DETAILED In-Depth Harley Pan America Special Review 1500 Miles with Tech details and Issues 4K

⬇️🚨MERCH🚨⬇️
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If you are looking for a head-to-toe review of the Pan America, this is your video. I go over everything about the HD Pan America and my likes and dislikes. It is a brutally honest review of the Harley PA, and yes I have some gripes (including one big one mechanically). I go over everything, including a detailed video on the TFT display and technology that comes on the bike. Detailed review on the highly advanced ARH electronically adjustable suspension!! I also tell you about the issues I have and hope to resolve. Please let me know your review in the comments below. Harley Davidson did a good job on the Pan America, but off on a few items.
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[@Todd66]

Pan America is one of the very few HD that I really like. For it’s first year in production, I am really impressed. Especially impressed when I consider HD’s history. Love it! Good job on the video

[@BackDraftBikes]

Totally agree! Thank you again!

[@brisketbaron]

Just wait until the tuners start messing with this thing we’re going to have 200+ hp Pan Ams .

[@BackDraftBikes]

Come to daddy

[@brents1643]

Any idea who will make a tuner for them?

[@jonnymac8925]

@@brents1643 probably all the companies that make fuel tuners for Harleys. I'd say Vance and Hinesand Fuel Moto will likely be the first to crack the code! I can't wait to see what they come up with!

[@jrbass62]

That will be a first !!

[@SNOWBIRDBIKER]

Great in depth review. I now have 5000 miles on mine, and it just gets better!!

[@BackDraftBikes]

You are an animal!! I need to take a drive north and visit. I also enjoy your videos. Let's ride when the border opens up. - Pete

[@pa6793]

ARH lowers the bike at rest. The semi-active suspension system common to all S models regardless of whether ARH is present, adjusts the suspension in the manner you describe.

[@america1723]

The issue with the starting is from Harley-Davidson using a under sized battery and cables. The pan am should come with a lithium ion battery and larger battery cables. I HAD this issue and the fix was the battery and cables. I made custom cables and installed a Harley-Davidson lithium ion battery on my dime

[@fvgc454ss]

Lithium batteries fukn suck. I replaced 3 on an EBR at 240$ a piece. Once they go past half dead they are usually toast.

[@GSXR1300X]

@@fvgc454ss my lithium battery on my 01 busa lasted over 8 years. Lithium batteries are awesome. You may have a stator or regulator/rectifier issue.

[@SportyRider]

Lithium or not, gauge of wiring could be a factor

[@Dude_Virus]

@@fvgc454ss not at all, you must have either a bad battery of something else. I am using a lithium battery in my bike and no issues at all. Starts great and works great. Only issue that i had was with my charger, had to buy a separate one.

[@fvgc454ss]

@@Dude_Virus Lithium batteries cannot be revived like agm batteries past a certain percentage. Once they are drained pasts 50-60% a cell is usually dead amd cannot be revived. Ive had em all Shorai, Ballistic, Wps, antigravity, Scorpion. Scorpion is the only one that once was drained was able to be revive to hold a charge again. They also don't work like an AGM during start up. Especially on high compression V twin bikes thar have alot of compression. A Lithium battery will turn the started until it gets to a certain percent then just stop. Just like lithium powered hand tools. They won't slowly die and lose cranking power. They just stop. An AGM will at least still try to turn the starter even at a low percent. Half the companies I mentioned aren't even in business anymore. I had these things since they first came out. Scorpion is the only one I would buy

[@utahboy17]

Puts it in 6th at 45 and says it has no power.lol Should be in 2nd or 3rd at 45 mph. YOUR LUGGING IT.

[@danroush6543]

Good review. I have some of these same issues. The starter problem is absolutely the high compression ratio coupled being at TDC. However, i thought there was an electronically controlled compression release. My guess is they will come out with a higher torque starter to fix the issue. I just did my 1400 mile service and let them know there was a flash that fixed the battery drain and also keeps the USB powered while the bike is running. I also have a BMW S1000XR as my comparison. The Harley is far more comfortable, albeit less powerful. Just s tip, i use the same widget layout and sometimes changing the background color helps with visibility. You do that by holding the home button for 3-5 seconds.

