Harley Davidson Pan America: love it? Or hate it?

[@brucem8129]

Honest video. Im sick of listening to hate the PA videos. They are great bikes. Subscribed

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Thanks! I’m loving this bike, that’s for sure!

[@Toys4JokerJoe]

Love my Pan Am! it's 2021 and I've been on a couple long 3K or better rides. It's performed beautifully and I don't miss my old street / Road glide. Thank you for a positive video on the bike.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Awesome! At this point it’s my favorite bike..

[@verlinswarey507]

I feel the same way about KZbin as you do! I like the small channels working “out of the garage”. These big million subscriber channels make me feel like I might as well be watching TV! 👍

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I feel it’s more personal, just a couple guys hanging out sharing experiences and ideas.

[@13_Cowboy]

Oldish video, but I also like the stock seat which I find very comfortable while wearing ADV pants. In jeans, not so much. My bars and risers are stock because I have long monkey arms. Stock windshield is good for me too (I'm also 5'9/175cm) but I don't ride much highway. I'm in Switzerland so there is always a more fun way (mountain passes!) to get somewhere if you're not in a hurry. The only thing I didn't like (other than reliability 😥) was the Harley hard cases because you need the key to open and close them, so I went after market. Best motorcycle I've ever ridden.

[@marclawrence2009]

Rode a Pan Am for two hours. It is very light, fast, and nimble. I found the road noise, heat, and major buffeting to be excessive. I have a HD touring bike which suffers from none of that. Have you experienced those issues and would you be comfortable taking the Pan Am on a 6000 road trip. Thanks for your comments.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

@@marclawrence2009 I don’t notice anymore heat than I get off my Street Glide. Road noise? Yeah, you’ll get a little more of that. I don’t personally get any buffeting. But I’ve seen comments from others who changed the windshield and it helped reduce that. I’ve taken it Coast to Coast which was an 8200 mile trip. I’ve done multiple 1000 plus mile days on this bike with the stock seat, and I prefer this over my Street Glide or Road King for longer trips. I leave on Monday for another 8,000 mile trip, I’m taking the Pan America. I hope this helps, thanks for the comment!

[@wooddawg4868]

The Pan America has a design and platform similar to the Victory motorcycle engine platform, meaning the chain-driven cams and oil cooling systems with full counter balancing. Truthfully, if the Victory motor had liquid cooling, it would be a beast of a motorcycle right now. Harley Davidson designed a motor of the future with all the no-nonsense technology to replace the current pushrod, chain primary, hot air cooled motor with lifters.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Those Victory’s ran good, that’s for sure.

[@curtissmith8789]

Had a Victory XC. It was a great machine for 7 years and 135k miles. The Victory motor that was liquid cooled ended up going on the Indian Challenger. Polaris was on that before they canned Victory. Did love my Vic.

[@jackieandleon]

Rode cruisers for years, last year I got a Moto Guzzi V85TT, rode it home 450 miles the first day. Most comfy long distance bike I've been on. The PA was a little taller and I was concerned with height. But now it doesn't scare me at all. Rode the PA last month at a HD event, it was nice and I would probably take it over the BMW, although I love me a shaft drive. Keep up the good work.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

A friend of mine is riding his Moto Guzzi V85TT from Pennsylvania to Alaska this year. I can’t wait to hear his stories! My big regret is not buying an ADV Touring bike years ago…… Thanks for the comment!

[@curtissmith8789]

I just tested a new Guzzi Stelvio. I really like it. I also like shaft drive. I'm running a KTM 1290 SA and could be looking to replace it soon. The one thing that keeps me away from Guzzi is dealer network. I've only ridden three and like them all. The PA I tested was nice, quite surprised by Harley. I think they've done a fantastic job coming into the ADV ring.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

@@curtissmith8789 I’m not familiar with the Guzzi. There are a few KTM dealers within 1 1/2 hours of our house and I’ve sat on a few of them but haven’t had the chance to ride them. Best of luck in your next purchase!

[@michaelsisk5938]

Great video! I particularly like the neck pillow tip. As a previous owner of a 2022 Nightster, ( same engine) My bike had many gremlins. Learn how to reset check engine warning light. My bike would yield an error if I rushed the start up procedure or I was riding in high altitude. I added the Screaming Eagle air filter (May need a tuning) as it made a world of difference. If your bike goes through the start up procedure and still will not start, remove the main fuse, wait a few seconds and reinstall it-software error. If the front wheel locks up during a hard braking, just release the front brake handle and then slowly reapply the front brake (Another software error). Some of Harley Davidson 2022 bikes had a defective fuel pump. Mine imploded while riding the bike to work (15,000 miles) Service Manager tip-do not hold the start button in at start up as it will foul the plugs. Two of your spark plugs are under the seat and to replace the spark plugs is a 1-2 hours of labor. Does your bike have the extreme engine heat on the right side of the bike?

