2022 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special // First Impressions

The Pan America is an adventure bike with a 1250cc liquid-cooled V-twin, loaded with cutting-edge technology, and delivering performance by the fistful. And it's made by Harley-Davidson. If that last bit surprised you as much as it did me, you're going to want to check this one out.
Thanks Vvoltz for making this one possible! / vvoltz

[@michaelrocole7174]

I went from a huge Road Glide CVO Limited to the Pan America Special. Ordered allot of accessories to make it road and gravel ready for touring this great country. At 65 I am open minded and owned allot of bikes since the 70s this so far is just what I wanted from Harley not as fast as my V-Rod but plenty of power and comfort and technology.

[@grayghost1423]

Good job. I have a 22 Special. You covered this well. I do highly recommend the VH exhaust. It made a lot of difference. If you go off road, you need to look at how to set up the off road modes. You should turn off the ABS.

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

Thanks for the input. I picked the bike up today and holy crap is it nice! Videos to come! Thanks again.

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

I'm picking up a 2022 Special today. I'm interested in the comfort and capabilities of an adventure bike, but I'm also delighted by the positive reviews of the bike, and the chance to have a Harley that doesn't weigh 900 pounds!

[@moto-minimalist8196]

You will not be disappointed. I've logged 7k miles on mine and it is one of the best bikes I have ever owned. If I was to compare it to another bike I'd say it most closely resembles my FZ-1 with knobby tires added. There are good and bad things about every bike. Overall though, I have to say Harley did an amazing job of getting a good blend of performance and utility from the PA. I am a former GSA rider and I have not regretted switching at all.

[@VanBlamm]

That's a very interesting comparison. I've always admired the FZ-1 but I've never actually ridden one.

[@VanBlamm]

Congrats on the purchase!

[@loganurquhart11]

How do you like it? I just purchased one.

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

@@loganurquhart11 it’s a bit complicated. It is a very capable, powerful machine, and does a lot very well. I loved the power, suspension, the broad spectrum of capability and if course, the badging. A lot of people asked me about the bike when I was out riding. I did trade it in however. There were two reasons. First, the electronics were very unpolished. Lots of error codes. The adaptive ride height would frequently decide on its own to stop working. That was really sketchy a few times when I came to a stop, put my foot down, and surprise! The seat was two inches taller than I expected. I also had to ride home in limp mode once. And no rhyme or reason for these errors. Still, the bike was so powerful, impressive and capable I would have kept it except for the monthly payment and our need to cut back a bit financially. So there you go. An amazing bike done in, for me, due to annoying electronics and high cost. I have heard that a stronger battery solves the electronic issues but never got to try that. And personal expenses dictated a down size. Hopefully affording the bike won’t be an issue for you and Harley has sorted the electronics or a stronger battery solves them for you. Thanks!

[@fredhastingsquebectrip6180]

Always enjoy your approach. Look forward to your adv research, so much to choose from.

[@paulwojnar2291]

I took delivery of my 2022 PAS this past August. After 10,000 miles of a mix of Pa and Va twisty mountain two lane rds and a trip from Pa to Fla with 2 days back road riding in Fla I am enamoured with this machine. I gave gotten accustomed to the side stand though I agree it could be better engineered. Is it a better bike than its competition? In some areas yes and others not so. Is it a good bike for touring and spirited back road riding/touring? Yes absolutely. I havent encountered the problems that I have read that some others have had. Perhaps they were secluded to the first year production models. Do I regret buying it. No. It has reintroduced me to a sportier mode of motorcycling that I havent done in the past 7 or 8 years. For their first effeort I think HD did a good job. One other complaint I have been reading and hearing about is the reluctance of some dealers to embrace the Rev Max powered models. That being said it is imperative that you choose a dealership that is aboard and enthusiastic towards the new tech HDs. My long term dealership is and has a tech staff that is also all aboard and trained as such. My tech owns the second 2021 PAS that they sold and convinced me that it would be a bike that I would enjoy. He was right. I love it. I commend HD for going ahead with the Rev Max line of bikes. It is 2022 not 1903. Change and modernization are key to the Motor company's survival in the 21st century. I only hope that the motocycling public take a look and consider the new Gen Harleys.

[@VanBlamm]

I think we're at a point where the only really bad thing about Harleys is Harley dealerships. I'm glad you're enjoying the bike!

