2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America Special (RA1250S)│ Extended "First Ride" and Review
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- The long-awaited Harley-Davidson entry into the Adventure Touring world has finally arrived. Many questions surround the Motor Company's first true ADV bike called the Pan America. Can it measure up to the established competition? Will the Core Harley-Davidson enthusiasts be interested or turned off? Take a 2 day extended test ride out in the California Mojave desert with Matt and Andrew of Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson as they put the bike through the paces. They weigh-in on their thoughts and take the Pan America for a Ride!
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This is so freaking cool. I still love the M8 Fat Boy the most, but it is so cool to see Harley pushing to make history again.
In a competitive nature.
Horses for courses.........
I am thrilled Harley has entered the Adventure market and has done so with a bang. Within about a week Matt will be trashing BMW like he trashed Indian claiming everyone copied Harley's modern engine.
I’m so frickin PUMPED.... I’m being told I am getting the first Pan-Am North of San Francisco and can’t wait for the call from my dealership saying, “your bike is ready”.... Thanks Matt, I’ve not been this excited for anything since my kid was born. This is the motorcycle that will check many boxes on my bucket list.
Dude, I'm so pumped for you. This is seriously an exciting time for H-D and getting a Pan Am just makes it that much better. Enjoy man.
Redwood or Redding?
@@kmern6979 Sonoma
@@cfreeway8385 hell ya congrats I'm from Chico small world
@@MattLaidlaw received THE CALL HD of Sonoma Co on Friday Morning 05.14.21..... Orange and White Specialist now mine and it’s like nothing I’ve experienced in my 30 years of riding - When is that Laidlaw Pan American Run again? Look for me on the Continental Divide this summer, who’s coming?
The motorcycle press has been incredibly favorable so far toward the Pan America. I'm really happy to see that. The enthusiasm Andrew here has for the Pan America is so obvious! His facial expressions say it all! I will own this bike in the near future!
Yea, H-D delivered a world class competitor right out of the gate
I ride a BMW GS1250 and glad to see Harley entering into this market segment. As always Matt, great and honest review and look forward to seeing the production models. I bet when folks saw my opening line they thought I was going to rail on the Harley. Nope, I love anything two wheeled and the reason we have different manufacturers is because we are all different with different needs. Good on Ya Harley, keep up the good work.
More competition is better for everyone
"Where does that dirt road go?" This is why I got into Dual and ADV riding.
yep:)
I hope Harley-Davidson sells a ton of these bikes. Awesome tech at a category leading price point. I think it’s the right bike at the right time
Right time? Hmmm...maybe 5 years late. 🙂 if it was 425 pounds and 750cc maybe the right time.
Their lightest
Their most powerful
Beautiful & innovative !! 👍🏼
Way to go Harley ! You nailed it !!
I appreciate your honesty especially concerning the windscreen and control buttons. It's easy to hype everything you sell but your honesty gave me confidence that this was a genuine review. Thank you.
Nice. When Matt stands up on that thing I swear he could see over the other side of the mountains.
...and nice to see Andrew riding the bike as well - he is more my kinda height and I was wondering if I would need a ladder to enable me to mount one of them ! Guess I'll wait see what else the engine gets fitted to - big hint to H-D please do a Sportster type thing as an engine like that would be wasted on a cruiser or wannabe drag bike (V-Rod).......
LOL pretty much
Matt, well done video. I'm your target market, I own a 1200 ADV bike and a 650 dualsport. Did a 120 mile gravel ride today. I tried buying a HD in 1996 and above list pricing strategy turned me away. The only thing that will kill this bike is Harley stereotypes and not welcoming the ADV rider community. Make welcoming non-Harley riders a priority and you'll achive achieve something.
Totally agree with the comments on this video. I had the pleasure of taking one of this for a test ride this morning…. Man I know what I’m getting next!!
This is going to be a great addition to the HD lineup
So happy to see HD nail one like that. Gosh I look forward to ride mine.
Looks like a great bike to take up to Prudhoe Bay, AK!
I've been thinking the same thing as well as all the midwestern gravel and dirt roads.
I rode a Yamaha from Florida but more amazing were the bicycles and scooters on the Alcan. You can take anything to Alaska, just time, money, and perseverance separate those that want to and those that do.
Love it. I'm a Harley cruiser faithful, but cannot wait to finally have one of these!! Thanks Matt!!
Same! Thanks for watching.
