24 days, 11,000 miles. A Harley Davidson Pan America Review.

[@Totally_Unsupervised]

That was great information based on your real-life experience. Too many reviews are produced by professional KZbinrs and fanboys, who provide only superficial information about ride, handling, and their impressions of style. That said, you seem much kinder in your assessment of the Pan America than I would if I had had your experience. Before purchasing my 2022 BMW 1250 GS, I looked at just about every competitive review I could find on KZbin, and elsewhere online. While I’m sure there would have been other bikes I could have been happy with, the Beamer seem to fit my needs best, and had a long history of known reliability. Later in 2022, I took several trips; one from Michigan to Alaska, and back through the western states, Dakotas and all points in between. The bike just performed. It just did what it was supposed to do without any issues. I really wanted the Pan America to come out of the gate stronger than it did, and I hope they get the new model infant mortality issues fixed. But I would have a hard time selecting a touring bike that requires constant chain maintenance, or that gobbles up stones into its air box. More than that, it’s disturbing that it was designed so that the, air cleaner and battery cannot be readily accessed while on the road.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Thanks for watching. I agree that lately too many mainstream KZbinrs are basically mouthpieces. I tried to be as fair as I could. The bike was a blast to ride unfortunately it needs some fine tuning. Unfortunately I do not think HD is going to, case in point they made a CVO PA. Clearly shows they aren’t listening.

[@MotoByChance]

24 days, 11,000 miles.... I did almost that much crossing Australia. But I was on Scarlett, so I am deeply impressed. And you are right, 24 days on a bike, you KNOW that bike. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on the Pan America.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

A lot of people lay down miles in a season, but rarely in that short of time. You know more than most you truly get to understand what the motorcycle is capable of.

[@MinnowMoto]

Wow Pete, I thought Alaska would have added more miles to the bike. I totally agree on your review. As much as I love this bike, its the most fun I've ever had on a motorcyle. I do not think I would buy a new one. I always have that little voice in the back of my head waiting for something to go wrong. I've never had that on any other bike. The fact that Harley Dealers are everywhere really means squat when they do not have any parts.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

And that was a major reason for me as well, it doesn’t matter how many dealer are out there if they can’t help. I know you had a similar fuel pump issue.

[@bartlawhorn2762]

I have over 30,000 on my second PAS. This 22 is so much better than the 21 I had. Still having issues with fuel pumps about every 15,000. My 23 hates temperatures under 45*

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Yeah they haven’t figured that out yet, cold starts.

[@loganurquhart11]

I also bought a 2022 last February (new) 8 miles on it. Has 3000 miles on it now.

[@mudcatstravels9751]

I’ve had 2 issues with my PA but the same as you. lol Fuel pump was fixed by a great dealer that did a search and found what I needed and had them overnighted while there was a national back order on them. Then the starting issue was resolved by the MoCo because my dealer couldn’t figure it out. It was flawless up to this point and has been great ever since. 25,000 miles now and I love the bike more every time I ride it. But this will most likely be my last Harley Davidson. I will probably pick up a 700-800 cc bike next. The middleweight adventure bikes are really calling my name. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Thanks for watching. I traded mine for a Honda Crf 300 rally and cash. I enjoyed the bike but it has some quirky stuff going on.

[@mudcatstravels9751]

@@Petesmotoadventure I also have a WR250r that I love to ride. The lightweight dual sports are a blast to ride. Ride safe!

[@jesusamador4661]

The one thing I noticed is I need to keep the bike ride locked in the tallest position especially if I have my tour pack installed. I have trouble balancing the bike when it’s in the lower position while getting on.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Yeah it has its issues with that. When I had it loaded for Alaska I had to mount and dismount a specific way.

[@RealSuperRando]

Rule of thumb, Harley Davidsons are great bikes but as in most vehicles, don’t buy until the 3rd or 4th model year of production.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Always a good idea.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

The sidestand is weird indeed, I found I had to tilt the bike to the right to engage/disengage it - maybe because of the adaptive ride height but it was definitely unusual.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

The ARH does play a role in the stand. On non ARH it has a longer stand.

[@hughmac7423]

As an owner of a 2022 Pan Am Special, I'm happy with it, but I think it is more road than off road. I've taken it on rough off road tracks and it will do it, but it is too heavy. I have 45 years experience at riding, lots of years doing motocross and enduro, and if you want to go off road, you need a smaller bike, 450 to 500cc and under 200kg. I love my bike, I ride practically everyday, 90% road and some off road. The bike does need some mods, like different seat (I refused to get Harley Davidson's seat upgrade, if they have a better seat, they should fit it as standard), rear rack with more than 5kg weight limit, real barkbusters not silly plastic ones that come off on the first hit, and bigger off road foot pegs. The crash bars are very good, they save the bike very well when you drop it off road.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I recently got a 300L rally. Lot more fun for me. The PA served its purpose of getting me to Alaska.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

Most of the "offroad riding", including one 200 kg 500-600 cc ones, can be easily done with a bike like Pan America, if you get good tires - although that can be an issue. If you really ride difficult terrain, you're an exception, even among those who ride their adventure bikes offroad.