[@paulwojnar2291]

@@VanBlamm yes sir, I agree

[@shadowrider7072]

I owned one for a hot minute. (the special version) I loved the performance of the engine, and I loved the front-end/beakless design. The suspension was awesome too. Unfortunately, the first pan-am I had came with a busted cylinder from the factory, and the 2nd one I received had a bunch of smaller gremlins in it. The TFT software never seemed to work, the exhaust leaked gas directly on my boot, the engine almost locked up and bucked me off on a cold winter day after it had plenty of time to warm up. I also found the side stand to be cheap feeling. (especially since I am short enough that I have to "horse mount" my ADV bike) My local Harley dealer also didn't know how to service the bike because it was "like a spaceship." (their words not mine) Now I ride a Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. Also, for reference, I am 5'8" with a 29 inch inseam. It should also be noted that I don't ride these full size bikes on dirt roads. I use them a long-distance sport tourers on paved roads into the parkways and mountains. If I was going off road, I would be on a dedicated dirt bike that was trailered past the highway portion.

[@VanBlamm]

That's a bummer about the QC issues. Seems like a lot of dedicated people have figured out how to keep Harleys running forever (leaking and smoking, but still running). I hope the same one day proves to be possible with the Pan Am and other Revolution Max models.

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

I can see how that would be a major turn off. I picked up my 2022 Pan America Special today, took it for a quick romp and I love it! Mine had 1500 miles on it, certified pre-owned. The lead tech at North Myrtle Beach Harley took me through it. I could tell he loves the bike. Hopefully some bugs have been worked out because I intend to ride mine a lot. The Triumph may be arguably slightly better, and they’ve been building Tigers for a long time, but I am really happy to own a Harley again. Thanks!

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’ve owned several large capacity adventure bikes in the past . In Australia we have a lot of dirt back roads that are fun to explore. Filtering is legal here so a large top box is all I’d have. The Vance and Hines pipe looks nice. I like the electronic adaptive height control as I’m 5’8”.

[@Six5Rider]

I moved out of the DMV about 4 years ago, and have been wanting to move back ever since. I’m living vicariously through your videos watching the old stomping grounds. Really great stuff man, keep it going.

[@VanBlamm]

Where'd you move to? Glad you're enjoying, thanks

[@Six5Rider]

@@VanBlamm Flat South Florida unfortunately

[@BigBlack_PanAm]

Love the honest review. Picking my new 22 Special this month. Replacing my FXST cruiser. Wanted something more upright, comfortable, fast and still look good riding it, plus something that I can take off road. Thanks for a great review. Ride safe!

[@justinpettersen7190]

I'm a Harley cruiser guy and i WANT one of these

[@JiuJitsuCowboy1]

An excellent video as always!

[@TriumphLover]

Had "Italian" Harleys 1973. The X90 then TX125. 1976 dad asked what I wanted at the Harley dealer in Everett Massachusetts. I said without hesitation, the Sportster XL1000. Last Harley I ever rode. I've. been hearing good things about the Pan-Am. With that said. Don't want one, ever. I can't wrap my head around a Harley anymore. 😊 I've got the 2012 Tiger Explorer with 50 so odd thousand miles on it. Watching the walk around on this video.The ride height, not bad at all. The Explorer is kinda tall for me now. I'm shrinking 😄

[@1wesleydb]

If you get to hear one with that "Toce" exhaust you might take one home. Especially if you like the high compression&highRev vTwin motors.

[@Louie_Ponce_Motography]

Great video man. Love the motion blur. Good videography skills!!

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!

[@JasonRidesmoto]

Best sounding Pan America I've heard yet!

[@EKLNH]

Really nice job with the review, great comments, video, and covered a lot of topics. I am 6’, 230, and 57 yrs… had a KLR650 (way to underpowered) and a Road King (great bike but wanted upright riding and off road capabilities). I looked at BMW, Suzuki VStrom, and Tiger. Went with 2022 Pan America Special and love the bike. First, having the bike serviced and being able to stop into the dealer for accessories close to my home is important to me. The BMW and Triumph dealerships are both a good hour away and sparse across the region compared to the HD dealer network. I happen to live just a few miles from the Laconia Harley Davidson and I highly value being able to stop a at any HD dealership should I need something on a trip. Secondly, being a Harley rider… you are part of a “club” that automatically gets you road help when needed, as Harley riders look after each other. Third, this bike rides beautifully. It is comfortable for long rides, great electronics, handles great, is versatile. High praise to the Harley engineers who designed it… lots of reasons to choose it over others in the segment!

[@RetiredTSgtUSAF]

The only bike I own right now to do everything I need is a 2022 Triumph T120. Love the bike, I am retired and want to do accessories so I will have to wait on them since I just got this bike 5 days ago. I have been riding since 1973 and had a least one bike ever since.

