HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA SPECIAL REVIEW | Are Harley kidding themselves?

The Harley-Davidson Pan America Special is joining an adventure market that has grown to the point where manufacturers are mad to ignore it.
But is it a stretch for a manufacturer that hasn't ridden in the dirt for decades, to build a worthy adventure model from scratch and hope to compete against models with decades of development?
That's the Pan America's dilemma.
But, Harley-Davidson isn't pulling its punches.
We found a bike with a brilliant base but some niggling issues that can't be ignored. Not everything went to plan on this test, as you'll see, but from there on the bike was something of a revelation that should not be taken lightly in the adventure tourer category.
THE GEAR:
Pack with the best and you'll pack with no stress.
Giant Loop Siskiyou Panniers
Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag
Giant Loop Armadillo Fuel Bladder
www.whitesmoto.com.au/collect...
Having heated gloves in winter is life changing. Honestly, check them out ASAP.
Ixon IT Yate Heated Gloves
Ixon Airblock Buff
www.ixon.com/en/it-yate-evo
You only get one head - put it in a seriously good lid.
Arai XD5 Helmet
www.araihelmets.net.au/au
The new Packtalk Edge is outstanding. Having owned a few different models I'm happy to call this the best yet.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
www.cardosystems.com/shop/pac...
Comfort, safety and durability - that's the Fly Racing FR5 boot which I've now done tens of thousands of kilometres in.
Fly Racing FR5 Boots
www.mcleodaccessories.com.au/...
Stay connected and charged with the sweet billet and angle adjustable SP Connect phone mount.
SP Connect Charging Phone Mount
sp-connect.com.au/products/wi...
Also a huge thanks for the support from:
www.whitesmoto.com.au/
/ cassonsaustraliamotorc...
www.mcleodaccessories.com.au/
www.harley-davidson.com/au/en...
frasermotorcycles.com.au/page...
victorylanemotorcycles.com.au/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:24 The idea and what went wrong
01:22 Heading into the Valley
07:16 I don't really know Harley
08:28 Meet Chris Murphy and his Ultraglide
11:09 The gear that gets us there
12:04 Redemption in the dirt
13:56 The little things that let it down
16:38 Keen to see where this goes

[@moto-minimalist8196]

Pan Am owner here with 7k miles under my belt. Your review was spot on. I sold a GSA to buy the Pan Am and have zero regrets. One gripe though. A GPS based map system should have come included at this price point. Not the cell based map system that works off their app. I bought an adventure bike to get out of cell coverage. Otherwise, love the bike.

[@shawnkclark]

The HD app will let you download maps for when you don't have service

[@moto-minimalist8196]

@@shawnkclark yea I get that but that's pretty limiting if your not in service and want to change anything on the fly. I spend long hours in the Nevada and Utah desert and there is nothing around with no cell service to speak of.

[@bobdobalina798]

Just get a zumo garmin

[@bones6247]

36,000 miles and counting. Nothing is perfect. I'm having fun with my 2021 PAS.

[@brucem8129]

Thanks for sharing, I love mine.

[@FreedomRider1982]

Beautiful bike ! That looks like a great time out there! Just found your channel, I'm happy to support you and other fellow motovloggers. Best of luck with your efforts, I look forward to seeing more from you. Take care and ride safe out there 💯💯👍👍

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

It reminds me of a Buell Ulysses. Except more electronic bugs and more tech. Personally waiting to ride the Buell Super Touring.

[@FM-db3ft]

Most of us have the Garmin Zumo XT above the TFT display as there are inexpensive adaptors. USB C charges everything with the right cable. Kickstand sucks but for $50 we got the ADV jiffy instead with a wider foot.

[@steveeastwood1615]

Great “to the point” with “no waffling” review Damo. I really enjoyed your video. Love your work. Cheers

[@advlife]

Cheers mate!

[@murlyn2]

Great work! Beautiful footage, great personalities, it was a joy to watch this video.

[@advlife]

Thanks so much!

[@nevillegreg1]

The negatives you mentioned are minor. The side stand is a jiffy stand, to use it properly it must be fully extended forward and out as you lean the bike on it, I tell you, I've had it on a steep hill (opposite the Wiseman Ferry pub) and it holds solid and the bike will not roll forward (like a GS would). That said, it's placement needs sorting as is too far forward and doesn't work with the centre stand. The windscreen is flimsy and it's design is crap because it tilts back and down in the second and highest positions and it doesn't work for a passenger who sits say 70+mm above the rider - the wind noise for the passenger at highway speeds is horrendous (and Harley's taller windscreen option doesn't work). The fix is to replace the stock windscreen system with the Madtsad windscreen system. Madstad also makes a riser (which works with their windscreen system) to raise up the infotainment screen (which eliminates the other issue you mentioned) so you can see the entire infotainment screen if running a tank bag and/or if you install handlebar risers.

[@chuckmatses6803]

Fantastic review on all accounts!

[@josephgunter2563]

I have a 23 PA special..only 640miles on it so far...weather is problem...but I also have 23 RG CVO..and I have more fun riding the PA..if Harley comes out with a PA..with the 975...wich lam hearing rumors about..iam going to buy it also..not rich worked very hard for my money as a OTR TRUCK DRIVER 21 years...3.1 million miles..scarificed a lot of my personal life..now it's time for me to enjoy my time ..as lam nearing 70...