[@realbangau]

the S1000 XR is a performance oriented ADV, just like the Multistrada. This Pan Am, to me, is the contender against the R1250 GS, which is a unique bike in its own world. Great brands, good motorcycle and each has its own character.

[@williamwintemberg]

This is by far the most complete review I have seen on this bike to date! Outstanding Job!

[@johnharrison9317]

My issues. Changing the air filter is a nightmare, Hot legs....Hot radiator pipe... Bike rest is in the wrong place, and part of the engine... Continual electronic error messages. The seat pushes you forward. Apart from that I love it.

[@fedup7416]

My concern if I buy one, is how do I dress when riding it ? It's a Harley, so I need to look bad ass Hells Angles like, but with a twist of European adventure.

[@BackDraftBikes]

EXACTLY. Like "I going to shank you, but you will enjoy the experience"

[@bikerjomotorradtour-adventure]

Don’t worry there are a lot of brands for adventure riders on the market - see REVIT / HELD / KLIM

[@mikewin7056]

Aerostich Roadcrafter. It looks just as out of place on any bike!

[@makut4154]

Radiator guard and skid plate on backorder till 2029???? That's messed up. The bike will be useless by then.

[@바보Queen]

its kinda funny all these "harley fans" finally rode a modern bike and surprised by it... and they all became "ADV fans" when they wouldn't even look at ADV's thats been around for years.. welcome to the 21st century people

[@elithegreat6463]

I'll stick with my 2021 R1250-GS Triple black. H-D has a winner here, but I would never buy a Bike with such a new Engine and platform. If I ever decide to trade and go back to H-D , it would be in 2-3 yrs until all the Software and or Any Gremlins are perfected/weeded out.

[@JKWheeler]

Thanks for this detailed owner review! One observation - you may want to check into your description of the Adaptive Ride Height (ARH $1K option) vs. the electronically adjusted suspension that is standard on all the "Specials". The intelligent suspension behavior is true of all PA Specials, not just those with ARH. From what I've read and from my test ride experience the ARH does not add functionality to the suspension other than the automatic lowering & raising on stop & go.

[@supercomp7078]

Love your reviews but they put gearboxes on bikes for a reason,

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Like all Harleys it will be a piece of shit here shortly

[@spangoz1000]

Amazing er not really, BMW have had this tech for years. Wouldn't swop my 1250 GS for this bike anytime soon . Wonder how long the engine will last given the extreme compression ratio HD are using on this motor 🤔. The lack of torque is a terrible idea on a bike of this type as well.

[@anthonylloyd2324]

I've seen a couple of reviews that give me pause. Think I'll wait for 2023 or so to let them work the problems out.

[@BackDraftBikes]

If I didnt do MC reviews, I would have too. However, HDMC has been nothing but good to me with the bike.

[@candlstudios]

The phone app based navigation is lame to me as well. BMW does this as well. I think KTM And Ducati do it too? But I just use the phone itself for navigation anyway so I don't think it's an issue for me. I suspect the bike makers like the app based navigation because it gives me access to your ride data and as we all know by now if something if "free" that means you're the product.

[@blipco5]

3000 RPM for a modern engine is nothing.

[@fvgc454ss]

Right. The god damn thing isn't even close to being in peak torque qt that rpm. Common sense with that engine configuration

[@LinehandWi]

I have the same starting problem :(

[@env7174hs]

Great review! Personally, I prefer the cable clutch for better control during slow maneuvers. The more I ride my PanAm the more the happier I’m about purchasing it.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Agreed!!

[@arnohag1]

The Pan America is not the only bike that suffers from too small positive and negative cables and bad earthing. A small fix.

[@tinmisuun]

The Pan America is the first Harley Davidson motorcycle I ever wanted. I have a 2019 Indian FTR 1200 S Race Replica.

[@BackDraftBikes]

It is my first! I am loving it

[@fvgc454ss]

How do u like the FTR? I rode one whe. They came out. Liked it alot. A bit heavy. Just couldn't justify 17500 for it.