[@geniacoffey7195]

Interested because ALL the above, answering your question. Love the Harley brand. Growing up with sport bikes, wanted a mixture of both. Live to Ride because if you're not riding your not Living. Greetings from Oklahoma.

[@loganurquhart11]

I just bought one because it is both an ADV and a sport tourer.

[@RenegadeADV]

The fact that bike stayed upright riding it on dirt covered in leaves is incredible, that's as bad or worse than grass clippings. That actually impressed me, as on my XR650 or TW200 I wouldn't want to be riding on those leaves like that, and I have 10-20k miles off pavement on em. To do that on a 150hp motorcycle is impressive. For that reason I would say Harley did some magic here in tuning that bike.

[@VanBlamm]

Shows how little I know about riding off pavement! I was treating it the same as plain dry dirt. H-D's engineers deserve a lot of credit here

[@RenegadeADV]

@Peter Angles how lonely is your life that you are spending your Friday night, watching videos about Harley's just so you can trash talk Harleys, my god man, get a life!

[@VVoltz]

What a great video, enjoyable and entertaining. You look great on that bike :) That ending 23:35 LOL

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks haha

[@benperry136]

It's all the above man... I test rode one and it's the most versatile, technically advanced and best handling motorcycle for all settings, off-road if you have the spoke wheels and knobby tires and the road if you have the cast wheels and street tires!

[@1wesleydb]

Cool video,I really don't miss driving there, or anywhere near I95. I'm pretty sure some of these offroad Pan America videos have Profesional riders, or motorcross club guys. I've got a 22PAS I'm learning on and having a blast with it.

[@TriumphLover]

"Pan America: to Tucson and we'll go riding. Got 4 bikes to choose. I could be talked into selling my Explorer😉 Great video, Elliot!

[@VanBlamm]

You will be the first to know next time I roll a wheel into Arizona! Always wanted to ride around Apache National Forest

[@timpatton3196]

Getting ready to go from a Yamaha fz1 to pan America. I love the up right seat position. Might not fit in with the group riders bikes but I will be comfortable LoL. I don't see a problem with it keeping up with baggers on a long ride. Well when I get my pan I will update this message. Thanks for the great review. Tucan from Round Rock TX

[@efword1200]

Did you ever make the switch from the FZ1? I'm curious to hear how differently they make use of the same ~150 horsepower

[@SW-bs2jz]

Stand up brotha.... from a former mxer and enduro rider. In regards to off road.

[@southsidesmoka]

Great video. Never had a Harley, or ever considered one. Currently have a 2018 Suzuki M109R and a 2020 Zero FXS. Never had an adventure or dual sport, but I'm tempted to trade the M109R for this one. Moved to a house where this type of bike would be much more practical, and I'd love to have to American brand bikes in the garage. 🤔

[@SW-bs2jz]

Awesome...

[@FM-db3ft]

If you plan to continue vlogging through the windshield, plse consider a Madstad screen for no visual distortion

[@chueb]

I'm 6'5 and I test rode one of these and I loved it. Should I get this as my next bike? I want an adventure bike

[@mayurchristi9980]

I am here because I am a fan of Harley

[@pierre-ericjolly2960]

I own Harley softails. I will go to the adventure with this one. French countryside guy.

[@runeveryday1069]

I really liked riding the PanAm in D.C. and I'm 5'8-ish and 155 pounds. Heat does not bother me.

[@pjones8202]

Wanted to see what Harley came up with and is it 'GOOD?' (Worth the Buy!)

[@asancheztx]

What think about having it to ride around a 1300 acre ranch in the Hill Country of Texas? Can yo pull a small one wheel trailer like on a Quietkat Ebike?

[@famousmmf1412]

I like the Pan America because it’s a adult version of the DRZ lol

[@VanBlamm]

Hah, well said

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

I hear you man, shorter riders really need to be technical proficient! I’m 5’7 and I went from my very light 320lbs but tall DRZ-SM at 35” to at Versys 1000, short but an extra 200 lbs, it’s no joke. I did a 30 minute demo on the Pan America, it felt lighter and more approachable than my Versys. And much quicker. Cool bike but like $20k for the special is a tuff call. They haven’t sold super well so maybe I’ll pick one up used in a year or 2!

[@redline455]

The Special is actually priced quite reasonably in comparison to the other models it competes with. BMW1250GS Adventure, Tiger 1200 etc.....In Canada the dealerships can't get them fast enough, they are very popular.

[@jschacko1234]

I owned a pan america and for some reason low speeds were better with the seat on the higher position. So around the city and low speeds felt better, but you do suffer some ground clearance for your legs.