Hi Matt, I am new to the channel. I always liked the adventure bikes but never excited about the leading adventure bikes looks and it seems in the way of functionality. For instance, imagine leading bike without their monograms, it is difficult to recognize their DNA in the herd. I love the the complete Harley Davidson Pan America. I think Harley logo on the tank and carry over to head lamp facia is genius. Well done HD and the team of creative in touch with the world. In short with all the creative and autonomous features, I think it is a Michael Jordan, a leatherman tool, Jeep Rubicon of motorcycle world. Thanks for sharing awesome video.
Man... What a review. What a blast 👍.
Credit where credit is due.. Damn... looks like they nailed it from the go.
Let's see what the HD knockers have to ssy about this. Awesome review guys.
Lol I'm a Harley Knocker but this Pan America is making me question buying the Tenere 700 now I guess I need to test ride another Harley now 🤷
@@tdublove9558 the T7 is a better bike
Awesome overview!!! I really appreciate the closeups and opinion of the controls. Thanks gents.
Thanks Matt for the video. I picked mine up on 6/25 from Lancaster Harley Davidson in California. Because of the video I bought one sight unseen. The way you explained every aspect of the motorcycle was beyond what I have seen on the internet. Now I'm a long time Harley rider my oldest scoot is an 1984 FLH . In fact I bought and still have from old man Laidlaw an FXRP. Thanks for taking the time to fully explain .
Superb presentation thank you. I have reserved a PA Special to go with my CVO Road Glide. Mixing it up!
I wish Neil Peart were alive to see this bike! I had always hoped to bump into him out on the road somewhere. Great vid Matt and Andrew. Killer as always
Great video, Matt! Harley-Davidson knocked it out of the park with this model! Anyone who loves to get out into the wilderness and take off, this is for you! From trail riding to the street, this has it ALL! This is my next bike! Thank you for the info you gave us all; I am so happy to see Harley dealers doing videos about the great features these bikes have to offer; with that said, Harley dealers can give us their personal experiences on what to expect and how to apply the various features. FTW!
Thanks for the comment. Agreed!
I’m really interested in test riding one! Never thought I’d see the day when I would be considering buying an adventure motorcycle from Harley-Davidson! Great job HD, hope you sell a boat load of them!
Excellent review, touched all the bases. Will be test driving one tomorrow!
Bought it! Great machine!
I really like the fact that are offering more. I have multiple brands of bikes and two Harleys. I love them all. I look at this as a win!
You guys really conveyed so much enthusiasm it’s contagious. I ride an Ultra but have a 450 KTM, the Pan America is the real deal.
Very nice video ! Just tried the bike in France yesterday and totally agreed your very honest comments ! Funny : we all noticed this lack of feedback of the turn signal ! Good bike, very good looking, soooo powerfull. Didn't tried it off road, but it is very well balanced at low speed, so for big trails, it shouldn't be a problem. Nice shot from Harley !
I did not think I would ever own another HD again, but this bike and the new motor changes that. I sat on one today and I'm very impressed.
Matt, great video. Like everybody else, i am pumped for this bike. As a youtuber with a lot of R1250GS content on my channel. I would love to come out when you get one and demo it for my channel/yours.
Loved this review. Great chemistry between you guys. Nice to see Matt so happy and smiling so much, looks like you really enjoyed the bike. Can't wait to try one in the UK :)
Ah I’ve been waiting for this review for so long!! Ok no more pinching it’s real.. it’s here... ah YEAHHHHHH
Haha. Thanks for checking it out.
Hell yeah! I knew it why its taking so long for you to release a video of pan am. You are cooking something! Made my day man.
I have been watching every review I can find on this bike. Really good job on your's. It really seams that H-D hit the mark with this bike I want one I hope H-D sells all of these they can make. I have a first gen V-Strom now.
This is the best review on the pan America I seen. I have heard this bike is causing a stir deep in Germany. People are saying if Harley Davidson can design a adventure bike this good on their first try, imagine what the models to come are going to be like as they actually begin to push BMWs back to the wall! I think the best is yet to come and the top adventure bike manufacturers know it! Matt, I have a question, how did you like the chain drive? I’m a old moto cross, flat track and TT racer and NEVER had a problem with my rear drive chains. I’m so glad Harley didn’t go with a heavy shaft drive to keep the weight down. Smart move! Something tells me you guys are hooked and having too much fun! I can see your Road Glide gathering dust in the garage this year! I would love to see a lot more of this adventure bike riding on your channel.
I've been a Harley Davidson fan all my life and owned a few. I bought my first adventure motorcycle last year and tell you first hand that HD is definitely going to disrupt the market, and I love it! I have a feeling this segment will be very profitable for them and hopefully lead to expansion as I'm hoping for a mid-weight option with a little more off-road capability. Can't wait to see a Pan America on the road or better yet, on the trails.