[@benjamin.f.b.]

thank you for your service

[@ADVBrett]

G'day Damo, Very well presented video mate made me even consider taking a Pan America for a run. Great to see you picked up on some points that have been missed by previous reviewers of the Pan America, I think this is one of the best reviews I've seen on the bike, certainly one of the most realistic. While I was waiting for my Africa Twin Adventure Sport, I did consider this beast of a machine however I think price point is the one thing that really turned me off. Some beautiful and very familiar scenery you went through we're very lucky to have this north of Sydney. Looking forward to the next video!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! Hard to beat the Africa Twin for value for money - that's part the reason I bought one too. And the scenerey is great up there, but a lot of route closures still.

[@ADVBrett]

@@advlife I'm hoping to head back up on Tuesday past Sailsbury and Chichester to see how this most recent rain has affected the area again, such stunning country we live in

[@tcbgmcfarden3276]

Damo, love your reviews! Always great insight without the fluff. Where can I get one of those sweet ADV Life shirts you guys are sporting in this vid? Looked on the website but didn’t see any

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! We don't sell the shirts any longer due to some supply issues. I'll see if I can solve the problem this year and reintroduce them.

[@deltahotelxray]

I've watched quite a few Pan America reviews and you're the first person I've heard mention the lack of utility or USB ports. Thanks.

[@advlife]

Cheers Chris - it's a strange decision for sure.

[@AlexUlleri]

@@advlife I charge my phone off the usb-c, I don't understand your issue. I use a quad-lock in the middle of my bar for the phone and see the TFT just fine. I also have a GPS mounted above the TFT wired straight to the battery. I use the alumacycle mount but Touratech make one as well. BTW the kickstand is a bit odd because it needs to work for a bike that changes height. Not sure how you dropped the bike off the stand twice in such a short time, I've had my bike for a year and it's never fallen or had issues. Juat to give you an owners perspective. Great video btw, lovely shots and good info.

[@3AmigosMotorSports]

Great video I bought a pan 3 weeks ago good bike 👍

[@advlife]

Enjoy the ride mate!

[@Louie_Ponce_Motography]

I love my PAS!!

[@greenrush4313]

what tires were u running when u did this video?

[@genuiine8251]

Hey man, where are all these roads your riding?

[@advlife]

Around the Barrington mountains in New South Wales mate

[@tennyis28]

Gday mate if u had to pick a bike for 2up touring would it be a pan america or africa twin adventure sports

[@advlife]

Wife tells me the HD has a more comfortable all day seat. For on road riding the HD is nicer

[@TallyHoTech]

Great entertainment. Can you share the loop?

[@advlife]

I was kind of just making it up since the orginal route had to be canceled. It's basically Singelton to Nundle (NSW), then up to the Dingo gate in the Barringtons. But that road was closed so I back-tracked through Nundle again and out via Bowman's Road. The whole week was a pain in the arse ha ha!

[@TallyHoTech]

@@advlife Thanks

[@666dualsport]

a low rider would have done that trip

[@nbrider7235]

I was thinking the same thing, I have ridden my Softail Night Train down many dirt roads that look very similar to the main dirt roads shown in the video. Not just short jaunts either, I'm talking 40-50 miles at a time. I do freely admit that there are better bikes for that but that's what I had at the time. I did add a 2021 Pan America as a stable mate to my 2003 Night Train that I still own.

[@dougiequick1]

I rode one and there is no way I would pay that kind of money when I could just buy a GS or Ducati.....

[@chueb]

Too bad my brand new 2023 pan America fell because of its shitty kickstand. Along with breaking down at 800 miles.

[@chueb]

@@PeterAngles-ks9fp yeah ended up trading that pan America for a low rider 8k over MSRP. I'm pissed. This will be my last Harley

[@northidrecluse2306]

Someone please steal mine.

[@harmonyandserenity]

The bike is horrible, I have one and it doesn't stop giving problems

[@advlife]

What issues are you having with it?

[@harmonyandserenity]

@@advlife Electronic issues on a daily basis, motor problems, yesterday my gear selector simply fell off the bike in the high way. Bought the bike in August it has 2200 kms and there is not a week that I don't have to go to the dealership to solve some issue. Harley Davidson has lost my trust.

[@BGPD70]

I hope your dealership at least shows some interest, mine acts like I'm bringing them a ktm or honda, which is probably what I'll end having to get

[@harmonyandserenity]

@@BGPD70 my dealer is great, but he has direct instructions from Harley to don't change any parts without their ok, tha means any issue has to pass first by Milwaukee before any thing is done..and I have been in this situation since August and it doesn't seems better. My trust in this company has gone, I'll most probably follow your idea and get a KTM or a BMW too.

[@BGPD70]

@@harmonyandserenity I haven't heard them say they need approval, but explains the hesitation. I know these guys are good HD mechanics but the electronics seem to be throwing them for a loop. Statements like clear the code and see if the knocking goes away and the code comes back , don't worry it's under warranty,.. with a brand new motorcycle is not what you want to hear. I'm happy giving a few hundred dollars for a service of a new motorcycle, but I want the first few years to be riding a dependable motorcycle, not alot to ask.

[@bugteethdotcom]

My biggest gripe is the kickstand.

[@advlife]

I don't understand why they persist with it