[@tinmisuun]

@@fvgc454ss I love it. It's my first motorcycle over 1000cc.

[@TheTuxMaster]

This is the only HD I can think of to own, but it became a Guzzi, V85TT. But I'm not dead yet, so who knows, driven a GS for many years.EDIT: Really hope HD gets back on its feet!

[@562Aksapper]

You need to download the maps to your phone on the Harley app to have maps when you have no cell coverage.

[@562Aksapper]

@Hat Bird From the app tap the helmet icon. Then settings in upper right corner. At the bottom is "offline maps".

[@MrAndrew1953]

An excellent,very considered review. The active ride height interests me a lot being only 5’8”. If I got one of the new Sportsters I’d look at adding a PaAmerica tank for range. The standard 11.8 litres isn’t adequate. Ive owned an R80GS and an R100GS- never had an issue with shaft drive and much prefer it. Belt drive not an option. Love to see a comparison review with a GS 1250/1300.

[@BackDraftBikes]

I will do a shoot out here at some point. I like the GS a bunch, but it has some quirks and needs that BMW should address. But, so does this bike! Ride safe!

[@kissass6477]

Would you say the bike would be comfortable for 5"6

[@Ritalie]

The starter is probably getting heat soak. If you have a combination of slightly low battery voltage and a hot starter, this creates a problem with some bikes. A different brand of battery or a better battery might solve the problem. I've heard of this issue on other motorcycles and one solution was to run 2 batteries, and have 24 volts going to the starter, and it solved the issue. A lithium ion or other battery might be less affected by the heat? The battery might be so hot that it is having some voltage drop?

[@brunovanasse707]

bravo mon conccesionaire dit que il nest pas au courant du probleme du démareur

[@mrkihn]

I got 1900 on my PA and haven't had a problem yet. The clock will never be right if it's isn't connected to the App. which is very stupid of Harley to do along with navigation . I use my Zumo XT instead .

[@biophillie]

One minor point, I really like the design of the instrument display. I have the africa twin. Great bike, but I don't care for the massive stationary frame mounted fairing, and the instrument display is just marginal. The Pan-am sure looks interesting..

[@hughmac7423]

I've had a Pan Am since March 2023, done about 6,000 miles, had only a few small minor problems, like software not updated by the dealer prior to pick up and the odometer stopping, then needing a remote login to fix. I had the same starter problem, they replaced the starter clutch. I had a few problems with the hose clamps weeping after they changed the starter clutch, I think they took a short cut and reused the clamps, easy to fix with a normal hose clamp. The other problem was the hose being too close to the header and getting a burn mark. Fixed with making the hose short and wrapping the header. I have an ongoing problem with the battery not liking to sit for a couple of days, and not holding charge. Other than that, I'm really enjoying the Pan Am. My other bike is a 1988 Lowrider with a sidecar.

[@tonyosterbergto]

Love your review. I have a 2022 Special on order to arrive mid March. Looking forward to enjoying retirement travels.

[@markh.harris9271]

Starter Issue: My 2019 Sportster S has the very same issue; as well, so does every other early 1252 Re Max. My 2023 PA does NOT have this issue; starter is fabulous... so, they've fixed it at least on the late models. High Beam & Kill switch issue: You're holding your grips wrongly; sorry, just true. If your hands are positioned correctly on the grips (control and levers) you will NOT hit the high beam switch nor the kill switch. I have never had this issue neither on my Sportster S nor on my PA. Map GPS issue: Yes, everyone bitches about this. But, its a good thing; and I'll tell you why. As HD continues to improve the APP and the connectivity (blue tooth) the issues can be corrrected over time with software | firmware. This keeps the complexity of the on-board computers down, and allows the phone to do what it already does well. The secondary thing (which is actually primary) is that while you're riding a MC, you should NOT be playing with screen navigation. That should be hands free, and setup BEFORE hand. I hate those cases; they suck... too heavy, too wide, too clunky, and a pain in the ass to get into. I'm going with soft leather cases and then my top bag that straps onto the rear seat pillion. marcus

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

CBS (combined braking system) used to be quite common in touring bikes maybe 15 years ago but most vendors have since abandoned it. It's still often seen on small bikes (at least in Europe) because the Euro standard had an exception for

[@lorenmars5244]

I wouldn't ride that particular bike you bought more than walking distance. I'd return it after the second warranty claim. And then other owners have no issues. Not even an error code after 10,000 mi. Even on 2021s, So I've decided to just get the GS.