The 2021 Electra Glide Revival is going to be major! Best idea the moco has had in years!
Agreed. That bike plays the classic card so well
@@MattLaidlaw This is exactly what the moco should have done years ago.. modern line, classic line. Just like Gibson, under the new leadership. Two distinct lines. One focused in the future, the other one, on legacy.
Congrats to you both on an absolutely brilliant review. Can’t wait to try one in the UK.
Thank you sir. Thank you for watching!
Hands down the best review of this bike yet! Great job, awesome video!
Much appreciated. Thank you for the comment
Thanks for the great video on the PA - really appreciate the detailed commentary. Terrific Video and Editing. Great Work!
Thank you. Thanks for watching.
Awesome video, love the long form review. I get such a better feel for the bike with your vid over the other 5-10 minute quickie first ride vids. This bike really excites me. I definitely could see myself on one.
Thanks. I know the video went pretty long. Glad you still were able to sit through it
Saw some reviews from the journalist. seems like a great ADV bike.
Love hearing this!! The wife and I (both avid HD touring riders) Have been eyeing this release! We just saw the first two in person at Las Vegas HD!!
I love the look of this bike. I have a R1200GS Adventure (awesome) and I had a Multistrada (also awesom). I love that the Harley looks like a shark instead of an angry bird...
This is great! I’m so stoked that I could put an American Flag sticker on that bike and it belongs! I’m in!
Definitely one of the better in-depth reviews i've seen so far! Can't wait to ride one of these.
Thank you ! Yes, get on one.
Great video, really appreciate you guys sharing the experience out there. The bike seems really cool. I like the green one. I saw they added that color to the website. That would be my choice!
What an amazing vid, new subscriber here, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the sub!! Welcome to the channel.
🛑🛑 Matt....Great Adventure and Video😀👍.
The Pan America...AKA “The Dirt Glide”, looked pretty cool💯
The bike isn’t something I’m interested in at this time, however I wish Harley “much success” in taking the company in a new direction to a different demographic and customer base👍💯.
I appreciate the comment. It isn't for everyone but I think a lot of people will jump on it and have a great time.
I have seen a few videos on UA-cam about the Pan American,but I was looking forward to seeing your take Matt.Yes,I think this bike is the real deal!
would love to see them come out with a 750 or 850 mid level adventure bike as well.
Panamerica Slim? 😎
I have never owned a Harley throughout my 48 years of riding motorcycles. That has been my choice as the cruiser style of bike is not my preferrence. This new path that Harley has taken is brave and to be applauded. I ride Adv bikes and sport tourers. I sincerely hope that the new Pan America achieves success in the Adventure touring market as we all reap the benefits of more competion and choice. Hats off to H-D and I think they have hit the mark with this new bike.
Awesome! Can’t wait to see this thing in person!
After this video! I’m sold, I cannot wait to try this motorcycle! Great video and breakdown on all aspects of the new H-D platform.
Right on man. You won’t be disappointed. This thing is the real deal
So happy for an American Icon to jump into the adventure market and hit a home run.Cant believe they bowed up and kicked butt.And I ride another brand but test rode the Harley two weeks ago and delighted for the American brand.God bless America.
Great video Matt! I'd love give that bike a try myself
Check the public test ride schedule
After the street series flopped, I was really hoping this bike would be the home run the motor company needed. They hit it out of the park, I can't wait for the side by side comparisons to start.
Harley Davidson may just be the new champs of this segment.
Also, your opening scenes on this video were Hollywood quality. You've got a cinematic knack Matt.
Every Harley dealer needs a Matt. Been to couple to discuss the PA and no one knows crap about the bike. Seems like they learn more from us, the customer, then vise versa.
I have a KTM 1290 SAR and love it, but checked out an orange variant of this bike a few days ago. Didn’t ride it, but was impressed! Am also 6’6” and plenty of leg room. Happy to see HD making a splash in the ADV market. Wish I had those trails here where I live. Enjoy! Btw, i had Conti TKC80s and recently swapped to Dunlop Trailmax. Highly recommend checking them out. Fantastic all around tire and highly capable in rough terrain.
Best review video to date and I've seen damn near every one. I've been waiting for this bike since it was first announced and was able to ride it myself a week ago. I agree! This engine is thrilling for me. I've owned 4 H-D's so far and this engine tops them all.
