I have a 21 Pan America, and it is absolutely amazing. I got mine late in 2021, and I have had virtually no issues. There have been a few software updates early on to fix some minor issues, but this bike has been a dream and a lot of fun to own. I do believe the PA is very underrated and the new BMW GS is a little overrated. Either way, if you are in the market for a large adventure bike you will need to test ride a Harley, BMW, Honda, Ducati and KTM and any other contender and buy what fits you best. I did this, all of the other bikes were awesome, I almost bought an Africa Twin, but one ride on the PA and I was sold. I have no regrets. Buy something and get out and ride.
Honestly, having just ridden the new BMW 1300GS, I like the Harley engine much more. I'm kinda over chain pulling though, because I'm lazy, but my next adventure bike will probably be the AT or HD anyway.
True. Sonny Barger, former president of the Hell's Angels of Oakland (?) said it similar. Never buy the first year of a new model, and if Harley Davison, never the first TWO years.
I just rented a 2022 Pan America and rode it around the Smokey Mtns and North Georgia (Suches area). It is an AMAZING motorcycle! I currently own a Street Glide Special with a 131 Big Bore. Very different motorcycles. Each has it own unique ride and vibe. For long trips and just cruising, the SGS is the choice. For everything else, the Pan America, especially in the twisties. I'm 5'7" on a good day and had no issues. Wish they would come out with a 900cc though.
Great point about upfront pricing..............High Desert HD in Meridian, Idaho is like that, NO PRICE TAGS.............and then they charge enormous setup fees; very sleazy.
03 Dresser, 05 Dresser, 08 Road King FLHP, living near Daytona FLO, since 1999 & been getten bit crowded with texting, cages, up to 32 graveyard, marble orchard resident friends, knowems, bar boozer, bikers from all types of accidents, but been in a cage for the past 10 years, but this Pan Am is interesting, but gonna give it another year till they get the bugs under control, see about a 2025 being 66yrs old, don't have the patients for fuel pump, battery, or wiring harness issues, but just might have to dust off the boots & give one a test ride, I almost bought a BMW GS, but not hurting for money, but couldn't bring myself to the $30k north, for 2 wheels; With that being said & being an impulse buyer, I'll stay clear of my many HD dealers within my area, being about 5 within a 30 mile radius. But nice looken sled & good demo!!
100% on getting a 24. I have a 22 and love it, and have not had any major issues. The bike is outstanding. The only issue I have is that a two year old Harleyd epreciated 14k. I was not expecting that. Ride safe.
I actually liked that Harley, though the clutch seemed way to far out before it bit, is it adjustable? The adaptive suspension sold it for me over other adventure bikes. Well done Harley for catching up a quarter way through the 21st Century.
Hi Andrew, it's a cable clutch I believe. HD has been moving most bikes back to that (which concerns me because that used to be a weak point on HDs). I didn't try to adjust it, but I should have for the next guy. I agree, I've always said that "The Motor Company" is the last to the party with advancements, but the adaptive ride height is worth the price, and even Honda hasn't tried that yet.
I don’t know if all the bikes have adjustable levers but the one I test rode which was a 23 the windshield adjustable the levers are adjustable. The rear brake is adjustable. It’s got a center stand. It crash bars, and there anything you need that you usually have to pay as extras for other bikes. What I didn’t like about it and I don’t know where he gets that your foot doesn’t get hot, but my right foot got hotter than hell riding around town because that huge exhaust pipe is right there by it and the wind blows that heat back onto your leg. Other than that you could start out in third gear. It’s a powerful bike. Its different modes are awesome and don’t know, how it is on circles and turns, but it wouldn’t really made for that
I should have put more humor in it, I'm known for that, but I haven't been very humorous lately. My day job wants my serious side, I think they are leading me away from myself. I have golden handcuffs though.
Thats a bunch of BS.... if there was an issue with harness or battery or fuel pump, there needs to be a recall and HD should fix it immediately at no charge to the customer as all other manufactures do.... no need to buy a 2024 to fix the issue.... BS
That's impressive that the dealership let you take a brand new bike for a couple of hours...........not here, the dealership makes you ride with another bike (salesman) and it's about a 5 minute, pre-canned, ride.
