just about on the balls of my feet. I will order the reduced height seat.
All in all, it's an excellent bike and I am really pleased and surprised that Harley managed to bring a truly competitive bike to market in this segment on their first attempt. Good job Harley.
It’s definitely a good adventure bike and it is tall. Should be ok with the lower seat
I must admit that nowadays I feel more excited with new simple , practycal , basic bikes than with top level machines. But in all HD excells in creativity and technology.
Absolutely!
In technology😮?
@@the.communist H-D had the V-Rod long before Polaris had a similar engine under the name "Indian". But, hey, "Indian" is "technologier".
@The Communist see variable seat high when stopping...
I viewed one recently at Watford Harley and I really liked it in the flesh.......including the headlight .
One might be joining my Superglide custom in the garage .
P.S. let's be honest .....nobody's going to take it off road over here
Yes true most people don’t which is a shame really
Fair play to Harley with this and the live wire, trying something new. You can't be a one trick pony and stay afloat. Buyer habits change and you need to have a product to offer.
Certainly agree!
Love it and after my GS has failed me a few times now with the electronic suspension, this will be an option. I owned several Harleys in my years and none have failed me.
Very good points, give one a test ride!
You guys says that you’re late on the ball, but you guys are worth waiting for! Very decent! 🥓
Thanks mate, glad it was worth the wait!
Gotta admit I really quiet like that,hopefully it’s a big success for HD,and kudos for taking on the GS,great video.👍🏻
Yes it was surprisingly good, sales seem to be good for them so far!
Hey guys,
first of all thx again for your review.
I personally rode the Pan Am approx a month ago on a dealer riding event here in germany. 130 km on the road, and approx an hour a little bit "offroad". What can i say? Well, the Pan Am is just "OK" - it is a respectable 1st attempt for HD with this kind of bike. Yes, it has got a lot of power and a lot of electronic BS.
One of my personal bikes is the "underdog" of the adventure bikes, the yamaha super Téneré XT1200 Z.
But, tbh, no way i would trade it in for the Pan Am.
Thanks for the comment michi, interesting to see your thoughts!
Very nice paint job. I’m 5’8” so the Lowe seat option and electronic adaptable ride height option would be essential. Overall I’m very impressed with the effort, attention to detail Harley have made with the bike. Looking forward to the Bronx release. Definitely change that end cam.
Yes they’ve done a great job, those options certainly make the bike more versatile for different heights of rider! I believe the bronx was cancelled unfortunately.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I’m confident it’s still in the pipeline once the release of the Pan America is sorted.
@@MrAndrew1953 quite possibly, they still have the trademark for the name so would be a shame to waste it.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I’ve seen a video of the bike very advanced pre-production stage. Normally they don’t go that far unless the bike is going into production. Harley doesn’t have to change that much. I also think the Bronx is a better bike that will have much wider appeal in its road going version. It would be the one I would get. 8-900 cc is my absolute Adventure bike limit- KTM 890 Adventure. Try picking up that Pan America on your own in clay-mud on a slope. I did once with an R100GS- took me an hour. Pack a fold out shovel if you do go off road.
"You can leave it there for a month. Because nobody can pick it up"!
What a brilliant feature!
sense of humor is extraordinary. saving gym membership..leaving for a month...you guys are best.
Thanks buddy! We have our moments 😃
guys yet another great review.really enjoyed it.
Thanks buddy!
Really enjoying the channel gents. Going from strength to strength flying the UK bike review flag.
Thanks Paul, really appreciate it!
Great review. I'm only 5' 7" so the bike would be too big for me. But in any case I think the Pan American is such a big bike I wouldn't like to take if off road as it is too big and heavy to be practical I imagine. But what a super bike if you are large and don't mind big powerful machines😊 Bye Stuart 🙂
Yes it is fantastic, horses for courses as we say!
Nice one lads . I’m not in the market yet for an adventure bike yet but this is one i would consider at some point. Thanks for the review gents. 💪🙏💪
Thanks mate, would certainly be a good option!
If I was in the market for one I’d give the Harley a test ride I had a bmw gs1150 twenty years ago but they are now common need new blood to look at keep up good work
Thanks mate, yes it’s certainly a good contender. Wonder how it’ll do compared to the gs sales wise!