[@14sgs]

I love my 2022 PAS. I am mostly a commuter type rider though. Very reliable PAS but only 3500 miles.

[@FXFBS540]

Nice to hear your thoughts. Ive been debating picking a PA but wanted to wait till they ironed out any issues with the brand new design and all the electronic doodads.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

That’s the hope. HD needs to sort the electrical issues.

[@acherouvis]

Thanks for a honest review. The reliability is an issue, most owner reviews reference the reliability issues. My brother says it best" owning a HD is a relationship , you gotta take the good with the bad". The reliability is what prevents me from pulling the trigger to purchase one. HD has some great promotions for 22 and 23 models. The 2024 PA seems to have worked out a lot of the issues. I currently have a 22 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT , which is a great machine. You should do more videos on your trips. Riding to Alaska from Florida is epic.

[@loganurquhart11]

Keep that Tracer 9 and get a Pan American. There’s no reason why you cant have a stable of 2-4 bikes. I have a 2022 with 3000 miles so far and no issues.

[@johnasbury9915]

After this brutally honest review I’m so glad I got the R1200GSA for my adventure ride. She’s been flawless thus far. I also have a 2005 Road King(my 7th Harley) so I have extensive HD experience as well and overall the Harleys have been reliable and I have criss crossed the country several times on both the BMWs & the Harleys… thanks for the great review.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Thanks. It was a blast to ride and I had the trip of a lifetime on it, unfortunately toward the end it went south.

[@jamestorregrossa1185]

Great demonstration and commentary, I am 5’7”. Would I be a candidate for that motorbike

[@TobyNorthEN]

Very informative and up-front review covering one helluva an adventure!!!!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Toby.

[@pooshina123]

Now that you know what you know. What bike would you ride 11,000 miles in 24 days on? Great video! I hope to try something similar in my the near future.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

@@pooshina123 my Goldwing lol. It’s a rock. My friend did the same trip on his 2015 I think 1250gs. Not a single problem and it’s still going strong.

[@acherouvis]

Would you buy another PA? Some of the problems you describe are common to the PA (Fuel Pump) and electrical charging. Appreciate your reviews

[@Petesmotoadventure]

At this point I wouldn’t buy another one. Although if they changed some things I would. I have known quite a few people that the pump has gone out. Charging never had a problem. Thanks for watching.

[@BootsandJeansRiders]

Good honest review Pete. Yeah, most ppl love the bad more than the good reviews. Even though you didn't get in your 30 days, I'm sure you had a blast.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Thanks. Yes i still had one of the most memorable rides a person can have.

[@harryhowell5644]

Most people aren't going to ride the pan am quite like you did. The average rider will take short trips and light off road. Sounds like you really put it through it's paces. Good job. Your bike was built on a Friday.😮my friend has owned 2 triumph adventure bikes and they are constantly breaking down. Bad ecms, wiring harness, bad brakes etc. So don't think Harley is the only brand with issues 😊

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Friday or Monday bike for sure lol. Other than the fuel pump and a few minor things it did great. I’m hoping HD does a little refining of it but I don’t think they will. Hence the CVO PA no one asked for.

[@DaWafflenator27]

Thanks for the video!!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

@@DaWafflenator27 thanks for watching

[@greenrush4313]

When u ride offroad what mode do you use?Is it the offroad plus mode and then turn off traction control?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

It would depend, on the Dalton I mostly ran off-road plus with the traction control off. But there were times that I would just have to switch from road to off-road on the fly. One of the unfortunate drawbacks of the Pan Am is you have to stop to put it in Off road plus and turn the traction control off.

[@chadolson1864]

I thought u brought the new part with you when you left

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I did but it was for last resort.

[@VictoryRidersTXKUSA]

Thank you for ALL the good, bad and ugly. I just hit 50k miles on my Super Tenera and really want a PA next... Like most everyone else kinds gun shy with all the bad reviews... But i also got friends who have had total hell with electronics on there beloved GSA's. Covid changed all the electronics on most everything.... Anyway thanks sir.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching. It was a blast to ride. When you’ve been a Honda rider for as long as I have it’s hard to beat that reliability.

[@mrwhite2628]

You simply can't beat a Honda. I've put well over 100k miles on 2 different Goldwings. Gas, oil, tires and a couple of fork seals is all they need. I love my Harleys as well. But they have left me stranded more than once. I like the PA. But the constant issues can't be overlooked. Nice review, thanks for posting it.

[@acherouvis]

What year is your PA? How do you find the insurance costs? Where is that battery located?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

It was a 2022. Insurance is different depending where you live. The battery is behind the skid plate in the bottom and front bike. Worst place ever.

[@vmotobiker]

Good to know thanks a bunch🙏

[@Petesmotoadventure]

you're welcome. thanks for watching.

[@captslaq]

Would a pre-filter on the front end of the intake snorkel help with the air filter?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Absolutely. I actually installed one after the trip. I think it was one that fit a KTM.