The dealers around here know me, but in this case, it's a Demo bike provided for the purpose of test rides. Of the ADV bikes I've ridden, I like the Panamerica engine the best. The jury is still out though on the fuel pump issue. I don't live close enough to this dealer to risk killing a fuel pump and getting it towed to them. Heat is always an issue with Harleys. I need to ride it on a 90 degree day to see how bad it gets.
I brought a 2022 Pan Am Special, in March 2023, it gets ridden mostly every day. I did have the have the draining battery problem, I think it was more that he battery was sitting flat for 1 year and the battery was dodge. Recently I started to have a cut out problem, took the bike to the dealer and they found the that some of alternator magnets had come loose. Solution is to upgrade the alternator to the 2024 version, expensive but under warrantee.
That dealership will be gone before you know it. They don’t meet HD’s dealership plan. It’s not 650000 sq.ft. No amusement park, bar, sauna or hotel. HD had to listen to the customers who said fix this POS or you’ll never get another dime! In all seriousness, they had to fix future iterations. The warranty claims and owner reviews were going to bury the bike. Unfortunately, not sure the image damage can be reversed will reverse sales.
I bought a new Yamaha Tenere 700 it's only 468lbs wet and Yamaha has hardy any maintenance issues. Yamaha wins races all over the world and this is the adventure bike.
@@gpl422sda I love the Super Tenere. I'd get one as a daily rider if I didn't have the garage bay full already. I just ran into another Pan America owner whose engine blendered. His fuel pump before that.
@@ADVScott342 I prefer shaft drives too, all my bikes in the garage have them. The Pan America is probably the first time HD has used a chain since the 70s. Did the Street 750 and 500 have a chain? I don't remember.
Awesome video.. It’s a love hate relationship with this bike! I have a 22” with 21,000 it’s been through 5 fuel pump replacements under warranty upon other issues.. After all that the engine lost 75% power now at the shop! They definitely need to work things out .. most modern bikes are having similar issues…they also lose 45% of their value.
I've owned a few adventure bikes (2 africa twins, 2 super tenere 1200) among over 20 other bikes of all kinds. Currently have a DR650 as a lightweight dual sport, and a super tenere 1200 for the long distance touring stuff. When I feel like it's time to change, I might just give this Harley a try (it's actually the only Harley I'd consider buying, the few harleys I've tried in the past have been extremely disappointing (terribly overpriced for the weight, handling, suspension, brakes, etc). This Pan America is actually quite a decent proposition! Hats off to Harley for trying something different, it was about time, when you look at companies like Triumph that are addressing just about every motorcycle market possible...Harley had a very narrow lineup.
The engine is a thrill, the seat is comfortable, the looks are unique. The only two things keeping me away are 1. It's still a chain drive for the price. 2. Guess where the battery is? Go ahead, guess! It's right behind the front tire. Ride through a puddle. ..
I love the looks of this bike. If I didn't own an FXLRS, I would be very tempted to buy one! 150hp! Come on! Harley really needs this bike to work for many reasons. Money is only part of it.
Hey Marshall! I’m about to trade in my ‘23 Sportster S for a ‘23 Pan Am Special, mostly so i get more touring capabilities and some off-roading. Wanted to know if I should go ahead and ask Redstone H-D about the wiring thing you talked about in the beginning before pulling the trigger?
@@Diabeekei If it's a 24, it's a better bike. If it is before 2024, I would definitely get it refitted with the larger battery and charging system. It's actually not that odd for bikes to not charge the battery at idle, many bikes won't. I've seen dealers let bikes idle saying it's charging the battery, and that's an unreliable method. Battery tenders are your friend. Still, I would want my Pan America to be all that it can be.
@@ridingwithmarshall awesome brother, i checked out the 2023 one, i’ll try to see if they can do a 2024. If not, i’ll show them your message and go from there. Ride safe!
@@ridingwithmarshall hey Marsh! Just got her home, I went with a 23 Pan Am Special yellow white! Currently trying to figure out what battery to replace the stock one, i’m getting a u010000c fault code which looks like something you talked about
Harley-Davidson dealership did not have the bike I wanted to purchase or even test drive went in there to ride a Street Glide Max or a Road Glide Max they said they didn't have any was really looking forward to test ride the new stroked Pan America style motor with 150 horse and 150 torque with swirl combustion so good run regular fuel so I asked him about the lowrider ST Maxx they don't seem to be available either can anybody tell me when the new bikes will come out not getting any younger
I can't even find anything on Google about a Maxx. I would be surprised if they put a Pan America engine in a Glide, as it would rub the Harley PushV-rod faithful the wrong way. The Pan America doesn't sound anything like a typical M8 or twin cam. However, I sure would be interested!
