HD PanAmerican specs revealed

[blackcat]

Unless you meant that as to say "compared to models from other OEMs that require valve adjustments" (as I can read your sentence either way, depending on context).

But just in case to be clear, again, NO VALVE ADJUSTMENTS - Hydraulic roller lifters.

Yes, no valve adjustments.

From what I understand about the lowering option, it will drop 1" to 2" at a light,etc. and rise up as you proceed.  Smart option, I'm betting we will see this with other manufacturers in the future.

[twowheeladdict]

It's not the bike.  It's the rider.

I'd like to see what this guy could do on one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BoKRgfh_3s&feature=emb_imp_woyt

[Solorider73]

I was pleasantly surprised with how well on paper this bike competes and suspect it will be a success. The final opinion always depends on how well it actually handles, but it doesn’t appear they cut corners anywhere obvious. I’m hoping that it sells well and provides Harley with opportunities outside of cruisers.

[actwin]

 I don't think it will sell. Harley management will screw some thing up for one thing, just look what happened with the 500 and 750.

[Kev m]

I don't think it will sell. Harley management will screw some thing up for one thing, just look what happened with the 500 and 750.

I hope you're wrong, but the 500/700 were VERY different from this. They were unremarkable spec wise, and incredibly cheap (especially in the peripherals, ergos, controls).

And times are different than say the Buell or Vrod Era. Not to mention this seems more competitive and better thought out than the Vrod.

But we'll see. They have managed to screw up a good thing before. 

[Ncdan]

Lol, thanks Dirk, you baled me out on that one😂👍
Private joke between Dirk and I🤔
Now that’s out of the way🤔
I can only speak from the perspective of not having any first hand experience with the HD duel purpose bike or any other type motorcycle, I can only rely of common sense and past riding experience.
In younger days I spent a lot of time trail riding and I simply can’t see a 5-6 hundred pound motorcycle be taken where and how we rode. Nor can I see this bike replacing a TOURING type bike. I’ll admit either aspect of riding can be accomplished on these bikes depending on the riders experience, physical capacity and determination to MAKE it work.
I had a FISH AND SKI boat one time and I must say wasn’t very good at either, although I did fish and ski with it.
Would I buy the HD? At some point, possibly, as the size and weight could be a factor for a short distance touring bike with the proper attire.

[twowheeladdict]

I don't think it will sell. Harley management will screw some thing up for one thing, just look what happened with the 500 and 750.

For me it was the ergonomics on those bikes that just didn't work. 

[usedtobefast]

I like this new Harley!  I am considering buying one.  Seems to be $4000-$5000 less than a comparable BMW or Ducati.  It might replace my Quota. 

I would use it mostly for crappy back roads riding where having ADV type suspension is very nice.  As for dirt, most I would do is the trip off the pavement to get to a camp site type of thing.  Also the ADV style bikes are easier on my worn out knees.

I'm wondering if they are a big hit if Harley will up the MSRP for the next year model.  Like first year the Special is $19,995, will that go up $1k-$2K next year?

Thinking of putting down a deposit just to get in the "I want one" queue and then figure it out after a test ride. 

And I actually like the way it looks!  Kind of tuff and chunky.

[Ncdan]

I don't think it will sell. Harley management will screw some thing up for one thing, just look what happened with the 500 and 750.

Not sure I agree Sir. When you look at the percentages that HD has among all the brands, within that percentage it would be reasonable to speculate a certain percentage of those people would be interested in this new kick with the “ Duel purpose or Adventure bike” bikes, possibly?

[Rough Edge racing]

This is what it reminds me of.Hope it sells for them. That swing arm looks sooo long.Must have one beefy spring or some big loads on the linkage. Like to see how the suspension lowering system works.

  "Klaatu barada nikto" 

[steven c]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF3pBM4eViE
 Well done promo film for the bike and some nice vintage Harley off road footage, some how they left out Buell as part of their off road History, saying the PanAM is the first American adventure bike.

