Harley Davidson Pan America (Off & On Road First Ride) 4K

For some reason Harley Davidson decided to make us wait for the Pan America, so we're a bit late to the party with this one. Maybe they knew what Chris was going to do with it. So, we took it to some of our favourite Welsh trails for some off road action to see what it can do...

[@azn_1050]

I love that you guys actually ride, I mean truly ride the bikes you review. Not afraid to trash it, make jumps, wheelies, slides etc. That's how a review is supposed to be!

[@atastefortheroad4475]

I'm sure Bike World has comprehensive insurance coverage specific for this activity and bikes directly from the manufacturer. I agree it's great to see Chris really ride each machine well!

[@timmo3351]

The funny thing is the bike will never be ridden like this by its owners, but it does make for superbly entertaining videos! Love it!

[@adventuretoshare]

@@timmo3351 Hahaha, yes, and I'm one of those Pan America owners, but then again I'll get my fill of what it can do on the asphalt, this is not to say that with some tutoring I'd actually like to gain some offroad experience, I believe if nothing else, despite following a different technique, some offroad experience would improve on-road riding.

[@timmo3351]

@@adventuretoshare I’d be exactly the same! How’s are you enjoying the ownership of the PA? Has it met your expectations?

[@adventuretoshare]

@@timmo3351 Pretty much; yes. It's actually difficult to find anything significantly negative given that it's a brand spanking new model.I guess the only irritation is the infotainment system; Boom Box was a little dated, but it had everything you needed and more recently Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (if memory serves me correct). We're both added, Apple and Android support ensures that there would only be a handful of ppl that might complain :-) I have both on my Jeep, so no matter if my wife or I am driving, we both have complete connectivity. I'm sure H-D have some master plan around their approach. I've worked out how to get full connectivity between my phone, headset and the handlebar controls, but I know it's going to be a big gripe from many ppl. Apart from that, it's an amazing machine :-)

[@bruceleong9534]

I just love watching Chris ride.

[@space.youtube]

It's a Harley Vstrom and I like it.

[@pacothemonkey]

The starter issue is related to when a cylinder is stopped right before top dead center. There is too much compression for the starter to turn the motor over in that particular situation. The starter therefore cuts out and once engaged again it will power the piston past that spot and start up.

[@maxlane9210]

That kind of makes sense, but why couldn't the starter just do that in the first place?

[@scattass]

@@maxlane9210 because of the torque curve of electric motors and the way they engage. it stalls out disengages then because electric motors have a lot of torque at low rpms it is able to overcome the compression of the pistons. they will likely put a more powerful starter and bigger battery if it really bothers people or isnt long lasting because of size.

[@REDMAN298]

Total B.S. explanation of the starter anomaly.

[@Dimage666]

@@REDMAN298 Then what is your expert explanation as to why then??

[@merlinphumc69]

Compression releases exist on the pan am…..

[@nbrider7235]

I traded in my Buell Ulysses for my new Pan America, the Ulysses absolutely had a HD motor in it. It was also a brilliant road bike and I could cover 800 miles in day on it easily, not so good off road. I just did a 500 mile day in massive rain storms on my Pan Am, at one point it was raining so hard I was the only thing still rolling on the highway. Even the truckers had pulled off. I can't comment on its off road ability as that isn't what I bought it for. So far I love it, we'll see how it holds up.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Keep us updated.

[@icklepob88]

Another cracking review Chris. Unbiased, going in with an open mind and reporting on the bike, knowledgeable, informative, humorous. What biking journalism has been missing for years. Between yourself, and the 44t guys, I think you pair have taken our bike industry to the next level. Brilliant, just bloody brilliant.

[@threethrushes]

Seconded, plus Fortnine do such good motorcycle reviews that non-bikers watch it too.

[@94SexyStang]

I LOVE the front-end of that bike!!!!! I'm so tired of companies copying each other.......I think it's a Smart move to stand out. Love it, or hate it you still KNOW what it is.

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

Yeah to be honest, it's one of, if not the only Harley I've ever wanted 😅 I think it actually looks great.... some better suspension, better pegs, a better windscreen, and some luggage and I'd be set....oh, and good credit 🤣

[@yancywest]

I've had my pan america for just over a year And almost elven K Miles. I've ridden in all conditions and terrain, even snow and enough mud to necessitate removing the front fender. And this is hands down the most honest and accurate review I've seen or heard. Entertaining to watch thanks guys. And if anyone knows of a high fender kit, hit me up.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks!