I would definitely not say no to one as it seems like quite a good bike but it sure is ugly. Why don't they just build a ADV that looks like one and not like a throwback to a cruiser which it's not. Just let it go and embrace what it is .Could have been so much better.
I've grown to like the looks, just as I've grown to like the looks of the BMW 1250 GS. I thought that asymmetrical headlight on the BMW was the stupidest thing I've seen, but it grew on me. I like the simple sleekness of the Pan America. Now if you want UGLY, look at my Moto-Guzzi V85TT from the front. That's one bike that I didn't buy for the looks though.
I disagree. Folks come up to me routinely (virtually every time I'm out) and comment on what a great looking bike, what is it, where to get it, etc. I must agree that the orange combo color is butt ugly. The grey, pearly, and vivid black, like mine, is hot; great looking bike. And one more thing, the other ADV bikes have that ridiculous useless "beak" 🙄 Aauuugh. marcus
I have the 2023, vivid black, fabulous bike... no issues. I've tricked it out... better skid plate, quick shifter, medallions, sundowner saddle, USB charger. I wouldn't touch the 2021 nor 2022. The 2023 and 2024 fixed quite a number of minor issues. marvus
@ridingwithmarshall , sorry, I did not put risers on the bike. You need to be careful. There are a LOT of cables that just won't stretch more than about an inch and a half AT MOST. I don't have a brand recommend. marcus
Heat would be the worst issues. Not on a 65 degree day . Ride it on a 85 + degree day. Both of the bikes i have ,no heat problems when its 65 ,85+ is when the heat really shows up. Im sure the Pan America is no different.
You are completely wrong about the fuel pump, there is no voltage to the pump when the motorcycle is off, I have checked it on a 22 after watching on your youtube channel, also the exact same pump is on a 24
I noticed it a lot on the earlier models. I tried feeling it on this one, and didn't. Instead, hear rose straight up the tank. They may have switched to a thicker exhaust pipe, because I distinctly remember my leg baking on the one I rode a few years ago.
I’m hoping they sorted out those pesky issues because I’ve liked this bike from the start..looks unique to the other bug faced adv’s…bmw 1250 was great but they ruined it w the 1300 imo..and it’s $30k!
I thought the suspension was fine, no noticeable issues. I didn't single-track it, but there were no jaring bumps or transfer to my wrists. Comfortable. Just raise the bars before taking possession.
@@christopherw4527 I'm not a fan of HD dealers as a whole, or even the company. Most dealers charge $500 to $750 setup. We are just lucky this dealer doesn't charge the $3000 premium fees and $1000 reconditioning fees of other HD dealers.
@@ridingwithmarshall I'm about your age. Had bikes for decades. Uncle owned a dealership up till the early 80's. I was in the trucking industry, and still follow it. I try to tell younger people not to be victims of romantic purchases. Look at what they charge for labor, then if you have a small amount of mechanical ability....You'll instantly understand the scam of 1000 bucks for the setup fee. I don't mind the setup fee. I do mind the dishonesty. If they would only not shady about the whole thing I wouldn't care.
@@christopherw4527I would negotiate it the setup either down or off. John Elway HD is the only one that posts all the fees up front though. Usually, I find the fees on the very last paper I sign. You are SO right about emotional purchases. Most HD dealers count on it!
@@ridingwithmarshall Yes they do count on the emotional mess. I always ask why be loyal to a company? What makes a company anyway? Well the truth is that it is the investors. In Harley's case, they hired a unshaven hipster German of all people. It it not an American Company truth be known. No matter who owns stock, look at those in charge and you'll have your company. I do my homework before buying a new bike. Then it is a simple matter just to walk in or call a salesman. Have the most you'll pay as the hill you die on. I don't know about Greely being the ONLY dealership that posts that right up front. What is wild is that I can buy a Pan America cheaper in Florida. Take into account that we don't have a sales tax here in Montana. I'm including pick up or shipping too. I like Dennison's canned chili, but I'm not about to wear a shirt stating that.
@@ridingwithmarshall Just telling them what you will pay, making certain that you are honest with them and yourself that you are an absolute serious buyer. No need to waste everyone's time.
