How not to: Water Crossing on a Harley Davidson Pan America

[@motometaphor]

Yup. I can relate. The worst part after a fall is getting back on and continuing. It always affects my confidence after a fall because I don’t want to fall again.

[@johnmyers8588]

Nice to see someone riding the Pan Am the way it was designed for! 🤘

[@exploready]

Right on! It's such a fun bike!

[@grayghost1423]

Good job getting the bike up. I dropped mine last month. Was 2 up way deeper on single track than I needed to be. Especially 2 up. Glad you got out of there uninjured. I find the big adventure bikes are more capable than most of us riders. I'm going to stay out of single track and stick to fire roads and probably do some training. A few of the comments are pretty rough. Keep up the good work.

[@exploready]

2 up on single-track?! Nice man, hoping you guys made it out uninjured as well. Sounds fun and challenging! I know the Pan Am has more capability than I do, and I'm enjoying (hopefully) growing into the bike a bit. Thanks for watching!

[@dicnixon]

Eastbound moto winch. T700 used many times save my butt

[@exploready]

Kevin - It's probably time to look at something like that. I *do* prefer to work smart, not hard ;) When the PanAm is down, it lays really flat.

[@dburges5]

Great Video, what a nice surprise to come across this. Not sure what i liked more the entire trip & scenery, the editing or the awesome drone footage.

[@exploready]

Awesome, thank you! My first time using chapters in YT. I figured I'd give folks an easy option to bypass all the drone work. The Skydio did a really good job following.

[@davidherringgo]

Your music editing and Drone footage are exceptional

[@exploready]

Much appreciated!

[@fb-fr6vi]

Improving your skiils to cross a river : - Always look far away, - Fisrt, train to pass the river seating on the motorbike and helping with your foot (not so easy with a PAS because of ARH if you are not even tall) - Second, train to pass standing up with your "ass" a bit behind - Always keep gas slowly increasing and never cut. If you cut, you go down. - If you are in a dirt-road for cars, do not take the central line. Hope your calf is going well 🙏🏽✌🏻

[@exploready]

F B - Thank for the tips! I'm always trying to improve, and every little bit of knowledge helps. I think your last point really got me. I went down the center of the crossing. At first, I thought I had hit a rock or two...but when I watched the video over several times, I believe I hit a soft spot causing my front tire to dig in and turn (but I'm not %100 sure).

[@VVoltz]

That looked painful. Glad you are OK. Thank you for posting. Very entertaining. Ride safe and have many more adventures!

[@exploready]

Thanks, will do!

[@kevinschroat1102]

Enjoyed the video, I watched it for the second time this year. I have a question. Have you taken the Pan American through water of substantial depth? I did a ride through the hill country in Texas last spring. I was riding with BMWs, KTMs and VStrom. First water crossing was 20 inches deep, 70-80 feet wide. All made it through except me. I figured the battery position down low was partially discharged when the water washed over it. I was stranded for 4 hours until my riding buddy could fetch my truck and trailer. I'm afraid of venturing off road where this may be an issue.

[@exploready]

Kevin - That's a great question. I've not went through anything 20" deep. I'm going to guesstimate between 15"-16" is the deepest I've encountered, but also no where near the 70'-80' length. Aside from the bike drop in the water...I've not run into any adverse water crossings...but with that said, my experience with them is tame by comparison. Pretty disappointing to get stranded for hours! Were there any codes, or did it seem like a low battery scenario? Ride safe - hope you can feel ok with the bike soon.

[@kevinschroat1102]

Definitely a battery partial short. The battery had enough juice for the lights ect.. just not enough the turn he motor over. Put the bike a charge when I got it home, no more issues. Now ride with a portable charger in my bag!

[@SAGERODS250REM]

Good video, I was feeling your pain and trying to lift that heavey assed bike. Yeah I would get off and check it out before just charging into it lol. Your drone footage was amazing for such a small thing you can land in the palm of your hand. Cheers from Southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada

[@exploready]

Thanks! The lessons I learn in pain are always the ones I remember the best ;)

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

I had similar fall with a Kawasaki Versys X300. Smaller bike but still plenty heavy enough when it fell on my leg. And plenty difficult enough to lift in soft sand. I'm 66 years old and frankly I'm done with anything that isn't pavement or a maintained dirt road. Picking up a 2022 Pan America Special tomorrow.

[@exploready]

I really like my PanAm. I added a Tuareg to the stable for something a little lighter, but the PanAm has been great.