[@joshs.5623]

April 18th 2022...GPS still INOP!!! BRAND NEW BIKE! Not happy either!

[@chinyongangyahoo]

Good review. I had my PA special for about a month now. About 2000km on it so far, and it's now in the workshop due to a problem with speed limiter. The bike won't go above 177kph. Anyway, that's a big problem that I am sure it will be sorted soon. My problem is the heat, especially the left side of the bike when the fan kicks in. I live in the tropics, temperature hits 40degC all year round. The problem with the bike is it can't cool down. The fan will kick in at 106degC and suppose to bring the heat down to 95degC and turn off, and repeat the whole cycle. The problem I have is the heat just won't go down in a hot day. Temperature keeps going up and up with the fan continuously running. I had it went up to 109degC and have to shut down the engine to avoid over heating. I have never had this kind of problem before. I had the KTM1290SAS, and GSA1200 before, KTM is a hot bike but regardless what the ambiant temperature is, it will be able to cool the engine down once fan is on. Tried the hot idle with one of their demo bike, same problem. I guess you guys will find out come summer...

[@chopperchopster]

noise of a HD. They arent loud when you buy them dummy. Everyone puts loud pipes on them. First thought I had when he says they are loud. No they arent. This bike doesnt ever need to be loud LOL! Adventure bike. I build and ride choppers. Wont see me on this thing. Good for Harley though.

[@SportyRider]

I understand that since they've made the bike's software from the ground up, that's why something's need work,but it's definitely off-putting knowing that the dressers, street glides and above just got android auto and apple car play. Yet they release this without. Sweet bike, looking forward to being able to afford one 😂

[@johnmaughan7508]

Ordered mine (UK Gateshead) complete with aluminium luggage to be delivered in September. Hopefully starter glitch sorted by then. looks like I need to order radiator guard + Skid also in coming months. (Sourced myself a tank bag and Boom helmet over here in UAE where I work) Im 6'5" so maybe tall boy seat later as well. Cant wait for deliver n collecting!! Great review thank you.

[@lsmith2129]

Just way to much stuff on this vehicle,how thick is the manual for the hand controls,guess I'm just a dumbass old man that likes to ride a motorcycle like my road king,no muss no fuss,get on ,start it,and go for a ride,that will be the day I want to answer my phone on a ride,plenty of time for that later.Really a nice bike just not my style.

[@jamallloyd6299]

So I'm going to either guy a pan america or a scrambler 1200 XE. You would say the pan america is way way better?

[@redcat1234]

Same starting issue on my ktm 1290 adventure, its the starter torque limiter slipping.

[@anthonyca]

Those "bark busters" are half ass wind deflectors. Does Harley or anyone make aluminum actual bark busters?

[@nbrider7235]

I did a 500 mile ride a couple of days ago and I literally didn't get off the bike, just pulled up to the gas pumps, pumped while sitting and took off again - it's that comfortable. I bought the Sport luggage and since it isn't as popular as the aluminum luggage I had all three pieces (side cases, top case, mounting bracket for top case) within a week of purchase (I purchased mine on 19 May). I don't plan on taking it off road so the Sport luggage is fine for me. The starter issue is endemic to all Pan Americas so I don't know what HD will do to address it. HD sent me a little plaque to commemorate my purchase of the Pan Am, did you get one? It probably only cost them $10 but I have never received such a thing before and I purchased a HD 100th Anniversary model brand new. So far it is the best bike I have ever owned as well, we'll see how it holds up as time and miles go on.

[@bukweet]

I got the Sport luggage also. I like it; fits on the bike really well.

[@L0rdZedd]

I’m really torn between getting a Pan America or GS 1250.