[twowheeladdict]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF3pBM4eViE
 Well done promo film for the bike and some nice vintage Harley off road footage, some how they left out Buell as part of their off road History, saying the PanAM is the first American adventure bike.

Was the Buell advertised as an adventure bike? 

Maybe they aren't allowed to mention Buell for legal reasons.

[oldbike54]

 Look fellas , I've had a couple of ugly motorbikes , but this this is beyond ugly . GACK 

 Dusty

[kingoffleece]

And I quote Jack Nicholson, "Never rub another man's rhubarb!"

[Shorty]

I liked the promo film. Having Jason Mamoa as an advocate can't hurt. Looks the MOCO has the beginning of a whole new line of bikes. I wish them well. They were smart enough to move on beyond the assless chaps and dewrag crowd. (without kicking them to the curb)  Maybe the whole motorcycling community will follow suit... 

[steven c]

Was the Buell advertised as an adventure bike? 

Maybe they aren't allowed to mention Buell for legal reasons.

If I remember they sold it as an "all roads bike". I would guess since they sold the rights to the Buell name (I think HD owned it) they don't want to mention  Buell.

[fotoguzzi]

That's the ugliest fairing/ headlight anywhere on or off road. And it sounds like a Honda.. or Singer.

[LowRyter]

I'd like to take a test ride. 

[Turin]

Not as pretty as my quota, but I like it. maybe I'll look for a second hand PA in a few years.

[Canuck750]

I tip my hat to HD for branching out and taking on the crowded big adventure bike market, but for an unproven design and new to the segment I think they have missed the boat on price. I don't think the class leaders need to worry to much about the Pan America.

HD Pan America - 534 ~ 560 lbs wet / 150 hp / $17,319 base ~ $19,999 special

BMW R1250 GS  - 591 lbs wet / 136 hp / $17,995 base

KTM 1290 Adventure R - 530 lbs wet / 160 hp  / $18,599 base

Honda Africa Twin Sport ES - 501 lbs wet / 100 hp / $14,399 base

I just don't get the big heavy adventure bikes, they are all pretty limited to pavement and packed gravel for most riders capabilities, it takes a very strong and fit man to handle a 550 lb cycle in the sand or dirt and most of these get loaded up with another 50 ~ 75 lbs of luggage. I have witnessed how poorly the big bikes handle on the sloppy and loose stuff.

[Ncdan]

I road by the dealership today, 70degrees, and they said it would be May before they got their first one in. They ask for my number saying they would call me but I declined the offer.

[Shorty]

I think 2 things are key:   1)   HD is acknowledging there are more than one type of rider. That could be huge down the road. As mentioned, change of attitude at the dealership level is needed.

2)  That engine could find its way into some pretty cool new bikes. Maybe put the "Sport" back in "Sportster."   

[kingoffleece]

I'll wager only 10% of GS's are sold in the basic spec.  I've NEVER seen a stripper bike at a dealership-and I've been to 3 large dealers with friends who drink that kool aid.  They are ALL optioned.  Yes, I'm aware someone has seen that grail-I never have.  And kudos to H-D for a different look-if it was the same as the rest the comments against would be the same except they would be "oh look, they can't even make it look different.  They COPIED, those bums!"


wait-that's different, er, the same but different,.er, I'm confused.

[Kev m]

I tip my hat to HD for branching out and taking on the crowded big adventure bike market, but for an unproven design and new to the segment I think they have missed the boat on price. I don't think the class leaders need to worry to much about the Pan America.

HD Pan America - 534 ~ 560 lbs wet / 150 hp / $20,999 base ~ $24,199 special

BMW R1250 GS  - 591 lbs wet / 136 hp / $17,995 base

KTM 1290 Adventure R - 530 lbs wet / 160 hp  / $18,599 base

Honda Africa Twin Sport ES - 501 lbs wet / 100 hp / $14,399 base
.

Those are Canadian prices I gather as the HD is lower here . I've heard other US riders proclaim the price point as competitive, though I haven't cared to check the competition myself.

[twowheeladdict]

I tip my hat to HD for branching out and taking on the crowded big adventure bike market, but for an unproven design and new to the segment I think they have missed the boat on price. I don't think the class leaders need to worry to much about the Pan America.