[@rogerfournier3284]

✓

[@williamrae9954]

Wunderlich...front mudguard risers available

[@Indarow]

This is EASILY the best review of the PanAmerica I’ve seen. Not glorifying it, not crucifying it. Thrashed it, babied it, everything in between and ended with an honest review. Love it. Wish Harley Davidson all the best, PLEASE continue making and improving the PanAmerica! I may not be able to afford one now, but give me a few years and I’ll be there!

[@williamrae9954]

Dirt cheap now...their 2nd hand price has collapsed...£7-8k should get you one from someone wanting to trade their one in...avoid MY '21 if possible, on all cars and bikes, lockdown QC was bad in factories

[@jamesmatthews4212]

The Buell Ulysses had the HD Sportster derived 1203 Thunderstorm motor. The only Buell's that got the Rotax were the 1125R and 1125CR before HD pulled the plug. Good review!

[@MadChalet]

I was surprised by that hole in Chris's historical knowledge. Despite not being a great off-road bike, the Ulysses cut a unique path (figuratively speaking), and had (has?) a rather strong cult following.

[@hamptontanguero]

The Thunderstorm engine only shared the pistons with the Harley's Evolution engine.

[@scottmichaels1764]

...and the Blast.

[@stephencole4498]

Bravo Harley, they are being really brave with how this looks and not just following the rest.

[@armadilllo]

like dating the ugly chick.

[@mbal4052]

@@armadilllo all those big adventures are ugly

[@lancebartosz283]

EXCELLENT review. Nice to see someone who knows how to ride so well give their thoughts on the new HD PA design.

[@rahulallan8124]

World’s best motorcycle reviewer imo. Straight to the point and no unnecessary cliche words 🤙🏼

[@mrbookends]

My man Chris, on the scene with smiles!

[@clarencecrowcarter]

Best motorcycle reviewer on YT. Keep up the good work! The HD isn't my thing, but it looks like a lot of folks will love it.

[@daniilrusanau5849]

Incredible review and such a sound lad! Also, I really love the quality of the production. Kudos to you all involved there! Thanks

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks for the production comment, we put a lot of work into these reviews.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Let's see what happens when you drop your panamerica in the woods maybe you can call somebody on your cell phone to help pick the bike off of you

[@th7321]

The best reviews in all of biking currently !!

[@UncleRobsGarage]

Love mine! Sounds awesome, and performs amazingly.

[@ripkej77]

I just got to see one in person last week and it looks cool. Cheers to Harley

[@samjanko8946]

Kudos to Harley for the awesome fist effort and review, as always!

[@benwells2338]

Why Harley didn’t think to hire Chris as their brand Ambassador for the PanAm is beyond me. He brings a far more youthful appeal to a market typically aimed towards middle-aged suburban dads. Awesome review as always ✌️

[@williamrae9954]

They have Danger Dan...and HD doesn't realise what they have in him either...

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Hi Chris great video and review. You certainly gave it some stick off road. Something I am hardly likely to do at 70 years of age. Hope to collect mine next week having owned a couple of GS's previously. Even the Special comes out a fair bit cheaper than a 1250 GS which swayed me towards buying it. Just returned from Sykes our local dealer and had a great craic with Harley owners saying its not a real Harley. Something I remember being said to me by Pre Unit construction Triumph owners when I brought my 1969 Bonnie. What I should add its also my ticket to Harley meet ups in the UK & Europe. There is no other marque of bike you can say that about. Stay safe Ted

[@johnmaughan7508]

Your bang on the button Ted, ive traded in my ultra Ltd CVO for this Pan Am because its just so much more fun to ride, can still tour and also keeps me in HOG membership for rallies. All boxes ticked. Good luck and safe riding

[@humandroid53]

@@johnmaughan7508 that'd be the downside. Harley riders membership! 😏

[@johnmaughan7508]

@@humandroid53 hahaha. I don’t mind doing rallies. I found the chapter full of cliques so don’t bother much except with a few. I ride out with lads of all males n models normally when we do for a spin. 👍 keep your back wheel behind your front one , stay safe

[@kurtfoulke5130]

I've watched 16 different reviews but this was my first time seeing one being riden in anger. Great job

[@FatherOfAnAngelOct]

This is by far the BEST review of the Pan America that I have watched yet!! Thank you for an HONEST review!!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it.