Looks better in the green but can't imagine it competing with the GS1250. For the new Sportster they need a new engine retaining the looks feel and character of the old one. As Triumph have done with the 1200 Speed Twin.
Good points bud, I think once people give it a ride they’ll see it certainly is a good competitor!
Hahaha you made me belly laugh with the security mode 🤣😂😆😄, strangely I like the looks of this bike, very marmite 👍
😂😂yes it is very marmite, certainly looks better in the flesh
What a lovely bike, definitely considering this one particularly because of the long distance capabilities and I love the look too which doesn’t hurt either! Love the reviews very high quality and authentic. Keep em coming!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent review.The most attractive adventure bike available,but really can’t see the point of them.I went to my dealer for a test ride,took a look over it ,but really couldn’t be bothered riding it.So filled my time admiring the other Harley’s.If I need to go off-road I’d buy an enduro.
It’s not everyone’s kind of bike for sure 👍🏼
I like the look, I hope this bike turns out to be a winner for H-D.
I think it will!
Brilliant, im still getting used to the looks but it is very unique looking bike. Thanks for showing us. That auto suspension is very cool!
It’s one of those things that you like after time, glad you enjoyed it!
Great review as always and glad to see its not just us across the pond getting the telemarketer phone calls 😂😂😂
Thank you, yes we get them all the time. Always like to wind them up! 😂
Well I did it !!!!! I sold the fat boy for a whopping 6k more than I paid for it .. purchased a Pan America 1250s vivid black delivered Friday… Great review I’ve never thought I could have an adventure bike due to leg length.. This bike has all the bells and whistles .. including sat nav cruise control a dedicated app the list goes on ..other makes would consider what the Pan America has standard are extras on there bikes !
Great Review as always 👍👍
Wow that’s awesome 👍🏼👍🏼💯
How’s it been Paul?
Not my cup of tea at all, but I do like the hydraulic valve adjustment. If Harley does decide to release the Bronx, I'm pretty sure it'd be a better seller over here, especially if they keep this engine capacity and don't sleeve or stroke it down to the 900cc they had proposed.
Would be interesting to see! They still have the trademark for the name so who knows.
Ace production quality guys! Love the bike, love the humour.
Thanks mate, appreciate it!
The bike looks good in green!
Sure does!
I don't think you're late to the party because this is the first UK review I've seen on the Pan America. I reckon Harley have really knocked the ball out of the park with this one. It appears to be a cracking bike and at a good price when compared to the GS. However, it remains to be seen whether it will steal sales from the GS. Good review!
Ahh ok thanks! It certainly seems to be selling very well 👍🏼
This bike is simply awesome. I just love it.
Never ridden one but looks like a nice bike well done Harley. I test rode the new Hayabusa last week highly recommend a go on that. Would be nice to see a review on it also. I know it’s a bit different to the Harley stuff but I loved it.
We’d love to! Unfortunately Suzuki aren’t interested in lending us bikes and there aren’t any dealers near us. Hopefully at some point!
I had a BMW R1200GS that I sold to get the Pan Am. I have no regrets! I live in the Nevada desert.
Awesome
Yep- sold my Tiger 1200 to get one too- can't wait for it to arrive down here in Australia!
@@peterrobert3223 that’s great!
I'm enjoying pops navigating on off road with it..that's exactly how I would look on it..Darcy must be loving it!!😆
Haha yeah 👍🏼👍🏼
Nice looking bike, super review!!
Thanks Martin!
finally a bike that fits to your size!😜
There aren’t many lol!
Bought my first bike (iron 883) from watching your videos.. literally whenever i see a post i click haha.. great content have recommended the channel to mulitple already! Nice video very informational and not boring and draining like other bike reviewers... 🇮🇪🏍🇬🇧
Thanks buddy! Really nice of you to say 👍🏼👍🏼We love the iron too 💯
I really like it... A Harley Davidson you can abuse all year round.... But if I had the money.... FatBob would be my choice.... Great review guys... 👍🏻
Thanks buddy! Good points there 👍🏻
:-) I have a rather tricked out and well tuned Softail FatBob and it's an excellent bike. The Pan Am is better in every way apart from low down torque. Having both bikes is a good solution!