There are a few tweeks that will need to be re-engineered (split radiator like GSA maybe?) but I have confidence that H-D has got the ADV world's attention with this first iteration. Putting my order in this weekend for mine as my local dealer is only getting one special and one standard and Im not interested in the Orange/White Special.
Great video, guys! 🤘
Thank you. That means a lot. I appreciate the comment coming from a current HD owner.
Did you end up getting the PanAmerica? If so, how are you liking it and how is it holding up? Trying to make my mind up between the bmw gs and the panam
Matt & Andrew - 👍🏼🇺🇸👊🏼 Great Review. I didn’t think I’d have any interest in an adventure bike but you guys make it look easy...
I ride anUltra limited and love it. My wife has a Street glide and hasn’t ridden it in years 😥 but won’t let trade it for a PamAm!!! I test rode one last Saturday and WOW! An amazing ride on the road but all the reviews off road is making me want it more and more
Matt, What did your Grandfather have to say about the Dirt Glide? I'd love to hear his thoughts, im sure he's seen this brand evolve radically over the years
Matt & team, thank you for your review! I already bought one (Feb 20th I think, just days after the announcement) I have been waiting for this bike for 2 years. I have a Street Glide special & just sold my 2018 Breakout to make room for this bike in the garage. You hit the nail on the head, so many times I am out riding I see that gravel road off to the right or left and really want to go see where it could take me but I'd never take my Street Glide or my Breakout on those roads. Really excited! Hope to get it soon but wanted to say I really do appreciate your reviews. They're very detailed & I feel given your a Harley-Davidson dealer you still do a great job providing a great deal of objective views. I am up in Canada and love my Harleys, now I have another one to see the roads I have not been able to travel!!
Nice! I'm excited for you. I'll most likely be getting one as well. I think we will have the same combo: Street Glide and Pan America.
Harley made a badass on and off road bike like the way it looks even though I don't go off road I would ride it on road just it's so cool.
Thank you Matt and team for great feedback…looking to buy something like this for later rides. I can see I need to be more fit moving forward. But I’m looking forward to life in addition to the Classic and Breakout!
Yeah by far your videos are always the best. I am so excited for Harley, i have a road glide and a bmw gsa. I am lusting hard for the Harley, Harley dealers are far better and more of them then the bmw dealers. Harley looks like they killed it, can’t wait for my test ride in two weeks at the HD event
Great review Matt and Andrew, tired of the negative people bagging the bike without even riding it or seeing it for that matter.
Im 52 and think it’s great Harley have entered the adventure market, and it’s even better that they nailed it first up.
Can’t wait to see where they can take this bike in the future.
Well done again and thanks again for the great review guys!!
That intro you made, bravo Mr.Laidlaw.
Thank you sir
What a fun time yo must have had. Brings back memories of dessert riding in the 80's.
a great bike hope to see lot's of them on the UK ROADS!!! THE KING ROLL'S ON !!!
Great review, Matt! I'm so glad this bike came out and ticks all the boxes it does...good job, H-D! I was waiting for reviews of this bike and they all seem super positive; the bike looks great and from all accounts seems to ride great. It really looks like the MoCo made a solid offering in a motorcycle segment that has a lot of really great bikes in it. I can really see this being my next bike.
Great video Matt. Very cool bike! I would love to have this in my garage!
Nick and Matt can really pull off the detective thing. Superimpose Matt's face on Arnie's jumping the canal. lol
I just rode it yesterday at Walters Brothers in Peoria ILL, the demo fleet was there. I mentioned earlier in a comment that own 1995 BMW GS PD Classic since new. Obviously that's like comparing an Evo to the M8. I couldn't believe how well done it is, the orange and white is the one on board. I felt it was the best one on board. It had the longest waiting list to ride. I've owned an 87 fxlr 91 fxrt 20ll street glide 2014 also. An xr1200 and have kept my 2005 flstsc. All great bikes but this is truly Harleys game changer. They have ventured in a direction they needed go,.
Good to hear a comment from a long time ADV Rider. Thank you for leaving it
Outstanding HD is doing GREAT!!! WOW HD all the way
Very nice! I'm seriously considering a PanAm over a Road Glide now. I use dirt bikes on our ranch and I kinda want one to chase cows with and ride to Sturgis on lol
hey Matt love the video‘s on the pan am bought the demo from my local dealer was wondering if you do a video on setting the suspension preload, tension and rebound on the 1250 standard. Since the special dominates youtube videos thanks for all your content cheers
Awesome!
Great production, thanks guys, providing a thorough and inspiring overview of the PanAmerica and its capabilities.