[@dmac5497]

Suprised the bike was rideable after that little dump, I dumped my 22 in a similar situation at slow speed crossing water and deep sand, dumped it over and everything in the front end was either bent or knocked out of alignment, triple clamps upper and lower, one bent fork and a set of handle bars, these bikes are capable but definitely not durable or reliable, I admire you taking yours where you do, I won't go anywhere I'm not comfortable walking home from as my PA is very unreliable.

[@exploready]

D Mac, sorry to hear that, man. Hope you made it out un-injured! When I got home, and did a more thorough inspection, my right-side fog light had been bumped out of place, and the crash bar had some denting in it. Were you able to get your bike repaired?

[@dmac5497]

@@exploready $3800 later it was repaired, HD has zero support for you if you ride these bikes off road, most likely all of my critical fastners were not torqued and the factory and pencil whipped over during the 1k service, the PA is a fun bike to ride but overall it's not worth keeping long term, too many issues and too many dealers with no clue or no interest in helping or fixing, mine just sits in the garage now.

[@grayghost1423]

@@dmac5497 I agree the 1k is probably a lot of it pencil whipped. I've dumped mine on a rock slide, a few scratches, but no big issues. Why do you say it's unreliable? I haven't found that to be the case. I took it on a multi state trip in the mountains and it performed flawlessly. The dealerships seem to be learning them much better now. Sad you are having issues.

[@dmac5497]

@@grayghost1423 mine has 2100 miles, and has had major issues almost every 200 miles, no starts, no throttle, check engine lights, arh locking up, stalling, coolant leaks, oil consumption, the list is endless, these things are turds.

[@grayghost1423]

@@dmac5497 sorry to hear about your experience. If they can't fix it have them buy it back.

[@jl4091]

I just inquired about buying TFL bikes Tuareg.But I ride a wr250r on the same trails by myself and know exactly where you crashed.I helped a T7 rider pick his bike up right there.I'm having 2nd thoughts,I really like the little wr about 90% of the time.I love leaving my house in Littleton and riding the trails around Rampart and ending up in Westcreek,and then ride back home.If I ever see you I'll say hello.looking forward to Tuarag content.

[@exploready]

Right on! I'll be getting out on the Tuareg up until it's too nasty to get out. I should go try that same crossing....

[@RideInColorAdo]

Enjoyed the video and thx for sharing the routes.

[@exploready]

You bet. Great to explore and share the experience!

[@RideInColorAdo]

@@exploready Please let me know if you have an Instagram account that I can follow.

[@Jusanothermex]

What kind of drone is this? Is it automatically following you?

[@exploready]

@@Jusanothermex It's a Skydio 2. In this video, I was using the Skydio "Beacon" along with the app to get a GPS lock on my position. You can then position the drone relative to you, and have it follow you. I wish I was a bit savvier with it, but I'm practicing.

[@Jusanothermex]

@@exploready no you did good super cool

[@Biker305_adv]

Very impressive!! Bike , landscape,drone wow !!

[@exploready]

Thank you!

[@TheONEBAMPY]

Cedar Mountain Road is one of my favorites. I am still not sure where you found the creeks. Love your drone work.

[@exploready]

Michael, I was on Trail Creek Rd where I encountered a few water crossings. I'll have to check out Cedar Mountain Road soon!

[@mike.thomas]

Damn you, the Skydio is already on my radar as someone who has owned three Mavics (still have two). I’ve tried to use mine for motorcycling content, but the tracking is too questionable, and it’s just too tricky or risky for my very safety-conservative self to do very much of. I just did some riding in the back woods of KY with an old friend, and never broke out my Mini Pro 3 because I didn’t want to manage it while riding creek beds. The Skydio seems pretty perfect for this use, and now I want one really bad. I guess I’m glad riding season is near coming to a close, or I’d probably be ordering one. Anyway, way to go on your vids. Right out of the gate you’re producing really high-quality content. I subbed. I like to support the newer channels who are doing really good work 👍. I hope you grow as quickly as you want!

[@exploready]

Mike, thank you! The Skydio has been really fun to use (and I think they started a pre-Black Friday sale). For the tracking, I've used the beacon...which has been pretty good, but on a motorcycle, you can definitely "lose" it. One instance had me turning around on a jeep trail to go find the Skydio before the battery ran out. It's something that I need to get better with... I really appreciate your support and kind words! I've got a lot to learn, but it's fun to try something new.

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

Loving your vids. Had mine out in the mountains today.

[@exploready]

Hopefully we’ll get some snow melt soon.