Absolutely loved your take on the new Pan America! Bravo!
Thanks buddy👍🏻
If I was younger and still hunting on big ranches, this would be a fun bike. So, I'm waiting for you to cancel your gym membership and trade in your Heritage!! LOL
(Cracked me up, lol)
Ahaha cheer buddy, yes I could probably get twice as big if I bought the pan America!
Fantastic review, I can’t wait to test ride one!
Thanks! Let us know what you think when you do!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan will do!
Big ADVs make great all-around bikes. Due to health issues with my legs I had to go to cruiser style bike for low seat ht plus I need to stretch out my legs. I really miss my old BMW R100GS when I pull onto rough road shoulder, dirt road or cratered parking lot.
Great bike!! I've had mine for a month and I love it.
I've seen three already here in the US. I love every thing about them and I'm a Honda/Yamaha guy. If they don't turn out to have major mechanical issues, I might get one.
I test rode one over a month ago. It has the beans, that's for sure. The ergos were a little off for me though. I am 6'5, 34" inseam and I found the seat to pegs tight and I got way too much wind. For whatever reason I didn't look back at it after the ride. If they come up with a sport tourer version based on this platform, like a BMW RT, I'll take another look.
Interesting points, that would be a cool idea!
A chain on a advanture bike is a no go for me...for that reason i would choose a bmw or a guzzi.
you serious? Replacing a chain is a snap try fixing BMW final drive on the road! ZERO chance
Thank you for this great review🤙🖼
Thank you for watching!
Very nice video. I absolutely love that Pan Am. Special. Plan to purchase it. Cheers!
VStrom rider here. When I first saw pictures of this bike I didn’t like it. I have to say now that having seen it in your vid, I’m starting to like it. I like the idea of 150 HP. I am going to my local Harley dealer and check it out.
Yes see if you can get a testride 👍🏼
really 150 hp ,a talking point i guess.i,ll stick with my strom
I think this bike is more suitable for paved road rather than unpaved road. Thanks for the review .
Yes for sure 👍🏻
I have the exact same bike have had it almost 2 years. And I absolutely love it. Am 64 and still ride like I stole it ., I have had many many bikes over the years and many different brands . This is by far the best bike I have ever owned.,
Kudos to HD! Bold but necessary move. Distinctive styling, good price, apparently very comfortable, and hopefully reliable. I wish they release a Panamerica 750 in the future! For those of us not so tall and not so strong😅.
No more Harleys for me, just traded mine in for a BMW F750GS. Nice try Harley, it aint gonna work here or in Europe....sorry to be harsh..fantastic review as always guys.
Thanks mate, sales figures seem to be going well so far. Time will tell!
I tried one at Maidstone HD, I gotta say I'm impressed with it..seems a bit weird at first but after a little while I started enjoying it. Great wheelie machine too 👍
Yes it’s a really nice road bike and certainly easy to wheelie (not that I do that sort of thing anymore!)
I rode Pan America a couple weeks ago here in California. Deceptively fast. I was doin triple mph and didn’t even feel like it was working hard.
Yes it’s surprisingly quick!
Exactly this. I took one out today and it was triple digits when I thought it should only have gotten up to 80 or so. Very fast bike and very smooth with it.
Best Bike that Harley currently builds. If they build the Bronx in the future it will be a must buy… the “Dirt” Glide is really nice machine, and exceptional for a first attempt.
A nice real world review. Adventure bikes aren't my bag either but hats off to HD for the pricing, £2-3k less than I was expecting. As others have said it's the bike's road manners that will make or break it 'cos no one's going to be doing any serious off roading on one. IMO It's long distance comfort that sells these bikes and the "I could go off-road if I wanted to" mindset they project, however unlikely that may be. I'd give it a 80/20, road/off road bias which is bang on for this class of bike. I think it will sell well.
Thanks for your points, it already seems to be off to a good start sales wise!
It's a seriously well mannered road bike and will be excellent for long distance trips. Plus I can go off road if I want to (which I won't very much). For a trip down to the Alps it's going to be excellent.