I look forward to giving one a try. Are you going to build a dirt bike loop into the Laidlaws car park...?
Looks like it's gonna be a home run for Harley. Great video Matt. Thanks for sharing...
Thanks for watching
What is the wind protection like? I have a 2020 BMW 1250GS and a few HD bikes (CVO Street Glide) too. The BMW has the best coverage with my CVO being quite a bit less. This windscreen looks pretty small. Did you have issues seeing over it? What was the leg protection like? The BMW I have is great at leg protection with the boxer engine and the upper fairing protects you pretty good as well. Any accessories you can add to improve deflection?
Wind Protection is pretty good. Better than I expected actually. At 6'6'' I still felt a little tall for the windshield. I didn't mess with the height too much though.
Thanks for the review. I’ll be riding the ‘22 at Eagles Nest this week. Something to remember…. The GSA and the new Triumph Rally Explorer are both made in Thailand where workers are paid about 8 grand a year. Then they sell the bikes in the US for over 30 grand for the top spec model. I’ll be trading my Tiger and my Goldwing in on the new Pan Am very soon and as a resident of the central Sierra, she’s going to get ridden hard! Also planning a Yellowstone-Grand Tetons-million dollar highway-monument valley-Grand Canyon-Hoover Dam-Vegas- Death Valley and home through Yosemite trip this spring. It’s going to be a true test of this ride and an epic adventure!! Well done HD… took a while…but you made me a believer.
Sounds like a great trip. Enjoy man.
Outstanding! Helluva job Matt! Killed it with the information as always
Thank you! Thanks for watching
Oh these are still pre-production models... Whaaaa ??? Great video by the way you do an excellent job I really really dig your videos I can tell that you are put a lot of time and care into it and they come out great.
Luv the bike but why is everyone standing up all the time is the seat no good?
I ride adventure bikes as well as my Harley Lowrider S I get standing up to go over jumps and bumps but all the time makes me think the seating position isn’t right or something?
Best detailed breakdown guys. Nice work! Very impressive. Do you think Jim will swap out the Pan America for his fleet of GS motorcycles this year? Ha! Ha!
Maybe at the Zakar location!
Finally a Harley with proper brakes!!! Nice vid guys... look forward to seeing them over here in the UK 🇬🇧.
I was hoping Harley could pull this off and so far it looks pretty good. Thank goodness for whoever green lighted this.
Agreed! I’m glad HD jumped into this type of bike.
You know the one thing that I find so fascinating about Harley Davidson is that their heritage can be both a blessing and a curse in the sense that their heritage is what makes them one of the most iconic motorcycle manufacturers in the world, but at the same time, it can keep them from reinventing their image. Every manufacturer is going to go through a controversial period in their history but if you stick with the brand, and give them a shot, you may actually like the bike. With company's all going to electric powertrains in the near future, its best we welcome these bikes with open arms and be grateful while we still have them.
What a well done video between commentary and ride footage. Good job guys.
Thank you and thanks for watching
Hey Matt, great information on the Pan Am. Im so interested in one and will definitely look at a dealer here to test ride one.
Great content and appreciate all the feedback.
Took one out a few weeks ago did a quick ride video. While I'm not really looking for a new ASV bike I was interested in the platform from the potential of the naked bike they have supposedly are working. Well where working on. I was pleasantly surprised at how this bike preformed. Think HD is definitely headed in the rite direction
Hey guys really enjoyed your honesty with the pan America she’s a goer this could be my next adv cheers
What, no Infotainment ? LOL Looks like H-D hit a home run with this. Great review. You covered everything. So you need to change the cables or wires with the tall risers?Thanks
Love your videos but this one may be one of the best 👌. I think that adventure riding is a bridge too far for my advanced age but it is very tempting. For now I will stay on my 2021 CVO Road Glide but please keep the Adventure riding videos coming.
Was Looking forward to your review on this bike. Awesome review! Bought a new Sport Glide last year after one of your reviews and chatting with you on IG. This bike would be a good replacement for my KTM adventure bike. I think you are selling a lot of bikes based on your videos - haha!
Feel the VTech kicking in yo!!!!!!!! Hahahaha 😂🤣
Your descriptions of the other ADV are perfect. This bike, however, looks good.
Thanks Matt and Andrew. Fabulous review of what is going to be a game changer for Harley. One is going in my garage for sure.
Thanks for watching!
Great video. Informative, and well produced. I have one on order awaiting delivery as we speak 😎
Awesome enjoy
Loved the detailed review, discussing ergonomics and suggesting how to improve switches. Hopefully, HD will take notes and improve the bike more.