[@humandroid53]

Except he didn't really cover how good it is a a road tourer.

[@grenphelps7455]

Buell xb12 ulysses did indeed use a Harley Davidson derived 1200 engine, Chris

[@daftnord4957]

Derived. But no parts are interchangeable from buell to harley

[@Todd66]

One of two new Harley’s that I actually like. I am impressed by this channel. I’ll definitely be back for more. Good job!

[@ThiagoMundim]

Awesome review! Love the jump 😅

[@MWGTRYO]

Great review. Honest and to the point. Love the bike.

[@Maarten7437]

It'd be on my shortlist if I was in the market for a new adventure bike. Looks good! Bravo Harley for creating something new.

[@carlosocatavious3363]

Amazing footage, this video alone should sell a few thousand of these bikes. Really showcased how much fun it can be. PERFECTION.

[@Firestorm637]

Always a great job, unbiased. Thx

[@neildxb]

These have become my favourite bike review videos. Well done.

[@SawMan247]

I’m going to buy this bike because of your video!!! Awesome man I was smiling the entire video!!! Awesome!!!

[@jafu745]

The styling is nice to me in the sense that it is original. It really looks like nothing else and that deserve praise. Also I am happy to see HD becoming a motorcycle manufacturer not a couch/sofa on wheels builder.

[@billdaggett7911]

If it has 2 wheels and a motor, it's a motorcycle. There's obviously a huge market for these bikes you don't approve of. 👍

[@jafu745]

@@billdaggett7911 Clearly there is and I did not dis on the market itself. Just expressed my oppinion about their traditional bikes. Also the fact that their market was downtrending for a couple decades. And that I am happy they are trying to reach a new customer base.

[@muhammadaliclay8976]

very few ride their GS off road and very few like a mad man ... i think for majority of american riders harley made a superb machine..

[@markheath9172]

Great unbiased review - really put the bike through its paces

[@DownTheRoad66]

Love the honesty and the passion you brought to this review. At my age and health I’ll doubtfully ever straddle a ADV bike. I’m a Harley rider so if I said I wasn’t biased I’d be lying but I appreciate honesty even if it hurts. If Harley is smart they will listen to folks like you a go back and make the necessary changes. Great review!

[@CurvedSlightly]

Love it @ 3:26 when Jay Kay (off of Jamiroquai) spots farmer Ifans on his quad.

[@mlanky2023rgl]

Ok…. I ride a Harley. But I’ve been trying to branch out and learn about other types of bikes. Adventure, hyper naked, etc. and this channel is incredible. I love watching Chris ( hope I got that right), five facts, opinions. One the best reviewers out there. Thank you for keeping your videos informative and entertaining.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks Mark!

[@LondonSteveLee]

Love that Harley - looks like it'd make a brilliant sports tourer.

[@MrKikkomon]

Love the honest review... I own one but not nearly as a pro rider like you 😉. Bought it more for the street touring use & little gravel roads & light off roading so kinda suits me just fine especially because of the adaptive ride height. Wish GS would've had that too. Again awesome review 👏

[@elvulch]

This was the best and most honest review of this bike! Thank you!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Thanks

[@xaraphyn]

Bike World does the best motorcycle reviews available. Fantastic video and thanks for sharing!

[@borkarms]

Great first effort from HD. It looks amazing. Orignal HD design. Lovely revielw.

[@creatorTWin]

That's a sick looking bike - well done Harley.

[@majidalborz8993]

I love your reviews. You certainly know how to ride. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@markjurczyk]

Finally good honest review , thank You !!

[@taringaturi6950]

I liked this review. Especially from someone who can actually ride and knows abitnout these adventure bikes. Thanks, Mate Great clip👍🏽

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Thank You! Fantastic Honest Review! So Really Want One Even More Now!🐺🇺🇸

[@franksmith9692]

Excellent review. Great comments.

[@jonathankirkpatrick289]

Now thats how you do a review. You guys really sent the hell outta that thing. I’ve never wanted an adventure bike until i saw the pan am

[@rajeevali2354]

Damn...Street Hawk. Luv it👍👍👍

[@ticthedog9413]

👍 Quality review. Great riding skills

[@AnfecsIan]

Just got an extra subscriber, so well put together - ridden hard, explained well and engineering genius

[@michaelhayward7572]

Great review, nice to see some genuine critical points, instead of the general gushing of praise from what i've seen so far, cheers.