Test rode one for the day last week, now I’ve put down a deposit and I’m trading in my Breakout for one. From reading the comments the haters are gonna hate, just find a bike you enjoy riding and don’t worry about what others think!!
Great! You’re absolutely right. Do what suits you 💯
This is not a harley. More like a china bike with a HD badge on it
@@dextew69 thanks I’ll take your comment on board with the zero fucks I have to give about it
@@RICHARD10195 sure thing, Pilchard.
"Save on gym membership and free security feature 😅😅😅😅" brilliant! Love watching your reviews
Very impressive, waiting for the ROADSTER version hopefully with mid controls!
I like the look and what they're doing! I'll stick with my heritage though. Great video, always look forward to your reviews! 👍😁
Thanks buddy. Yes same 👍🏼👍🏼
Great review and a mixture of fun. Keep up the good work. :)
Thanks buddy 💯
Had so many bikes over the years, HD, SPORTS BIKES, NAKED SPORTS BIKES, SUPA NAKED BIKES (ZH2) Last bike Sportster S, Now have a PAN What a Bike! Love it!!!!
Waiting for your review of this Harley. Good stuff, thank you.
Thanks buddy. Are you considering it?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Initially, but I was waiting on your review of it. I have a 2020 Electra Glide Standard now, but was thinking about PanAm bike. Not sure though a great Harley, but the weight seems much as a Off-Roader. Love your channel though.
@@bobhartman2571 It is a nice road bike but too heavy for anything serious off road. But so is any adventure bike. I’d keep the Glide and get an enduro bike personally
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Yeah, I was kind of thinking the same way. Thanks Bro.
It might not appeal to most people but it kind of grows on me. At least it looks tough.
Looks are not for me. Can't deny that engine though. What a power house. It's getting very good reviews as well. I think Harley has a winner here.
Yes it’s selling out really quickly 👍🏼
*Been awaiting this video!* _Superb road bike"_ ? I need to ride one. Love my road king, but also looking to try something different.
Give it a test ride! Let us know what you think.
Another good video! Great humor. Didn't expect to like the bike. I'm still going with a Thruxton RS after the insanity is over.
Awesome! 😎
Looks very nice in that colour
I think it's pretty interesting that Harley-Davidson, an American motorcycle company, is making motorcycles that no younger American would ride... Just from an aesthetic point of view. There's lots of research and stuff as to what they like. Classic 80s Dakar looks, for the adventure riders, '70s '80s Honda CBs, 60s cafe racers, 70s Steve McQueen like scramblers, classic golden age looking Indian/brough Superior/Henderson styled bikes (look to the success of Janus motorcycles for this.... millennials are just not going to buy this and gen Z's don't have enough money yet... And probably wouldn't either way because it looks like they like futuristic sci-fi electrics and golden age bikes too just looking steampunked some.
I just wonder how long Harley is going to be able to cling on to life like this. They need to go and hit the reset button and look at their bikes from the 1930s and 20s and maybe of world war I and II. Just they became associated with bikers types, and biker gangs, and an old man with Confederate flags... And that's kind of still how people think of them, especially younger people. Yet you see the same people around old Harleys from the WWI & WWII at museums lusting after them.
Interesting points indeed. We hope the new CEO has some plans because there certainly have been some wrong decisions in the last few years
Looks like based on sales alone "young" Americans love it
@@rubensahak9178 its not younger Americans, its middle-aged Americans...
Great review thank you. Definitely will be interesting to see what other bikes HD puts this engine into 👍
Yes can’t wait to see what they come up with!
Excellent review, You guys obviously know about riding. Thanks for a real life look at use and function of these bikes. I really like the anti Theft characteristics of this bike 😆👍. I would definitely consider buying this bike. Love the look
Thanks buddy! See if you can get a testride 👍🏼
The acceleration must be incredable
It’s certainly quick!
Really enjoyed this review. Even the bit about the anti theft mode.... I also thought I would have no interest in this bike, but the more I see, the more I would like to own one.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The looks are growing on me but the 5000 miles service intervals isn't great next to the 9000 miles on the KTM and 10000 on the Triumph 1200.
Very true it would be nice if they were a bit longer!