HD Pan America - 534 ~ 560 lbs wet / 150 hp / $20,999 base ~ $24,199 special

BMW R1250 GS  - 591 lbs wet / 136 hp / $17,995 base

KTM 1290 Adventure R - 530 lbs wet / 160 hp  / $18,599 base

Honda Africa Twin Sport ES - 501 lbs wet / 100 hp / $14,399 base

I just don't get the big heavy adventure bikes, they are all pretty limited to pavement and packed gravel for most riders capabilities, it takes a very strong and fit man to handle a 550 lb cycle in the sand or dirt and most of these get loaded up with another 50 ~ 75 lbs of luggage. I have witnessed how poorly the big bikes handle on the sloppy and loose stuff.

Is that Canadian pricing?  You all have tariffs on Harley?  Price is lower in the states.

[timonbik]

Yes those are the HD Cdn prices.  Yes, competitively priced until you really look at all the add ons.   Freight $500?,  $350 for colours, $500 for spoked tubless rims, $1000 for the ride lowering option.    Starting to get a little pricey now for an unproven bike.  Base model looks reasonably priced until you see what is missing.  It has a plastic skid plate, no hand protectors or heated grips, cast wheels, no center stand and the list goes on!!!

[twowheeladdict]

I think 2 things are key:   1)   HD is acknowledging there are more than one type of rider. That could be huge down the road. As mentioned, change of attitude at the dealership level is needed.

2)  That engine could find its way into some pretty cool new bikes. Maybe put the "Sport" back in "Sportster."   

How many dealerships have you been in during the last 5 years?  I have nothing but good experiences at the dealerships. What is this attitude you talk of?  Sometimes what you give is what you get.

[timonbik]

How many dealerships have you been in during the last 5 years?  I have nothing but good experiences at the dealerships. What is this attitude you talk of?  Sometimes what you give is what you get.

Will they even stock them or will they be banished to the back corner of the shop like the Buells were.   I find it funny that HD in their lead up spiel stated that the Pan American was the first American made adventure bike.  Heck they don't even recognize their own history.  Me thinks the Buell Ulysses was actually a pretty decent adventure bike.  Not the best but it was competent.

[twowheeladdict]

Will they even stock them or will they be banished to the back corner of the shop like the Buells were.   I find it funny that HD in their lead up spiel stated that the Pan American was the first American made adventure bike.  Heck they don't even recognize their own history.  Me thinks the Buell Ulysses was actually a pretty decent adventure bike.  Not the best but it was competent.

You are making statements like every dealer is the same.  The local dealer here had the Buells in the front window area.  You had to walk through or around them to get to the Harleys.  I didn't know anything about them when I stopped in wearing my off road riding gear, and a salesman came up and told me all about their unique features.  The only reason I could see a dealer relegating them to a corner would be because there was no profit in selling, or customers didn't want them.  You make it sound like the person who needs to sell bikes to make a living was being spiteful to Harley.

[Canuck750]

Woops, I had CDN prices for the HD - lets fix that!

I tip my hat to HD for branching out and taking on the crowded big adventure bike market, but for an unproven design and new to the segment I think they have missed the boat on price. I don't think the class leaders need to worry to much about the Pan America.

HD Pan America - 534 ~ 560 lbs wet / 150 hp / $ 17,319 $20,999 base ~ $19,999 $24,199 special

BMW R1250 GS  - 591 lbs wet / 136 hp / $17,995 base

KTM 1290 Adventure R - 530 lbs wet / 160 hp  / $18,599 base

Honda Africa Twin Sport ES - 501 lbs wet / 100 hp / $14,399 base

I just don't get the big heavy adventure bikes, they are all pretty limited to pavement and packed gravel for most riders capabilities, it takes a very strong and fit man to handle a 550 lb cycle in the sand or dirt and most of these get loaded up with another 50 ~ 75 lbs of luggage. I have witnessed how poorly the big bikes handle on the sloppy and loose stuff.