I think that we were all surprised about how good this first effort was by HD. While the PA may not be "better" than the competition, it certainly puts them on par. As a multi GS owner, I would not purchase a first generation bike (learned that lesson with BMW), but this will be a strong consideration for the next bike. Of course have to ride it first as that is a must for all bike purchases.
Yes, better than expected for sure. I don't think it's quite on an equal footing with the current GS and new MTS V4S, and refreshed KTM 1290, yet. But it's clearly ahead of the Super Tenere, Versys 1000, and VStrom 1000, and can take a slice of pie.
Hi Richard. A very fair review ! I have ordered a Pan S. I looked at all the others and decided on something different. I had a GSA a few years back and carefully considered the 2021 model. I’m in the UK so the Pan S is £3000 less than a GSA TE. It has all the same electronics as the GSA and your Ducati I believe ( which is a great looking bike ). I’ve equipped the bike with adjustable ride height, laced wheels and alu luggage and it’s still only about £500 more than the basic GSA TE with no extras. Sat nav is free on the Harley. Quickshifter is coming apparently for the next generation Pan. Shaft drive you lose 15-20% of your power , with chain about 5%. I wanted a fun bike ! Harley are listening to the small niggles on hand guard’s and screen. The Pan S is not going to be any better than the current competition but I think it’s very close to being as good as, and , offer the same at a very competitive price. I really did have to ask myself that for about £2500 more what was the beemer going to offer over and above besides heritage. As far as I’m aware the first wave Pan’s are sold out worldwide as people are scrambling on the forums to find dealers that may have one. I enjoy your reviews 👍
Reserved mine last night. PanAm S with ride height adjustment and panniers/top box. Should be arriving at the dealer in early June. I like the "different" look of the bike. Thank God it doesn't have an angry bird beak (BMW, Ducati) or look like an alien insect (KTM, Yamaha). For me, the only ADV bike that looks better is the Africa Twin.
Thank you, David, and well-balanced feedback from you. The MCN website talks of a 56% EU tariff being placed on HD's this year. I don't think it will come to that, but if it does, residual values for HD's in the UK could go through the roof, as European's will want to buy them from Brits. The electronics are probably similar to the BMW's, but the Ducati leads the class there, with much more scaleable control and additional separate controls, so as well as having traction control, you also have slide control and wheelie control (individually) for instance. In fact, the Ducati is so clever, that you have to recalibrate all of the electronics every time you fit new tires. You've gone for absolutely the right spec IMPO, and congratulations! Satnav is also free on the GS, their Connected system works really well. And nobody will beat it for both sales and residual values, although HD are traditionally strong in resale; particularly against another new HD. There are pros and cons to shaft, belt and chain. I like belt, but that's no good off-road, even if that just means gravel roads. I'm comfortable with modern chains, they're strong, easy to fix, light and retain the most power as you mentioned. I love it's USP's of the ride control and hydraulic lifters, the latter particularly really appeals to me. I'd be very interested to hear how happy you are with it once you get it David! 👍
@@bukweet One of the RIDE ON Crew just bought a black Africa Twin ES Sport DCT. It's a good-looking bike, for sure. Different is polarizing, and that's why I felt it was both a miss and a hit. People have a natural aversion to change. But it's often surprising how differentca soon become the new norm - just look at clothing fashion.
As always Richard, a very articulate and on point perspective on a new ADV entry from Harley. It will do great with it’s own customers and new to Adventure customers looking for something different than current offerings. It’s wonderful to see Harley embrace ADV and look to modern water cooling engine. We’ll learn before long this bikes shortcomings and ability to stay together. The many Harley customers smitten with the brand still get to wear their favorite Motor Co clothes too. (They do have some cool flannels). Is this on the level of a Ducati MSV4S, GS/GSA, Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenre? IMHO, not just yet. However many of us really want this to be a huge success for Harley so they will continue to develop the ADV. This time around I hope they take customer feedback. They’ve not ever seemed to. National Rally’s over the years were giant opportunities to gather Focus Group feedback and none that I’m aware of, ever came of it. If it did, Harley would have had the LED Technology years ago, as would they implemented water cooling and electric windscreens on those beautifully painted Touring bikes by now. Just to list a few. Peace.
Good for HD to at least try to stay in the biker scene and being competitive... New engine seems good too - that zero valve maintenance is something Ducati (Multistrada) can look into... But as for the looks... not for me!