[@adventuretoshare]

Hi Pete. Regarding the Quantum fuel pump, would you say there is any difference in quality and life between it and the H-D product. Obviously the availability of the H-D version is in question, so I'll probably fit a Quantum unit anyway, but I cannot imagine there's much difference. Thx.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

From people I have seen using the quantum there have been no issues with it. My thoughts on the HD pump seems like they start making noise around 5k. I have heard of many people have 2-3 replacement pumps. Quantum also provides a warranty.

[@adventuretoshare]

@@Petesmotoadventure Thx for the response. Approximately 4mo after the dealership ordered a H-D replacement under warranty, they called me. I have 15k on my 2021. I'm going to take the H-D replacement but if the new one starts making a bad sound, then I'll try a Quantum. I will admit, although I love this bike, I don't have a lot of confidence to travel too far from a H-D dealer. I'm considering trading it in for a new PAS.

[@JimDonnellan-eg1ko]

I've installed a Quantum on my '22 and posted a video of the installation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2a4enqOiN-bmNUsi=6FKdltkG7hEUsSXY

[@JimDonnellan-eg1ko]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2a4enqOiN-bmNUsi=6FKdltkG7hEUsSXY

[@ahmedalhosani]

What really matters is that you have enjoyed your time ☺️ the bike 🏍️.. the Pan Am would have been much better if they fixed the annoying small issues. Personally I had no major issues with it but the repetitive small issues eventually got me into running away from it 😂

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Very true! It’s the constant codes that get old.

[@scotfield3950]

Sounds like the air filter was clogged along with the fuel pump dieing

[@Petesmotoadventure]

@@scotfield3950 fuel pump was dying. Air filter was dirty when I took it apart.

[@Motoramblings]

I gotta admit, I’m kind of bummed you got rid of it. I was hoping to do a ADV bike ride with you at some point. Alas, now I’ll be on the bigger bike while you take off on the smaller bike!😂😂

[@Petesmotoadventure]

😂 Now I’ll just have to haul little red up there to ride with you. I’m not Dewey and there is no way I’m riding it across the world.

[@Motoramblings]

@@Petesmotoadventure 😂🤣😂 I understand that!!!

[@bozone9564]

Thanks for this great review! I was strongly considering purchasing a Pan America, but now I'm moving on to its competitors. Sorry HD, get you sh*t together and I may reconsider in the future- if you're still around.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Glad it was helpful. It was a fun bike to ride.

[@bf6686]

Regret buying a Pan America, don't know if it's mine that's wrong or if they're so useless at low revs for example in city driving, so damn jerky so you have to slip the clutch all the time, the dealer says there's nothing wrong, which I don't believe. as for the fuel pump, I believe that Harley Davidson should recall for replacement.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Low end power is not there. Revs need to be above 3-4k before it’s alive. Which is one of the things I disliked about it off-road.

[@bartlawhorn2762]

If I had to do it all over again I would have bought a BMW GS

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Me as well. My friends 2015 1200GS I went with is still going strong with zero issues.

[@johnsnow228]

not sure if you read comments 9 months late. But would you buy this or a BMW 1250 Adventure in 2024? I have a friend who works at Harley and can get me a deal on a CVO Pan am. But I’m mostly going to take long roadtrips weeks long. I have had my eye on a BMW but i do like the way this thing looks and sounds just not sure if for long long drives its worth vs bmw. But then again you did make it from Florida to alaska. Would love to hear what you think

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I’d go with the bmw 1200 or1250 gs, less maintenance and they just run. I would get an adventure model simply because I don’t need a 7 gallon tank. My pan am on long trips I’m adjusting the chain every other day. The GS is just as comfortable as the Pan Am. I’ve been on both for distance runs.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Thanks. You sold me on the BMW.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

@@Chance-ry1hq you’re welcome. It’s a shame the Pan Am was a fun bike and has potential.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

@@Petesmotoadventure It is a shame. I’d love to own one, but I am all about reliability, and unfortunately Harley isn’t.

[@pspez]

Laced wheels or not and why?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I prefer laced wheels for 2 reasons. One they are stronger for off road use than cast wheels. Second they look better. Hope that helps.

[@markb2175]

I want to buy a harley,but I'm not willing to settle for poor quality at a premium price.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I understand that.

[@JimDonnellan-eg1ko]

Great bike and outstanding quality!

[@ryanr4181]

Poor quality.? I ride a 21 street glide have 28K ON IT never once has it been in the shop not one time. They are far from poor quality. Just go take something for a ride at a dealership you won’t be disappointed don’t believe what you hear they been making them since 1903 you don’t think they know what they’re doing?

[@ryanr4181]

Poor quality.? I ride a 21 street glide have 28K ON IT never once has it been in the shop not one time. They are far from poor quality. Just go take something for a ride at a dealership you won’t be disappointed don’t believe what you hear they been making them since 1903 you don’t think they know what they’re doing?

[@keithulhul7540]

Thats literally the whole industry.

[@phils9374]

Not very confidence inspiring

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Just telling my story. Seems the more mileage on these bikes the gremlins come out

[@tamupike]

Not a good review. Poor

[@Petesmotoadventure]

You’re right the bike was not good. Poor.