[@robertczaplicki4001]

@@L0rdZedd GS1250 Adventure. The bike does it all.

[@nbrider7235]

@@bukweet I really like how it looks and the fact there are no side brackets left on the bike when you remove the cases.

[@nbrider7235]

@@bukweet I forgot to ask - is the top box supposed to have sideways movement of about 1"? The bracket on mine moves side to side about1" and it looks to me like it was designed to do it. I asked the dealer and they have no idea why but it seems intentional.

[@firmbutton6485]

Starter issue sounds to me like the computer has not got everything ready before routing juice to the starter. I understand the new motor has a start assit low compression mode. Possibly it’s not engaged in time.

[@bamills6771]

BMW has had adjustable ABS and linked brake system for over 10 years. Plus height adjustment. It does not drop at lights/stops though.

[@marcdroste4217]

Height adjustment is done automatically based upon load

[@arthurb8631]

It reports speed to Harley 😳 the battery can get flooded? What about the side stand bolted to the engine case and a Myers ring with the center stand?

[@BGPD70]

Well explained reveiw, if you hold down home button it turns screen white so you can read it better

[@Dude_Virus]

iphones are not like that, iphone copies years old existing shit from everywhere and then just terms it as innovation.

[@tax905972]

You are at 46 mph, you should be in 4th gear. Your lugging it.

[@jimswacker9484]

I got a ‘21 deadwood green bike earlier this year. Love it!!!

[@mariuszk9823]

BMW motorcycle using the link brakes long time ago

[@franksmith9692]

Sounds like they copied the KTM 1290.

[@neztx321]

Top notch review. I know I will own a Pan America at some point, that being said...I'm not really digging the offset paniers. Is that normal for ADV bikes? Do you notice the imbalance? Might be dumb questions, but I might have to settle with soft bags to avoid that awkward look. Thanks for sharing your perspective. RIDE SAFE

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thanks for the comment! Yes, they do offset, and no, you can't feel it. The cases really protect the bike of you drop it on the trail too, which is why I would use these over bags. (Saved me a few times!) That being said, the bike is wider than an old maine women at the buffet!

[@doublex632]

The bike won't start at TDC and the clock doesn't work, ya that's a deal breaker for me. Nice review thanks, it's a cool bike though.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thanks for watching! I hope HD figures it out. I will be posting a new 5k video soon

[@vitalnormandeau6520]

the batterie is too small no power do not start when is cool batterie drain too fast

[@bertmoss4205]

I like you have had many adv bikes most of the triumph tiger range, BMW GS 1200, I purchased the pan America and had the same issues as you, also the adaptive ride height only worked when it felt like it, the tft screen froze a couple of times, I was really disappointed with this bike The object of the hill hold is your on a hill in neutral and it’s supposed to hold the bike untill you take away not for 10/15 seconds. So after 400 miles I decided to px my bike for a low rider s. I just don’t see this bike being any better than the triumph tiger or the bmw gs 1200.

[@rugby3874]

You're not going to get a better back then a super tenere ES

[@Seektruth-59]

Heated grips you can fix much easier if they are externally wired is what I heard.

[@freddievannoy220]

Very informative video, appreciate the time and effort. Considering a PA as my next bike. FYI - Navigation on all Harleys suck. Still don't understand that one.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thank you sir. And I am told that HD needs to step up the nav game. Hopefully they will push it out via a software update. Ride Safe! Pete

[@brents1643]

I'm trying to buy 1 and it's on order but who knows when it will arrive

[@BackDraftBikes]

2022!

[@AdventureGlide]

My Pan America Special overheated and blew the engine at 5,000 miles halfway through a 2,500-mile trip. The bike has now been in the shop for three weeks, and today, I finally got an update on the cause. The Tech tells me the manifold going from the Oil Pump to the engine's top-end came loose. They are still waiting for Harley Corp tech support to get back with further instructions. I love the bike, but it doesn't seem like the dealerships want anything to do with servicing and repair it. I hope Harley takes care of me, but I'm skeptical due to being in the shop for three weeks and not getting any update other than they are waiting on Harley's tech support. I did ask the Tech how much internal damage there was, and they said Harley had not instructed them to make any more tear down; they just wanted pics of the cause. However, the Tech did tell me that they did a compression check on the cylinders, and they are entirely different front to back, and there is coolant in my engine oil. Fingers Crossed!

