Harley-Davidson Pan America: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist

Why is the Harley-Davidson Pan America a bikesales BOTY finalist?

The Harley-Davidson Pan America was a major departure from tradition for the 118-year-old Milwuakee company, but it was a move that could potentially secure its future.

It’s no secret that H-D has been struggling in recent years. The famous brand has survived over a century thanks to its iconic V-twin cruisers, but interest in the cruiser market is waning and H-D needed to shake things up to stay relevant.

Enter the Pan America. No one outside of Milwaukee believed H-D could build a genuinely capable adventure bike, but the Pan America is the real deal, and it fits very comfortably into the competitive big-bore adventure segment.

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And yet, despite positive reviews from the press, the doubters are still not convinced of the potential this bike and this platform has. Some people just can’t be pleased, can they?

Yes, it’s true that major players like BMW and KTM have a lot more experience, but Harley isn’t stupid – it has done its research and built a bike that more than holds its own against the likes of the R 1250 GS and 1290 Super Adventure S.

The high level of technology (including the unique Adaptive Ride Height function), comfortable ergonomics, off-road-friendly chassis and geometry, and mind-bending 1252cc Revolution Max V-twin engine, all add up to a very competent and enticing dual-sport package. But the big reason why this adventure bike is a winner, is that it could send Harley in a new and prosperous direction.

If H-D can establish itself in the ever-growing adventure world, then we could possibly be talking about this iconic brand for another 118 years.

Who will the Harley-Davidson Pan America appeal to?

This is the million-dollar question for Harley-Davidson. The existing Harley faithful weren’t sold on the idea of an adventure tourer at first, but that could change over time. Possibly, we might see a generation of cruiser fans delve into the magical world of adventure touring.

Perhaps it's more likely, however, that we’ll see current adventure riders choose the Pan America over a KTM or BMW in the pursuit of being different and unique.

There is also possibly an army of adventure riders who have always appreciated the Harley-Davidson brand, but never wanted or needed a cruiser. Well, now they can own a Harley that serves their needs and riding styles.

It might take a few years for Harley to really establish a reputation in the adventure scene, but there is no denying that it now has the product to do so.

What does the Harley-Davidson Pan America cost?

While international markets got two versions of the Pan America, Australia only gets the up-spec ‘Special’ version. The Pan America 1250 Special (in the Vivid Black colour scheme) checks in at $31,995 ride away – a price tag that puts it well within the ballpark of its competitors.

Of course, like most adventure bikes (or any motorcycle for that matter), there are loads of accessories and options that inflate that price tag. For $32,290 ride away, you can get a colour version of the Pan Am, while the two-tone version costs $32,640 ride away. Add in laced (spoked) wheels and the revolutionary Adaptive Ride Height feature, and you can throw another $1485 onto the total.

What have we already said about the Harley-Davidson Pan America?

Public opinion of the Pan America has been interesting, to say the least. It has been called too heavy, too ugly and too Harley. But those who have actually seen one in the flesh, or ridden one, have been pleasantly surprised.

The media reviews were largely positive, and our review was no different. After the Australian media launch for the Pan America, bikesales editor Dylan Ruddy wrote: “The Pan America is the real deal. In fact, you could even call it a game-changer, not only for H-D, but also the entire adventure segment.”

Ruddy also pointed out that the Pan America “looks great in the flesh” and that “H-D has done an incredible job of hiding the 258kg wet weight” in an agile chassis. He also praised the electronic functions and said the bike is “more than capable” on the dirt, and that “H-D has built a genuine all-road adventure bike.”

In summing up, Ruddy explained the importance of this model for Harley. “I honestly believe this could be the most important model in Harley-Davidson’s history,” he said. “And it just happens to be a bloody good bike too.”

Harley-Davidson Pan America at a glance:
Price: From $31,995 ride away
Engine: 1252cc, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, Revolution-Max 1250 V-twin
Output: 150hp/127Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 258kg (wet)
Seat height: 830-875mm
Fuel capacity: 21.2 litres

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