[@johnmaughan7508]

Mine's getting delivered in Sept sometime, cant wait! I'll not be any where near as graceful as you on it though at 6'5" and 20 stone but im sure I'll have fun. great review , thank you.

[@andrewedmond7738]

In my humble opinion, Chris and his crew at Bike World produce THE best motorcycle reviews, period. There are some other reviewers that I watch, but I always wait for Chris to give his impressions of a bike. Well done guys, you certainly set the benchmark for others to attain. Will test ride the new PA this coming week, and I really hope that it will be a Harley-Vstrom plus. Love my current Vee, but after having it for 7 years, it's time for an upgrade. BMW, KTM, Ducati or Harley. Nice to have another option available. Thanks again Chris for displaying your riding skills that make me feel like an absolute beginner rider!! LOL. G'day from Australia mate.

[@Juuul89]

As much as Chris talks about his personal preferences he strikes me as one of the most unbiased reviewers I've watched, and I've watched pretty much every bike review on youtube ever :P

[@crruzzzer1]

Best review on the Pan-American so far!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@donwright3427]

Nice to see them doing something new

[@tomconner5067]

The custom bagger’s introduced an electronically controlled air suspension system that when shut down (or some manual switch controlled) that dropped to the ground and rested upon a set of polyurethane or rubber cushions that served as an alternative to a kickstand, flip on the Run/Stop switch and up the go. Love the look of the Big front wheels fat rear tires on a road glide style bagger, never thought I’d say it in a million years, but they’re pretty sick !

[@greatexpectations9695]

Chris you make Bike World videos compelling. Your authentic style , obvious love of bikes and enthusiasm to share that knowledge with us the unwashed and undeserving lol ...is fantastic. Now if you could just pop around and show me how to do those winter bike improvement tweaks on my ZZR that would be great mate :) Keep up the great work

[@BeinginMotion]

Interesting to see Harley taking the 'think differently' approach for a change, this and the LiveWire suggest there might be life in the ol' dog yet!! I love how Chris can style it up on ANY bike. Great vid (as always)

[@aesoundforge]

Sick riding skills...I like the look of the bike.

[@97irishflyer]

Reliability is top notch, a Pan American finished the 2021 Iron Butt Rally. 11,000 miles in 11 days on average. Great review!

[@adventuretoshare]

Great review and I suspect 80% of those of us who already own a Pan America would 100% agree with pretty much everything you said. There's absolutely no question; H-D has done an amazing job at the first pass for this brand new model. Let's hope they listen to the customers and continue to make the Pan Am better while also sorting the bugs out, I can't wait to see where H-D goes especially as long as they stay competitive with pricing and specifications. Although my last two rides have been HOGs, coming from the UK I didn't grow up with them but the Pan Am has made me a true beliver.

[@georgepasson5656]

I really, I mean I really did like this review, well done! I really like the Pan Am, too!

[@Isha048]

Great review! Thank you very much! You're a hell of a biker, congratulations! I was worried watching you doing things that never I'll do in my life or that I tried to do, but with different results 😄

[@philipjames3526]

Despite the issues (strange, I can’t remember another bike review in a while where it’s negative issues were highlighted as much) I kinda like it! Looks cool.

[@kathlos]

yeah breaking a peg shouldnt be highlighted in an adv bike.

[@ThrillaPark]

Double this guys pay and make more videos with him. Great presenter.

[@rockout1180]

Awesome review and I love how you work those bikes like we want to see them ridden.

[@theCycleReport]

Ulysses was the last new Buell with the HD based engine. Only the later 1190 twins (sportbike and CR) had the outsourced engine. Great review of the Harley. Reaaaaaly impressed with the overall package for a first effort. It doesn't do much good in Europe, but in North America, the act of touring on a Harley is the insane dealer network. You can be hundreds of miles from a spare part for any other brand but you're rarely far from a harley shop and they take care of people who are traveling and have issues. I dont love their bikes but the reasonable price and mid-pack results of the Pan America make it a really compelling package for us in the U.S.