[@unounv]

Any updates ?

[@AdventureGlide]

@@unounv Harley replaced the engine then the bike had a bunch of electrical issues with the suspension. I gave up on the bike and sold it back to the dealership for a loss. Bought a 2022 BMW GSA

[@AdventureGlide]

@@PeterAngles-ks9fp 😂 hahahaha

[@michaelgurgone1611]

Great review, one thing I want to ask is, does this bike have a security system feature? I have to imagine many of these Pan American bikes will be parked in hotel parking lots when traveling. It’s a lot of bike to just walk away from! I understand these new pan ams are selling extremely well! I can see why with all those incredible features and that powerful engine. You really have to give Harley Davidson a ton of credit, and they will only get better in the coming model years.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Yes it does. It arms when you walk away. You can add a siren as well

[@scootjockey]

Seems to me that the yanks have woken up !!

[@julianbye9066]

I test rode the Pan America yesterday in the UK. Great bike and really informative review. 👍

[@BackDraftBikes]

Cool, thanks!

[@paulbodypumper1]

Good review ride Harleydavidson would love one

[@kawabungah20]

Fantastic, detailed review. Thank you! You've answered many questions - even some questions I didn't know I had!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pl1068]

I checked k on be out today, why did they put the battery and rectifier behind the front wheel 😬

[@garrycane1170]

Its ok its all sealed and its good to have as much weight as low as possible. Think Buell Uly.. HDs first ADV bike, all the weight is low.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Agreed. They do it for center of gravity (from what the factory told me)

[@loucarpenter7795]

The hand guards are described by HD as 'wind deflectors'. I don't think they are intended to provide impact protection

[@ironmonkey1512]

I ride in the desert and there aren't any trees, so most of us don't go with bark busters. Generally just go flimsy, keep cactus and roost off your hands and help keep your hands from freezing when it's cold out. Also the really solid ones can break your wrists if you go over handlebars.

[@armadilllo]

@@ironmonkey1512 I dunno, been riding enduros for 45 years, never seen it happen

[@bobholley6202]

It’s a nice bike, but I hear most of the praise coming because people are surprised that it’s so good and for most, it the persons first Harley. I’ve had 5 Harley’s over past 25 years so I’m not caught up in the nostalgia or image that new Harley owners get caught up in. I’ve rode it and it’s nice, but I ride a 2020 Tiger 1200 Desert and my buddy rides a GS 1250 and the Harley definitely ain’t there yet boys. It’ll get there if they stick with it. Just be ready to shell out the cash cause HD stands for Hundred Dollars. That’s why you got a bunch of crap you need on back order. They make bikes that cause you to buy accessories. That’s the HD way. Good luck tho, I’ll be interested in seeing how it holds up.

[@marcdroste4217]

@Bob Holley. In Europe BMW cost more, also for their accessories. The GS1250 is not better in my opinion then the PanAm, I've ridden both extensively before deciding to purchase the PanAm. On road the PanAm is better, of road it is comparable in my opinion. In wha way the GS1250 is better in your opinion? (In the Netherlands GS1250 similair specced will costs easily 3000 euro;s more then the PanAM)

[@bobholley6202]

@@marcdroste4217 I think it’s probably more of a personal choice than anything Marc. I really like the way the GS handles and it’s hard to argue the proven track record that it has. I bought the Tiger because I quite frankly liked it’s appearance and comfort as I’m 52 years old. There’s not as much price difference here when you look at both bikes which are similarly equipped. So I based my opinion on the track record of the GS and the fact that there are Battery/Starter issues beginning to pop up here, but that may be due to the heat. I will say that it is far better than I expected though. I have learned one thing in 40 years of motorcycle riding. If it makes you happy roll with it and have fun. Bike are like women, we should all love the one we have!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Seems like no one like any built in navigation system. Love having apple CarPlay on my goldwing. Thanks for the review I am on the fence about adding one to my garage.