That’s a very specialty bike designed for a microscopic percentage of riders. Besides, Honda’s Africa-Twin can kick its ass in just about every category. The skills needed to operate these kind of motorcycles off-road is pretty rare. And now it’s strictly a CVO model? That’s pretty stupid just plain stupid. What a waste of money. HOWEVER; if you are one of those rare, truly skilled off-road adventurers, my apologies, not withstanding my comment about the Africa Twin.
I prefer a shaft drive and a boxer engine too. I'd take a Pan America if I were given one though. Hopefully, I'll get to review a BMW 1300GS this summer though.
Gosh... Things have changed. I stopped riding motorcycles when there were carburetors and when... and when we didn't say "I'm going to switch modes". This is an extraordinary piece of engineering. But I'm not sure it's really what riding a motorcycle is. Somehow it seems apt that the "off-road" section of this is some fairly smooth, utterly flat sand-covered, unmetalled road. The only bends are at junctions or paddled round, breathlessly on tip-toes. A very impressive toy, but it doesn't seem very... involving. I used to ride between the UK and the Western Balkans on a 350 or a 500, over the Alps and other ranges. It was just... lots of fun and very visceral and quite involving. I have a feeling that this machine would be much faster but less fun... and probably not as easy to fix by the roadside. 😮
@@BanjoLuke1 Being a brand new loaner, I couldn't ride it over Rollins Pass. The dealership is in Greeley Colorado where there is ... Nothing. There were plenty of Moab Utah Magazine videos at the bike's launch, but I get what I get during a short bike loan. Although there are plenty of videos of Pan America videos knee-deep in the mud, I wouldn't try it. The battery is placed all the way in the mud zone of the front tire. You are correct, a PA is not easy to work on roadside. In fact, the engine and transmission are all one piece, and when damage occurs, the whole thing has to come out of the bike. That's why my adventure bike of choice is the Moto Guzzi V85TT. What's to fix? I have bikes without ride modes. They do make a difference.
@@ridingwithmarshall Excellent answer. Incidentally, my bikes of choice (many years ago) were also Italian. Morini and Guzzi middleweights. I almost bought (1987) a V65TT, which would have spent almost 100% of its life on tarmac. I desired because it lacked the traditional linked brakes.... Clearly there was no need for them given the pretence of it being an off-roader, but in reality it wasn't one... I was a fan (for road use) of the original R80 G/S and at the tome I thought there'd never be a bigger off-roader. Some years later I tested a 750 Elefant... and I thought things would never get bigger.... Ha ha ha. Anyway... Your response is very fair. (But I still think these things are too big and clumsy for trail riding. A nice 4-stroke 400-500 single is a handful, but is manageable.... Also.... It is not so heavy when it (inevitably) hits the dirt or falls over into muddy water. And.... it is cheaper and easier to fix.
@@BanjoLuke1 I think the HD PA is a sign of our times, we expect one bike to do it all. BMW and KTM showed us it could be done, if you are a pro at riding heavy bikes through the mud. Everyone wishes they were a pro, so they buy these really tall heavy bikes. Then they sell them after a few hundred miles or they ride them only in pavement thereafter. HD says "Let's make a KTM (high compression) motor and take away the height anxiety with adaptive ride height. Ok, I like it. Still, would I take a $26k bike on single track 50 miles away from a town? I think using the right tool for the job got lost somewhere. Trailer in a 300cc thumper for the single track, and ride the heavy stuff on the concrete.
@ridingwithmarshall anyone that buys a big bore ADV bike, and plans to single track it, is an idiot. That's not what they're for. For as much as I respect the dual sport community, it seems pretty obvious that many don't understand bikes that they wouldn't personally buy. Many of us either can't afford, or don't have the room for multiple bikes and trailers, etc. If I could, I'd have one of everything. I have a Tiger 1200. I use it to commute to work and pick up groceries on the way home. I take my wife out on Sunday morning rides with it. I live in an urban setting. It's nearly two hours to the closest forest service road. I get there in comfort and have fun along the way, effortlessly passing anything in front of me. I've ridden for hours down washboard, potholed and partially deactivated roads, and found beautiful lakes to camp at and amazing alpine views. I wouldn't dream of taking a Gold Wing, Harley bagger or a ZX9 to these places. Just because you can't do hard enduro on something, doesn't make it a fail. I wouldn't want to ride a 300 cc dual sport for hours down a highway either. Different tools for different jobs.