[@bombercountybiker2990]

Great video as always

[@malcellison8831]

“Five pairs of underpants - enough for five weeks’ touring” 😂 I always love your reviews and admire your riding skills 👍

[@davidcrooks1752]

Back to front and inside out that's 15 weeks 🤮 😂😂👍🇬🇧

[@williamrae9954]

10 weeks, if you turn them inside out 😂

[@Edwardlewis18]

I wasn't really interested in this bike at all till I saw your review! Great video!

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

Great review great videography. Great job HD! Perfect street off-road balance for my riding. Love the KTM but going to buy the Harley. 36” inseam I don’t mind the bike height so I will take the lighter basic model plus get the light weight exhaust to trim fat. Shorten the Db reducer for a better sound plus extreme air breather then tune it. At 56 in great shape I still don’t hit the dirt jumps climbs trails as hard and aggressively as I did in my 20s. Still a speed freak just a bit tamer. I pin everything I ride from time to time and appreciate a good motor / suspension. I have a super local dealership. And as I adventure travel with it Harley has dealerships all over. This bike is going to be great fun.

[@chelesohl7045]

I just bought one. I am excited to see what we can do!

[@AV8R_1]

If you don't break it, are you REALLY even testing it? I thought this would be another Harley sponsored promotional video disguised as a "review". Refreshingly, this was, hands down, the best test and review that I've seen of this bike yet. Well done! Astounding riding skills too! Thanks for truly testing this bike and giving a very thorough review without Harleys thumb on the scale!

[@Team-fabulous]

I'm not a fan of harleys or adventure bikes but this yoke floats my boat...

[@shanecrofts2629]

Propper offroad reviews on this channel👌🏻

[@andik.4235]

Nicely done review.

[@nikolaiownz]

i love traditional harleys - and i freaking love the pan america.. forsure my next bike

[@skyworks1621]

First real Harley review on you tube. If I want an honest bike opinion Chris is the way to go.

[@theladwiththebeard]

Great review.

[@slippyu1]

first time finding you.... great reviewing... like your style.... well done 👏🏼

[@Broncoride]

Incredible riding skills for sure and great review. I was told that sound are the valves lining up and then it fires right up. I’ve had mine a week and love it.

[@scottmichaels1764]

I'd love to see the engineering paper on that one. Also, I've got some cheap waterfront property for sale in Arizona...

[@occyman]

Chris I reckon you are the best reviewer on KZbin right now

[@robygoncalves4348]

What a GREAT review, so sad that this was only recommend to me now. You have another subscriber

[@ibzstratcat]

Love the styling. One of the best looking dual sports out right now. Too bad I'm not in the hunt for one. Oh well just have to stick to my bagger for now.

[@slimdudeDJC]

This was great!! I'd never really given up on Harley's. They are still an American treasure, one I'd like to own one day. But I've had to put it on the back burner for now over affordability and cost of maintenance issues. Maybe this model isn't too much different then the others but from what I'd witnessed in this video, it seems promising for me in the not too distant future.

[@HamzaFaruqui]

The only review of the Pan America where "off road" testing didn't comprise of a slow stroll down the dirt road. Kudos!

[@viasevenvai]

It's like a 2 wheeled camaro. class and sophistication wise.

[@MrCarGuy]

It's amazing they didn't enter this segment decades ago

[@browngreen933]

HD did enter it decades ago. All their early bikes were off road capable as was the Sportster XLCH. But then they got caught in the chrome and tattoo rut. Hopefully PanAmerica marks a new era for HD.

[@jeepstertj556]

@@browngreen933 i hated that they changed the ch from a scrambler to a chopper type thing in its last years

[@ShooterMedic1818]

Great review 👍

[@NEPALIRIDERSinCALIFORNIA]

One of the greatest Adventure motorcycle I have ever seen and found good Idea by Harley: Lets go PanAmerica Tour on Harley Panamerica

[@GazVanDyk]

Nice riding, I wish I could ride like that 👍

[@ry77801]

Outsourced the engine !!! Hilarious 😂

[@AhmedAli-jx7eh]

Great review 👌🏻

[@chrisdowns6221]

Fantastic review. I bought a 2022 special and love it. It does just what I want it to do. I don't mind getting it dirty on dirt roads and I can go over 300 miles in a day and still get off it and walk to the bar.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Glad you're enjoying it Chris.

[@yorkshire1290DUKE-R]

Another well shot review. I'd definitely have one over a gs, just to be different.