[@lowmopar265]

What drone was that it seem to work well avoiding trees

[@exploready]

Kenny - It's the Sydio 2 (not the 2+, which I think is their current gen). It does pretty good. There are a few things I need to remember to do o really maximize the range: 1. Havre the beacon on the bike with a clear view to the drone 2. You can lose it on a moto by just traveling too fast. So slower trail work is best 3. Practice!

[@mike.thomas]

Oh, and re your not being able to see well through your darker visor, I agree. My visor is photochromic, but still an issue. I ended up getting a pair of MX goggles to use off pavement at lower speeds. Helps to keep me cooler to have the shield up, and also gives me a vision advantage over the shield. I went with clear, but sometimes wish I’d done light amber. The Scotts brand fit over my very wide glasses (I tried just about everything). Of course, your helmet has to be goggles compatible, but it’s a thought.

[@exploready]

Mike, I've been thinking about goggles, but have a lot of questions: Do you use a band that attaches to your helmet, or just around? Do they fog at all? Can you switch from goggles to visor easily? I'll need to check my helmet out and see if it'll allow for goggles.

[@mike.thomas]

@@exploready So far I’ve just used the normal “around the helmet” band that came with my goggles. It stays in place perfectly due to the silicone on the inside surface. I have yet to experience any fogging whatsoever. Now, I may have just been lucky so far, but I’ve worn them in a variety of weather (except for cold) without any fogging. That has been a relief. If you keep the goggles in your tank bag it’s pretty easy. I just flip my visor up (KLIM Krios helmet) and put the goggles on (a bit carefully due to glasses). Reverse the operation to go without. It’s a stop and go operation, def not on the fly. I’m aware of the strap you can use to basically rotate the goggles to the back when not in use, but have not tried that approach. All that said, if I didn’t have eye issues that make me a little afraid to wear goggles at higher speeds due to the stronger wind flow (which is great at low trail speeds), I’d probably wear them throughout the summer on the road and elsewhere, along with my MX helmet (yet another thing that turns out to be amazing in use).

[@mike.thomas]

@@exploready In this video at about 1:45 I swap over. I’d been carrying the goggles in the goggle pocket my backpack, I think, as opposed to the tank bag. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHmwpquda5Wkj6c

[@URBANAMERICANTAC]

Never ride through the middle of a water crossing. Nice bike, I got the same one. I have the bark buster hand guards, they are excellent. I also have that touratech GPS mount but my bike came with that madstad windshield and it’s god awful adjustment brackets, so I had to Jerry rig mine into place to work. I also picked up the Mad dog foot pegs. Those things are great. Plan on getting their skid plate too.

[@exploready]

How would you rate the Madstad windshield? I don't care for the oem HD windshield, and have read some reviews on the Madstad that sounded ok. I definitely learned one way not to do a water crossing ;) At first, I thought I may have hit some rocks...but upon further viewing, I think I may have hit a soft spot...but I'm not sure either way. Thanks for watching!

[@URBANAMERICANTAC]

@@exploready the madstad windshield is great for blocking out wind but it’s replacement mount and windshield adjustment is utterly garbage. Takes the pan ams quick adjust and makes it a pull over and adjust whilst hoping the stupid knobs that you unscrewed to adjust it don’t come undone while riding. Horrible design and honestly I went to the Harley dealer begging for them to take that junk off but they would only do it if I bought all the factory hardware they replaced with that jalopy.

[@rso1411]

@@URBANAMERICANTAC Very interesting. I was just about to order it. Glad I saw your post.

[@dalewyatt1321]

1st time seeing you channel. Loving what you're doing but you have given me a million reasons not to buy that bike, It didn't like bitumen corners, wasn't great on very mild dirt and you have to be Mr. Universe to pick it up. Hope you have someone nice to kiss the sore spot better.

[@exploready]

When the Pan Am is down, it does lay *flat* (vs something like a 1250gsa). When you're picking it up, that's something to keep in mind. I really enjoy the bike. I've taken it on some long trips and on some gnarly (for me) terrain. As a beginner, there's still plenty to learn, but the Pan Am can for sure do more than I ask of it (like most motos, I'm sure). Check out my Webster Pass video to see how it does in some rougher terrain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2KcXmOsd7-tZ8U

[@michelleeverson6303]

Sweet ride thanks for sharing

[@exploready]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@raymunchieftain4170]

Glad you are OK.I think those hidden rocks under the water got you.

[@exploready]

Lessons were learned that day :/ but still some fun riding!

[@Zerotys_ADV]

Tough fall no joke. Keep at it. Curious as to what riding suit that is?

[@exploready]

That's the KLIM Induction jacket and pant. Really nice for warmer days. Lots of air-flow.