The majority of riders don't do enough miles for long service intervals to matter, most will be having time based services before 9 or 10k, so who cares?!
"anti-theft device" Ha! Love the content as always.
Thanks mate, yes it’s the best feature lol!
How does it look in real life because on the screen it looks a bit like an agricultural version of the original Ducati Multistrada. I don't think that colour scheme is doing it any favours either.
The models for Europe are built in Thailand.
Honestly it looks good, nicer in real life for sure. Check one out in the flesh if you get the chance.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Will do, thanks.
Really good job guys. Going to trade in and buy one of these beast's.
Awesome! 👌🏻😎
No gym membership n anti thief switch had me cracking lol 🤣
It’s a great feature 👍🏼
Nice video. Also good to see that HD is moving in a positive direction. They DO have to compete with this and not rely on the traditional HD values that have been with them for 80 odd years. A sportster that isn't slow, heavy, antiquated and a mechanical pig along these lines might sound good.
It’s going to be a big success. We personally love the traditional Harleys, especially the Softails and Sportsters
Hope the bike works and sells properly.
It seems to be a top seller so far!
Heard they are flying of the shelves in the states.
I really like your reviews 👌.
Thanks buddy 👍🏼
Very nice presentation once again ! Maybe a comparison will also help ! Thank you guys
We’ll see what we can do
@@MrDarcy-OlMan 😉
Enjoyed your review. I parked my ole self on one at the local dealership however it felt a bit small for my frame. I am intrigued as a long time Harley rider. Like you guys interested in what else that engine ends up in.
Interesting points mate, yes we’re very intrigued to see what else the engine gets into!
might be some good vids out there but you all capture great footage, and have great insight
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Excellent in-depth review, looks like a great all rounder and competitively priced against BMW’s GS/KTM’s Super Adventure especially for a HD…however, short service intervals on a bike designed for long distances is a bit meh and I reckon the bigger obstacle might be that it seems to of hit every branch on the way down from the ugly tree in the styling process, be interesting to see one in the flesh and how well it sells, keep up the great work guys 👍😎
Thanks for your comments buddy! It seems to be selling out everywhere!
👍🏼👍🏼
I don't know what it is, but I feel strangely drawn toward it...
Very interesting to hear your thoughts on this bike.
It seems HD now entered the 21'st century... But I dont like the pipes on the right side of the engine, it would have been better if they had stowed them away/hidden them better.
It would have been interesting to see the adjustable height "in action". Every review talks about it, but you guys (with your good reviews) would have pulled it off catching it on tape...
I dont think anyone buys this bike and trashes it by going too far off road, so, in all fairness, it is a tarmac/gravel-road bike - and as such, it seems amazing!
Thanks buddy. Yes agree about the pipes. We didn’t have time to cover everything 👍🏼
I'd love one, hope it's a success as I'll have to wait until I find a reasonable second hand one..
Oooh look, HD built a two-wheeled Humvee! Actually, I was shocked to learn that it's not really any heavier than my regular ride, but I was surprised with all that torque it was still pulling 4000 RPM at 70 mph. Bit of a mixed bag, certainly aren't going to see many on the road and it definitely has presence.
Looks cool in that color.
Certainly does!
Ah, the anti theft device... What will they think of next..? Great vid as always! Stay frosty, stay safe.
Haha yes 👍🏼👍🏼
Top job! I was really interested in these but I constantly reminded me of all I have ever received from Harley every service, every problem " That's not a Harley Davidson" They took my 16 tho Au$ when I paid cash for my Buell Ulysses in '10. I loved the "Anti Theft switch" lols. Jim in Western Aus.
Liking your channel! I have subscribed. One thing the GSA is 268 kg. The GS , in my opinion the better of the two, is 246 kg.
Just to keep things straight!
We got the weight of the GS Adventure and that was the bike in the comment (but I think Darcy forgot to say‘Adventure’
😬👍🏻easy mistake!
@@benkelly2190 thanks for subscribing bro. Have a look through our other reviews 👍🏼
This is my next bike no doubt
Awesome 👍🏼👍🏼
It looks better than I thought it would for an adventure bike 👍
Yes it looks better in the metal than in the photos 👍🏼