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Thanks for the comment! I haven’t been on the Nightster yet. I rode the Sportster S, which is also the Rev max engine. I haven’t had any of the gremlins with electrical issues on this bike. It’s always started right up, even in cold weather. The check engine light came on anytime I was in higher altitudes, but it always turned off again in the lower altitudes. In CO, most of the bikes did that. One of the guys was on an Indian and his check engine light stayed on. But the bikes ran great. I’m guessing the computer recognized a difference in the air and was just letting us know it’s making adjustments, so the check engine light came on. This is just my theory, I don’t know for sure. But it didn’t cause any problems. I’ve installed the SE air filter and changed my plugs, and I have the V&H exhaust slip on. It took about 150 miles for the computer to reset the air fuel ratios, but it did it on its own and I keep an eye on the plugs and it’s been fine. I might still get another tune, just out of curiosity to see how much better it runs. The tank removal is a pain in the ass the first time…..😂 But now I can do it in half the time it took me the first time. As soon as I see a new software update, I get it updated. I haven’t had any brake issues, so maybe the updates take care of it…..Again, I don’t know for sure. The fuel pump, is going to need to be replaced before long. I’m at 17,300 miles with it and the pump screeches at start up. My local dealer has one on the shelf with my name on it. I’ve heard KTM was having this issue too, maybe the same company is manufacturing these pumps? I don’t know. Thanks for the tips if I do have any of the brake or start up issues! I don’t notice any real crazy heat on my right leg. But I’m accustomed to the air cooled engines, so in my opinion this bike runs cooler.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Just a. FYI my fuel pump got noisy at 21,000 miles. Replaced under warranty in a timely manner . My PAS is a 2022. So far that was the only issue. The fuel pump is used by many other nanufacturers. Its a Bosch fuel pump. So theres one thing the haters cant blame HD for.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

@@paulwojnar2291 Thanks for the info. I didn’t know who made the pump for HD. My bike runs great, but the pumps getting noisy, so I’m getting it replaced this winter.

[@markh.harris9271]

really stoked about my 2023 Pan America Special RA1250S. fabulous! marcus

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Congrats, and enjoy the ride!

[@BogeyBiker]

Just found your channel and really enjoyed watching this, nice job! Subscribed 👍🏼

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

+@BogeyBiker appreciate that! Thx for tuning in! 🙌🏻🏍️

[@snowlothar45]

Thinking of moving form a Road Glide, but oiling the chain every 500 miles - especially on a long trip - is really keeping from making the plunge.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

If it’s highway miles, it doesn’t need to be done that often. But it’s simple to do. I carry chain lube with me and I put the bike on the center stand and just spray it every now and then. It literally takes 5 minutes, so it’s no big deal.

[@paulwojnar2291]

Yessir, Hwy pegs are a must for long haul

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I agree!

[@Doug_Morgan]

Excellent video.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DeFerrolalmundoenmoto]

I have a Pan America, I just discovered your channel and I subscribe. Regards my friend. Daniel

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Welcome! That’s a great bike!

[@tennyis28]

Great video, I just got mine. What highway pegs did you go with?

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

They are off an old sportster. I bought brackets from a local guy here in Lancaster PA and he had a used pair of pegs off a Sportster, they work.

[@pspez]

Have you thought about replacing the stock windshield?

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

The stock one works fine for me. I know a lot of people change it, but I’m fine with the stock one.

[@wikeywikeywhick3852]

good talk lots to think about. i,m more of a road guy but just want something lighter than my rg. its coming down to a pan or lowrider st at this point. i can probley catch a deal here in indiana in the next 2 months

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I haven’t ridden the Lowrider ST yet. I love the looks of them! If you’re in the market to purchase in the next 2 months, you should be able to find a great deal on one. I know the local dealers are offering some great deals on 23’s, plus you’ll see guys trading in barely ridden bikes to upgrade to the 24’s. Good Luck finding what you want!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I would consider you a really Harley rider with the scuffs, scratches, and you have threads loose. I also have many Harley dealers around. I just don't think I would single track it. 2 tracks yeah maybe. Think its a 70/30 bike. Where true adv is 60/40 or 50/50. I love tall bikes. And learned to ride on dirt bikes. I ride a xb12x Which at 6'0" I am an inch too short. I agree with the kickstand and adaptive height. But great shocks on it.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

@@eliinthewolverinestate6729 It’s not designed to be a single track bike. Although I know guys who do it on these. It’s an ADV Touring bike, and the stock tires are 80/20.

[@KawaRider88]

Cruisers are fun, but ADV bikes are really the Swiss Army knives of bikes. Fast, comfortable, nimble, weighs significantly less, carries luggage, and typically cheaper than cruisers. The center stand makes oil changes easier. O and you don’t have to worry about carrying around chrome cleaner lol. These bikes look better the more dirt you throw on them.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I think they run better when they’re dirty……😂 It’s my first ADV Touring bike, and I wish I would’ve gotten one a long time ago.

[@MajorProblem1990]

Greetings from Philippines! ❤

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Welcome!

[@navcop33]

Good video Wayne.... Great job!