[@toms4167]

Great video

[@jimporter7209]

Always sit down on water crossings, and, unless you're certain of what's there, it makes sense to ease through it slowly so that you avoid what happened to you. Especially so when riding alone.

[@DrPhilament]

Damnnn awesome video. Definitely subscribing!

[@caputo116]

Absolutely fantastic video! I appreciate the fact that you show the bloopers. One question, what type of drone were you using there? I’m definitely going to subscribe and I can’t wait to see some more videos.

[@exploready]

FrankandFam, I'm using the Skydio 2 drone with their beacon. I believe there's a new drone version currently avaialble from Skydio. The drone seems to work pretty good, but I'm still learning a few of the ins-and-outs.

[@caputo116]

@@exploready Thanks, the footage was really nice. by the way… how’s Your buddies leg?

[@exploready]

@@caputo116 It was a tib/fib and a few broken toes. He's still healing, but almost back on the bike. Thanks for asking!

[@nevillegreg1]

I'm no expert, far from being one in fact, but from what I've learned, for those water filled crossings (particuarly with large stones/pebbles under foot), you need to turn off traction control.

[@exploready]

Nevillegreg1 - I'm also not an expert ;) But a lot of fun to get out on the bike!

[@dirtysquatch7036]

I would recommend staying with sub 400lb bikes offroad.

[@goopcat]

My KTM 790 crushed and broke all 5 metatarsals in my right foot through my boot cuz I lost control in some mud crossing a bit of water.

[@dirtysquatch7036]

@@goopcat i know its not a dual sport. But I got really good and tuck and rolling on my yz250...cause its not if, but when you wreak. One time I tagged a rock under the ground with my knee cap so I quickly added k ee guards to my gear. Lol other than that I could walk away from my spills most of the time.

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

I just got my pan am and am having issues with the stock gear shifter accommodated my adv boots. We have it jacked up as high it will go right now which sort of works. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

[@exploready]

Kenneth- I’ve struggled with this as well, but on full MX boots. The ankle articulation is my biggest issue, and I tend to move my foot out and around. With that said, I’m using some Sidi mid-calf adv boots. They’re reasonably stiff, but still give me the range of motion I need to feel comfortable on the bike. Also- Google “breaking-in motocross boots”. There’s a process that you can go through to get them to have some more articulation. Ride safe!

[@SuperDave5150]

How did your coolant temp do at slow speed on trail?

[@exploready]

My coolant temps seem to fluctuate between 188F and 220F-ish. Not any problems on the trail, but it can/does get hot in bumper to bumper traffic.

[@fixento]

Your young, the Pan American with your racks should weigh about 575 pounds so the issue must be footing. I'm seventy nine, and I can pick up my cb500x with engine guard, pannier and luggage racks, and center stand or about 495 pounds by myself. I know, I have dropped it twice. The racks help because it keeps the bike at an angle making it easier to lift. You should try to find adventure ridding buddy, it's safer and easier.

[@exploready]

The bike clocked my right calf pretty solidly during the fall, and the mossy/wet rocks weren't doing me any favors on picking up the bike...but mostly it was the calf. Definitely makes me re-think wearing full MX boots vs just ADV boots. I'm also considering soft bags vs the hard panniers that I currently use.

[@mike.thomas]

@@exploready Re boots… I’m relatively new to all this, too (not motorcycling, but off pavement stuff on adventure and dual sport bikes). My rule after a nasty accident a few months ago is: on low-traction surfaces, I wear my Alpinestars Tech7 MX boot, and some form of chest protection, whether an armored shirt (KLIM/Fox/whatever), or actual modular armor (Alpinestars A-10). I’ve also added knee braces to the list. It’s a lot of gear to put on when prepping, but I find I forget about it once I’m riding. I fall more than I care to admit, so I feel better about riding when I’m geared up to this extent. Re lifting, I can relate to tough lifts. My “big bike” is a GSA, and it’s a pain, but at least it only falls to about 45 degrees. It always shocks me how heavy it is at first, but once you get it moved an inch or two, it gets exponentially easier (well, really polynomially 😂). Crazy thing is my DRZ feels almost as heavy, but if falls flat as a pancake. If you haven’t already, it’s worth practicing the handlebar lift. It probably would have been tough in this situation, but I find sometimes it’s easier than the squat. Did I mention I fall more than I care to admit?

[@Storzvogel]

I fell down the same way but damaged my radiator!

[@exploready]

Hope you made it out ok. I'll have to do a more thorough inspection on the Pan Am today.