[@candlstudios]

I agree. I first thought having carplay on a motorcycle was strange but once I started using it I never leave it off. But for bikes with no dedicated speedo I don't see how they can have a carplay feature. So I assume you just mount you phone on the handlebars for the navigation.

[@BackDraftBikes]

Glad to help. Maybe in the future they will add it. They just updated the maps feature and it is a bit better.

[@travisvaughn4245]

So the issue with the starter. Granted, I just bought my PanAm about a week ago and I got the special. I haven’t had the starter issue at all. I was told at the dealer though that when you first turn on the bike, let the computer and hud run through its little cycle first before starting the bike. Every video I’ve seen so far that shows that starting issue, they don’t let the hud run through it’s cycle first before trying to start the bike. When I first turn on the bike, I just sit there for about 5 seconds to let it run through its startup cycle and then start the bike and I haven’t had any problems so far. I don’t know if this helps anyone or if this is just common knowledge. This is my first off the lot bike and my first Harley and I absolutely love this PanAmerica!

[@BackDraftBikes]

Thank you for the comment, but I am sorry it does not make a difference, have tried it backwards to Sunday with no improvement.

[@mayonholly78]

Why are you in a high gear going low speed ? I 5th gear doing 47 mph NO NORMAL BIKE is going to take off and go

[@k-rod2453]

The gs will.

[@taterjones5544]

At the dealer. Harley mantra.

[@anthonyca]

The dealership told me you can pair your phone and see Google maps or what ever you have downloaded display on the screen, is that not true?

[@BackDraftBikes]

no way. Only harley nav. Where do they get these sales guys?

[@ksmart2271]

The dealership started one up for me this weekend and it had the same starter issue

[@armadilllo]

I tried to go for a test ride, it wouldn't start.

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

Cable clutch is better than hydraulic more adjustability and easier to maintain

[@BackDraftBikes]

Agree

[@Scram1200]

With the handguards, its the same setup as the Buell Ulysses. If your hand falls down between the bars and handguards during a crash you won't break your wrists?

[@candlstudios]

The handguards easily pop off.. so in the event your hands were to slide between the two I'm sure they'd just pop off.

[@BackDraftBikes]

This makes sense

[@guywolff]

Have a look at Bike World's review on this bike ..The nice young Brit who put the bike through some great off road work was saying the same thing on the starter. towards the end of his video.. .His tec guess was that there is so much electrical stuff being driven by the battery that it is over worked and so miss fireing maybe 1 out of 10 starts ..Good luck with figuring it out but you are not alone ... LOve that part of NH on the Maine line .. Yours from Litchfield CT .. Guy

[@DavidSmith-jj5pr]

a lot of the "weird" decisions HD made are all answered by the same thing: COST CUTTING. the bags are sw-motech Trax cases, you may be able to get a different lock system by going directly to them. HD has nothing to do with the bags aside from raising the price and pocketing the profit.

[@noelpogiako1]

Amazing and really impressive of how you explain all buttons and each function 👏 . Have you try the BMW GS before you consider the PA. I did try the PA during Harley Demo here in NJ. The computer cluster are too small for me and I didn't know that you can customize according to your needs. Because the GS you can see everything in any conditions but the PA when its really bright and it hits the cluster it's hard to see. Maybe its me but my favorite part is when you stop and it goes down during the traffic which is reality useful for me as a small rider. Also, luck of accesories support from HD. So far this is the best video of HD Pan America that I have seen. Good job👍👍

[@ballerblocks]

It's still the battery , these new batteries are too small in CCA .

[@BackDraftBikes]

I tend to agree with you! As I put miles on the bike, the motor has run in, and it doesnt squeal as much

[@cadman9615]

Great review! Very thorough. One of the better reviews on uTube. Have been considering making the jump from sport tourer to ADV. I’ve been riding ST’s for the better part of 20yrs & would like to switch it up & I’ve heard nothing but great things abt the PA

[@roberthastin987]

Great review! I'm definitely getting on this year.