[@VanBlamm]

I can see that. Kind of like how it's easier to balance a long pole vertically on the palm of your hand than it is a short one. Unfortunately it's just not an option for someone of my inseam. See my latest video.

[@Boleh888]

HD is uniquely motorcycle brand, design, history amongst the brand from Europe, Japan or even US itself. Why you ask people any corner of the world what is Harley Davidson... they confidently respond that its a US motorcycle brand with it's distinctive character. Harley Davidson has thier own market around the globe and HD market always dynamic.

[@mrlynchify]

Fellow DC area resident here. Where would you say your favorite off road spots are for ADV riding? Awesome video, keep up the great work!

[@VanBlamm]

In the dirt portion of this video I took it up 818 Little Dry River Rd out of Fulks Run VA. Lots of cool dirt roads of varying difficulty snaking around up there. That's like two hours away though. I'm sure there are others closer to the city that I'm just not aware of.

[@mrlynchify]

@@VanBlamm oh nice! I’ll have to check that out. Only other place I know of around here is thorntons gap in Shenandoah, but that’s also about an hour and half drive from DC

[@codygoheen4099]

bro honestly i think u ride fine u should try out some knobbys on that thing in the off road

[@bracerep1995]

I pulled up your video because I'm interested in hearing feedback on the bike. I have had multiple HD baggers and am very interested in the PA. I've had a BMW GS and like the dealer network and the fact they are more available than BMW dealers.

[@VanBlamm]

Good point about dealer availability

[@USAHarleyrider]

I like your gloves. What brand are your brown gloves?

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! They're from Indie Ridge. Full review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XLhnxrfMh5rqs&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

[@saddle8bag]

The self lowering seat height has a couple flaws. #1 is it doesn't work with the stand down. Getting tall bikes off the kickstand is the hardest thing to do, particularly with a passenger. Also, it's hard to see with you and the bike black, but it appears your legs are quite scrunched up with the seat in the lower position. I also don't like the way the passenger seat juts out. Having that thing pressing on my butt would irritate me to no end. #2 is having the suspension lower at low speeds when you're off road hopping over things doesn't make a lot of sense either, It's a good idea, but they got it backwards. It should start out in the low position and stay there unless you put it in say "off road" mode. Then it should jack up and not come down unless you cancel that mode. Engine sounded great. I really hope they bring out a smaller version in the Bronx. I think a sporty standard with 17" wheels, no valve adjustment engine, and a 100k mile belt drive could do quite well. And it should be a lot cheaper without all the gimmicks.

[@VanBlamm]

I'll be going into more detail about the ARH in another video, but for now I'll just say that it is both my favorite and least favorite feature of the bike. I agree that low should be the default state and only lift up in off road mode. I enjoy the crouched leg posture and butt-hugging pillion seat though.

[@FrayedString]

You can customize the Adaptive Ride Height behavior in the custom modes, so I think you could get that feature set up pretty close to how you want it with the 2 custom modes and just switch between them.

[@fingers215]

Sport touring city riding but I'm open to dirt roads if they should arise?

[@VanBlamm]

Nailed it

[@dfleon75]

👍

[@wikeywikeywhick3852]

what size and brand is that top box it looks like a good fit for that bike..great review as well

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks, it's a Givi Trekker Dolomiti 30L

[@DoubleRuination]

Let’s be honest; it is worth noting that it is crucial to know this bike has a lot of tech.

[@projectswithjw]

Would that have been more enjoyable on the 500 mile trip than the Speed twin?

[@VanBlamm]

Definitely

[@acherouvis]

How would you compare the PA to a Tracer or Tiger 900

[@VanBlamm]

If you plan to cover big interstate distances regularly or just want big power, Pan Am. If you plan to only ride on pavement and never on dirt, Tracer 9. If none of the above, Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

[@Seeker887]

I think I could replace 3-4 bikes with this one

[@ridingtandersmotovlog]

I like harley davidson for adventure bike...

[@fennecfox8084]

What gloves are you wearing in this video?

[@VanBlamm]

The Indie Ridge Golden Gloves. Recommended!

[@pspez]

Laced wheels or not? And why?

[@VanBlamm]

Yes laced wheels. Stronger, better for off-road and potholes. On this bike, you won't notice the tiny bit of extra weight.

[@michaelrocole7174]

Heavy 🤣 try a CVO Limited Road Glide 😂

[@VanBlamm]

With its 28" seat height? Happily!

[@Team-fabulous]

Im not an adventure bike fan and i swore id never have a Harley but theres something about this bike. If it was in my garage i dont think id complain..

[@VanBlamm]

Even if you never took it off road it'd still be a spectacular sport-tourer