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

Thanks 👍

[@awesomeandre1757]

For me personally having to get on and off my bike as much as I do. It’s just to tall like a off road mc. I ride my Harley off road plenty and it’s a road bike. I mean you have to be in ruts or sand at least 6” b4 you have to go to a true off-road bike.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

These bikes aren’t for everyone, that’s for sure. As long as you love what you’re riding…..👍🏻

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

+@awesomeandre1757 👍🏻

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

+@awesomeandre1757 nice! Enjoy the riding! That’s what it’s about! 🏍️

[@stevenwarner7348]

not gonna lie. the whiskey is not a good look there. so sorry. now looking at this bike. Adventure Touring. No kidding. Just to take that mountain road with some camping gear. 80 mph down the highway with a tent on the back. All good. thanks

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I think you misunderstood the reference to the drink. I really don’t care what one chooses to drink, or not drink. But I’m just hanging out and sharing some ideas and enjoying a drink. Would it be better if it was milk? But there are those who wouldn’t appreciate that because it’s dairy, oh well. As far as the bike. I wish I would’ve gotten in to the ADV Touring bikes a long time ago. But, I guess it’s not too late…….

[@dandennis8465]

Probably 5 dealers, Lancaster, Iron Valley, York, Classic, and White’s. York may be 36 min.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

White’s is 45 minutes for me. And I can be in York in 30 minutes from where I’m at. But yeah, White’s would be a 5th one that’s closer than the closest BMW dealer for me. It doesn’t mean I won’t ever have a BMW in my stable, it’s just the route I went now and I have zero regrets.

[@curtissmith8789]

717 TT, where are you at in PA.? I'm in HBG.

[@curtissmith8789]

I have two HD dealership close by. Susquehanna HD is about a mile away and Appalachian in Mechanicsburg is about 17.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

@@curtissmith8789I’m in Lancaster! Not far from Harrisburg!

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

⁠​⁠@@curtissmith8789I was at Susquehanna for their demo days last week!

[@garymaclean6903]

Canada plates? Don't you mean 'Canadian' plates? We also have provinces, so the plates weren't from Canada, but from one of our 10 provinces, or 3 Territories... Or is it true, most Americans don't have a clue...??? And yes, Adventure Bikes have become so sophisticated, while Harley's seem stuck in the 1920's... Yes, the Pan Americas seem to have jumped many decades into the present, and the tests all indicate they did a good job. The height of ADV Bikes is one of the things that intimidate new riders. The problem is less getting on and off, but rather putting a foot down when stopping. The Pan America's automatic height lowering when stopped is a good start... I've owned a BMW R1150-RS since new in 2003. Certainly not an Adventure-Touring bike. It's not a Touring Bike, as the fairing is more compact and lighter than their touring R1150RT model, yet is height adjustable to provide protection from high speed blasts, yet good circulation for cooling when you need it. The R1150RS shines as a comfortable and fast 'Sport-Touring' bike. It's lighter weight makes it readily 'flickable' on twisting back and mountain roads. I like how the BMW hard-bags are removable, as they're not needed on my day-long rides, but carry as much as the RT bags carry when I'm on rides that are several days long. It has been completely reliable for over 170,000-km, but I've seen some with well over 250,000 km+ with minimal work needed. The ABS brakes are powerful and confidence inspiring. The newer R1300-RS models are certainly much more powerful and somewhat lighter for even more performance, while retaining and improving on many of its features...

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I simply meant he was from Canada. 😂 You’re right, I’m not very familiar with Canada. For a first time ADV touring bike, Harley did a good job. There are still bugs to work out and improvements can always be made, on any bike in my opinion. Stopping and holding the bike up is a concern, but like I said, I treat it like a dirt bike. I can flat foot both feet with this bike, but it’s rare that I do. I just lean it to the left and support the bike with my left leg and keep my right foot on the peg and rear brake. Maybe I need to do a video explaining that…….. BMW makes some great bikes and I might have one in my stable at some point and time, but I’d like a Ducati too! So many bikes, so little money…..😂 I haven’t seen the new 1300 in person yet, only pictures. Thanks for the comment.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I agree. I don't like the adaptive ride height. I like the engine and shocks. Not a fan of the electronics, don't think they will age well. Too many buttons. I have a Buell Ulysses it's not an adv more of a sport touring. The Pan Am would be awesome if it lost 200 lbs and some of the tech. Not a fan of the key phobs. Seen roadkings drive 50 miles without the key phob. Then not be able to start it. So eating in restaurant someone can steal it if key phob close enough.

[@paulwojnar2291]

ADV bikes look better with some dirt on them

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

You got that right! I try to keep my bikes looking half way decent. There’s 2 kinds of therapy, cleaning them, or riding them. I prefer riding…..

[@paulwojnar2291]

@717ThrottleTherapy absolutely!!!! Riding is the best therapy

[@NVET92]

What did you use for highway pegs? I just bought a 2024 PanAM CVO, it rides great, but the CAT gets extremely hot, need something to rest my right foot on (like a highway peg) to get my ankle area away from the CAT. The side stand also is a concern, I need to be certain it is fully extended and weighted before mounting/dismounting bike. Already dumped the bike once because side stand folded up while I was getting on the seat.

[@717ThrottleTherapy]

I actually have pegs off of a Sportster. I got the brackets at a local shop in Lancaster. They’re nothing fancy, but they work great!