[@BackDraftBikes]

You should!

[@wishboneharleycult]

Great review - I´m considering of buying on e as Harley #2 - any more comments 8 months after buying ? Thanks !

[@realbangau]

t think it is unfair to compare the Scrambler with this Pan Am. Apart from that, thanks for sharing your experience. Awesome!!!! One suggestion - lace your video with some B rolls so that viewers get to see other things apart from the road in front of you!

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

I did not read all the comments but linked breaking and traction control are not new to this bike for Harley. Harley has the RDRS system and has been out for a couple years now that does all that, as an option on their touring bikes. If I were to go out and buy a new motorcycle right now this is the one I would buy

[@derekm6236]

A very impressive machine mechanically, but maybe too many electronics?? It's still only a motorcycle, not a space shuttle! Some poor devils in the used market down the line are going to be held to ransom for failures in the black boxes.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I don't know if it is any better than the main ADV bikes out there. It's a good start but I think the look of the front is just not right in my opinion but thats just me!! I love the sound of the Triumph Triple!!! Very few other bikes sound as good as a Triple maybe the inline 6 of the K1600 series, that thing is just a widow maker though !!!!!!

[@paulmorris3022]

Hi i have a Harley Davidson Fat Bob 114 and i have a Triumph Tiger 900 gt pro and love both of them. I took the HD Pan Am for a test ride and even with the ARH and low seat i was still on tip toes. I got a lot of vibration in the crotch area. The kick stand I had trouble trying to put it down and i was getting a lot of buffering in my helmet and as you explained very jolty at low speed. I do love the bike but not enough to exchange one of mine to a Pan am.

[@travelinben1966]

Hopefully,they’ve gotten all the bugs out of it for the 2022 model year.🤞🏻

[@thorgeirnable]

To be fair, my 2017 forty eight stops very quickly despite being "old tech"

[@justins8089]

Great review man!!! I’m in love with this bike and after riding it for a week “borrowed” I’m certainly buying one this summer

[@badbruise]

You buy that at Rochester hd?

[@BackDraftBikes]

They were out, but they are top notch folks, that's why I am having it serviced there.

[@billvick7011]

Not for nothing but Google and Apple and basically everyone collects your location info too. Participate or not but HD is not alone in collecting data.

[@ian6358]

I bought a special about a month ago and have put a little over 1k miles on it.lost a week to rain. I really enjoy the bike a little disappointed about the accessories backorder situation. I have the same gripes about the controls I have done both the headlights and shut off the bike. I really hate the HD navigation it is awful. Within min it is just a grid all info has disappeared.wish the manual had more info on maintenance. Most of it says take to a.dealer, chain adjustment,oil change, and battery replacement.stuff I thought they should put in for the average joe. Love the seat,love the wind flow around the bike. Great job on the windscreens. Overall I'm really enjoying the bike. Don't know if I can find a manual for the bike. I hate to always take to a dealership.

[@perfectlynormal5729]

My Pan Am Special has the simi adaptive ride height suspension. It does not lower when the bike comes to a stop, but it lowers at other times. I haven't figured out when those times are. If bike is cold I can turn the ignition on and the suspension doesn't react. If I've been out riding and I turn the bike off, when I turn it back on, it lowers. It seems to do it when it wants, and it's not predictable....at least by me. If anyone has an explanation, I'd appreciate hearing it.

[@BackDraftBikes]

It is a bug- I had the same experience and they don’t have a fix yet. I even set it to the ‘lock ride height’ setting and it would drop. Scared me the first time it did it at a stoplight

[@unounv]

@@BackDraftBikes is this issue fixed now ?

[@johnludmon7419]

The bike is a departure from Harley’s norm and has a lot of tech on it so in some way some bugs are to be expected. I own a Harley and wouldn’t buy a first year’s model as HD have a habit of having to fix something that the accountants have overruled the engineers on the starter looks like that part. I wouldn’t complain too much about the parts supply quite a lot of firms are having problems at this moment not just HD . Other than that an excellent review starter and sat nav aside the bike looks very appealing we will see if or when Harley fix these issues.