[@crazycooter1510]

Literally same way I dropped mine the first time, but muddier. broke the windshield off as I went over the bars. If you didn't;t break something on day 3 of ownership did ya really ride?

[@exploready]

Love this comment!

[@pmwill7117]

You rock! Subscribed

[@exploready]

PM Will- No, you rock!!

[@valdirtotal]

Hi there, which model is this garmin gps and what kind of mount are you using ? Where to find it…. Thank you!!

[@exploready]

I've been using the Garmin zumo XT mountined on the Touratech mount (touratech-usa.com/store/GPS-Mounting-Bracket-Above-Gauges-Harley-Davidson-Pan-America). Ride Safe!

[@valdirtotal]

@@exploready I really like this setup. I gonna check the link. Thank you. Nice video btw. I'm from CO.. Hard to find people to ride with..

[@valdirtotal]

@@exploready I was checking the touratech website.. Are you using the mounting bracket (the link that you shared ) and the locking mount for the zumo xt, right? Two parts. Thanks.

[@exploready]

You are correct. I also have the locking mount. I’ve also used a quadlock mount and a phone in the same location, with pretty much the same success. For the Garmin, I ran power from under the seat up to GPS by using one of the heated gear connectors.

[@advrx1041]

I live in St George Utah let me know if you are ever looking for a riding buddy..

[@robd9819]

That's one reason I don't ride 600lb bikes off road. Glad you're okay.

[@exploready]

Rob - Certainly questioning that a bit myself.

[@robd9819]

@@exploready I used to ride a 1200 GSA off road, then downsized to an 850 GSA and this year went to an Aprilia 660 tourag. It was definitely a good decision to go smaller and lighter. Ride safe!!

[@exploready]

@@robd9819 I love the Pan Am...for most of my riding. However when I'm exploring more and more off the beaten path, most of the time solo, the idea of riding on the Pan Am feels like a bit of a liability. The Pan Am comes in at around 570lb wet, the Tuareg just under 450 wet. I'm REALLY looking at mid-weight bikes right now. Do you feel like the weight savings between your GSA and the Tuareg was noticeable? Is it noticeably easier to pickup? I love getting real input from folks!

[@robd9819]

@@exploreadyBig Adv bikes are great traveling machines and super comfortable machines. I guess you could always keep the P A and find a smaller lighter bike for your solo off road more technical adventures.

[@exploready]

@@robd9819 Do you feel like the weight savings between your GSA and the Tuareg was noticeable? Is it noticeably easier to pickup?

[@YoungDevil66]

Stand up more through these obstacles

[@exploready]

Cordell, I'm generally standing when going through (what I consider) sketchy terrain. I think I will be on the lookout for some different boots...something that will be a little stiffer, and less fatiguing. Thanks!

[@marcoesposito9324]

Ciao ti seguo dall’Italia, abbiamo la stessa moto, sei forte 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@exploready]

Molte grazie fratello italiano! Sto usando translate, mi scuso se questo non viene bene. Spero che la tua guida in Italia sia superba e che tu abbia un tempo eccellente! Grazie per il seguito! Spero di pubblicare presto nuovi contenuti. L'inverno in Colorado non è stato clemente con noi. Guida sicuro!

[@marcoesposito9324]

@@exploready 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@dolittle11111]

That bike was flat is the reason it was tuff.

[@greenrush4313]

you should of had in off road plus with traction control off. Thats why you fell

[@1wogdog]

you're mistake was not the line you chose going through the puddle..the mistake is using the bike e you are on for trails.. that bike is way to heavy...you could barely pick it up and you didn't even have it loaded...i believe that is why that bike crashed..cuz its to heavy..completely the wrong bike for that kind of riding...look for a lighter bike...your riding experience will be a lot more enjoyable with a lighter bike.. a really experienced rider on a light dirt bike would of wheeled over that puddle no problem..hope youre ok..be safe..

[@exploready]

Wogdog - Deep calf bruise (which has sucked a bit). That certainly made the bike lift a lot more challenging. But other than that, all good!

[@davidbones8947]

Hey great vid i ride a bmw GS heavy also dropped it last week end in the snow im in s Oregon could not pick it up i was sliding the bike sliding and prayed lord i need some help with in 10 min a guy in a 4x4 stopped helped me i turned around and left the snow lol i just found a great recovery tool called Dirt Napper around $200 watch the vid on this toll it will save your body enjoy

[@yarlgrig]

будь аккуратен)

[@exploready]

я всегда стараюсь быть

[@scootjockey]

Too slow at the "Puddle" speed and useing your legs not your arms is paramount get well soon nuff said.