I think your opinion will be a very popular view. Hydraulic lifters are nothing new. In fact, Honda had them on the CBX750 in the early eighties for instance. I'm just unsure of the technical, or manufacturing, or financial reasons, as to why that didn't become normal practice? Sometimes ugly grows on you. I have a Cybertruck on order, for instance. But I do think they could have done something prettier, while still keeping it unique and HD relatable. They'll get that feedback from new owners in their internal satisfaction surveys no doubt, and maybe we'll see the headlight shape evolve. They'll never admit why of course! But 'if' they are listening to new and potential customers, they'll address the elephant in the room.
@@RichDunn Hydraulic lifters come a long way in almost all HD engines... I think one of the down sides is that those motors usually do not (can not) rev so high.... And yes, ugly is also in the eye of the beholder. I thought so of my 2000 Hayabusa too - it stayed ugly (till today!) Regards!
Appreciate films that lay out the specs, but really like your method of stacking or fleshing out some of the crucial bits (or lack thereof) against other machines in peer group... cheers, sir...
Thanks, JR. I should be getting a test ride soon and will add more of that type of stuff within that video. There are quite a few out already, so wanted to do a brief all killer no filler perspective.
Yeah, they're a bit Mickey Mouse. But large, as you say. I guess they just want you to immediately reach for the accessory catalog on that front. Same for better handguards too.
@@RichDunn i just don't like the look of it, when I think of Harleys I think of criusers, if I want an Adventure bike for that price I would buy Gs1250 which I just did and love it
@@jackchristodoulou197 I've had four GS/A's - never a bad decision. I guess manufacturers eventually have to push the envelope though. BMW had no inline fours until they released the class-leading S1000RR, which made the competition up their game, and all customers benefited. Harley is just trying to do the same. Looks are in the eye f the wallet-opener. But most people feel they could have done better, and the front end particularly takes the brunt of people's criticisms. Appreciate you posting JC!
I think that we were all surprised about how good this first effort was by HD. While the PA may not be "better" than the competition, it certainly puts them on par. As a multi GS owner, I would not purchase a first generation bike (learned that lesson with BMW), but this will be a strong consideration for the next bike. Of course have to ride it first as that is a must for all bike purchases.
Yes, better than expected for sure. I don't think it's quite on an equal footing with the current GS and new MTS V4S, and refreshed KTM 1290, yet. But it's clearly ahead of the Super Tenere, Versys 1000, and VStrom 1000, and can take a slice of pie.
Hi Richard. A very fair review ! I have ordered a Pan S. I looked at all the others and decided on something different. I had a GSA a few years back and carefully considered the 2021 model. I’m in the UK so the Pan S is £3000 less than a GSA TE. It has all the same electronics as the GSA and your Ducati I believe ( which is a great looking bike ). I’ve equipped the bike with adjustable ride height, laced wheels and alu luggage and it’s still only about £500 more than the basic GSA TE with no extras. Sat nav is free on the Harley. Quickshifter is coming apparently for the next generation Pan.
Shaft drive you lose 15-20% of your power , with chain about 5%. I wanted a fun bike ! Harley are listening to the small niggles on hand guard’s and screen. The Pan S is not going to be any better than the current competition but I think it’s very close to being as good as, and , offer the same at a very competitive price. I really did have to ask myself that for about £2500 more what was the beemer going to offer over and above besides heritage. As far as I’m aware the first wave Pan’s are sold out worldwide as people are scrambling on the forums to find dealers that may have one.
I enjoy your reviews 👍
Reserved mine last night. PanAm S with ride height adjustment and panniers/top box. Should be arriving at the dealer in early June.
I like the "different" look of the bike. Thank God it doesn't have an angry bird beak (BMW, Ducati) or look like an alien insect (KTM, Yamaha). For me, the only ADV bike that looks better is the Africa Twin.
Thank you, David, and well-balanced feedback from you. The MCN website talks of a 56% EU tariff being placed on HD's this year. I don't think it will come to that, but if it does, residual values for HD's in the UK could go through the roof, as European's will want to buy them from Brits. The electronics are probably similar to the BMW's, but the Ducati leads the class there, with much more scaleable control and additional separate controls, so as well as having traction control, you also have slide control and wheelie control (individually) for instance. In fact, the Ducati is so clever, that you have to recalibrate all of the electronics every time you fit new tires. You've gone for absolutely the right spec IMPO, and congratulations! Satnav is also free on the GS, their Connected system works really well. And nobody will beat it for both sales and residual values, although HD are traditionally strong in resale; particularly against another new HD. There are pros and cons to shaft, belt and chain. I like belt, but that's no good off-road, even if that just means gravel roads. I'm comfortable with modern chains, they're strong, easy to fix, light and retain the most power as you mentioned. I love it's USP's of the ride control and hydraulic lifters, the latter particularly really appeals to me. I'd be very interested to hear how happy you are with it once you get it David! 👍
@@bukweet One of the RIDE ON Crew just bought a black Africa Twin ES Sport DCT. It's a good-looking bike, for sure. Different is polarizing, and that's why I felt it was both a miss and a hit. People have a natural aversion to change. But it's often surprising how differentca soon become the new norm - just look at clothing fashion.
As always Richard, a very articulate and on point perspective on a new ADV entry from Harley. It will do great with it’s own customers and new to Adventure customers looking for something different than current offerings. It’s wonderful to see Harley embrace ADV and look to modern water cooling engine. We’ll learn before long this bikes shortcomings and ability to stay together. The many Harley customers smitten with the brand still get to wear their favorite Motor Co clothes too. (They do have some cool flannels). Is this on the level of a Ducati MSV4S, GS/GSA, Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenre? IMHO, not just yet. However many of us really want this to be a huge success for Harley so they will continue to develop the ADV. This time around I hope they take customer feedback. They’ve not ever seemed to. National Rally’s over the years were giant opportunities to gather Focus Group feedback and none that I’m aware of, ever came of it. If it did, Harley would have had the LED Technology years ago, as would they implemented water cooling and electric windscreens on those beautifully painted Touring bikes by now. Just to list a few. Peace.
Well, I could add further comment. But I think you've said it absolutely perfectly RG!
I like it but a dual sport with a rectifier and coolant reservoir in front does not makes sense. One rock and your done.
I agree, it's a bit iffy (sic) that! The hefty-looking accessory bash-plate is pretty much mandatory, even for pure street use really.
Good for HD to at least try to stay in the biker scene and being competitive... New engine seems good too - that zero valve maintenance is something Ducati (Multistrada) can look into... But as for the looks... not for me!
I think your opinion will be a very popular view. Hydraulic lifters are nothing new. In fact, Honda had them on the CBX750 in the early eighties for instance. I'm just unsure of the technical, or manufacturing, or financial reasons, as to why that didn't become normal practice? Sometimes ugly grows on you. I have a Cybertruck on order, for instance. But I do think they could have done something prettier, while still keeping it unique and HD relatable. They'll get that feedback from new owners in their internal satisfaction surveys no doubt, and maybe we'll see the headlight shape evolve. They'll never admit why of course! But 'if' they are listening to new and potential customers, they'll address the elephant in the room.
@@RichDunn Hydraulic lifters come a long way in almost all HD engines... I think one of the down sides is that those motors usually do not (can not) rev so high.... And yes, ugly is also in the eye of the beholder. I thought so of my 2000 Hayabusa too - it stayed ugly (till today!) Regards!
Appreciate films that lay out the specs, but really like your method of stacking or fleshing out some of the crucial bits (or lack thereof) against other machines in peer group... cheers, sir...
Thanks, JR. I should be getting a test ride soon and will add more of that type of stuff within that video. There are quite a few out already, so wanted to do a brief all killer no filler perspective.
Mirrors look basic but have a good viewing area compared to others. I like the mirrors on a Ducati and Triumph
Yeah, they're a bit Mickey Mouse. But large, as you say. I guess they just want you to immediately reach for the accessory catalog on that front. Same for better handguards too.
Definitely a miss
Many will feel that Jack, I'm sure. What IYPO doo you feel they got very wrong?
@@RichDunn i just don't like the look of it, when I think of Harleys I think of criusers, if I want an Adventure bike for that price I would buy Gs1250 which I just did and love it
@@jackchristodoulou197 I've had four GS/A's - never a bad decision. I guess manufacturers eventually have to push the envelope though. BMW had no inline fours until they released the class-leading S1000RR, which made the competition up their game, and all customers benefited. Harley is just trying to do the same. Looks are in the eye f the wallet-opener. But most people feel they could have done better, and the front end particularly takes the brunt of people's criticisms. Appreciate you posting JC!