Is The Harley Davidson Pan America The Right Choice | HD PanAm UK Review

Here I review the H-D Pan America Special and discuss its features and its riding performance both on and off road. I compare the competition and highlight some of it weaknesses and strengths too and ultimately ask is it the right bike for me?
#RevelatorAlf #PanAmericaUK #HDPanAmReview
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[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks for watching. Let me know what you think in the comments below. More videos like this here: kzbin.info/aero/PLmgCmljtdCzUPlkO9kNjj0ARrfojWPFFU

[@ThankGood123]

One of the best reviews. Thank you. I actually like the looks.🤙🏼

[@perfectlynormal5729]

Finally, an honest review. The best I've seen so far.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much

[@stevejones3180]

I went from a GS1250 which I loved, to a 2022 Pan America, just as capable and much more fun to ride off and on road, no regrets, only 5,000 miles so far but no issues ye.t, absolutely love it and so nice not to have the same bike as everyone else in the UK! Touring the alps it was amazing.

[@jonasmatos7127]

Appreciate your unbiased review.. thanks for being totally open and honest.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thank you much appreciated

[@travelinben1966]

I'd opt for the Yamaha Super Tenere. Bulletproof reliability,and shaft drive.

[@sathishrao7926]

Disappointed that you decided that this is not your bike ! I, on the other hand Can’t wait to shell out $25K to buy one and accompany my fellow GS, Africa Twin Riders on our ‘adventurous’ journey to nearby Coffee shop while some Himalayan riders ride towards forests and trails 😉

[@RevelatorAlf]

Absolutely true. Ha ha

[@StuHNomadBiker]

It's a grower .. I love the colour, also the black ones don't look too bad. Good on em for having a go 👍🏻 hope to see plenty on the road . P.s needs a pipe on it 💯

[@reddog8145]

Hello Alf as said an honest review. I’ve watched a few now and it seems that the Brits are the only ones who are actually telling it as it is. You hit the nail right on the head here. I like the look but nothing new to see really.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks Mark much appreciated

[@RichDunn]

Triumph will be releasing a 900 style 1200 soon. The PanAm is already sold out for the rest of this year in the States. The new KTM 1290S has received high praise. The Multistrada V4S is probably Bike of the Year. The buying public is definitely not done with the heavyweight touring tall-rounders just yet. The easiest way to test if the active suspension is working is to bounce the rear of the bike to pump it up, then turn the ignition on; then you'll see it drop a good 3" or so. The key USP's are hydraulic lifter (no valve servicing checks) and the active suspension control, making ADV riders out of the vertically challenged since 2021.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Only just found this Alf. Great review. Let me tell you, my story. Traded my 2008 GS in for a new PAS Gauntlet Grey version last year. I had a teething problem after 28 miles, but it was soon resolved. After the initial thrill of buying, it I began to notice its foibles against the GS. Side stand Centre stand position of indicator switch. small rear brake pedal, grab rail weak and a few other personal niggles. But even though it rode great had plenty of speed I just found it had no character in comparison to the GS. Back box cost me £ 800 as well. Basically, a great bike but it just didn't suit me. However, what it did give me was an entrance into the Harley world and it took me back to the 60s when I would meet my mates in the cafe. I soon learnt that unlike many think Harley riders are as welcoming as any group of motorcyclists. So, I needed another Harley to remain a HOG member, what to do then. So, I traded it in for a FatBoy but it just wasn't for me. So long story short I am now back on a 2018 1200GS, But here's the problem being water cooled it's got much the same character of the PAS but not being a HOG member, I can no longer officially go out on ride outs. I will write this quietly as my wife is sitting opposite, I am now thinking of getting a used PA. Your right there have been issues with the PA but to be fair to Harley I have yet to read they have refused to rectify the problems and owning a Harley gives you a ticket to attend Europe wide events.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes there’s so many positives being with a Harley for sure cheers

[@sdefiel3719]

AH - HA! I TOLD YOU you'd like it! Yeah, I won't buy one this year. When my Harley Ultra Limited wears out in thirty years or so I might. The _Pan America_ is a flippin' beautiful bike. I haven't ridden it yet, but I sat on one for a looooong time and it's very solid, comfortable and laced with high quality appointments all 'round. Like you, I will use my Harley Tour for the highways and my RE Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure for the off road stuff. Really, the Africa Twin and the other 700 - 900cc bikes are still VERY heavy. I went with a KTM 390 that I can toss 'round like a kid's toy and put it in my back pocket when I finished. Yeah, Harley's timing is a wee bit off, but Harley showed the world that they can do it. Let's hope they DO it at 400, 700, and/or 900cc sizes as well. Great vid as always, S

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@markheinig]

Planning to do long distance tours in the US over the next few years and I'm interested in this bike for 2 reasons: dealer network and variable valves. No more time-consuming and expensive valve jobs. That will save time and money and improve the overall ownership experience, which is something that is routinely overlooked when comparing bikes.

[@RevelatorAlf]

yep for sure

[@raystone9937]

Hi Alf, good review, generally its looks are a bit " Marmite, I think your comments are spot on about its purpose, its obviously road biased, it looks a bit flimsy for off road and a touch heavy, your also spot on with Harley hitting this market late, the other thing is it starts at a competitive price but bike manufacturers favourite words creep in, "at extra cost" The makers forget they are running out of raw materials, young riders not too many coming through in this country, so who's it aimed at, the 50 plus brigade, probably the main group who can afford it, plus Harley seem to cater for our age group, they do tend to look back to their glory years and hope owners will stick with them, they don't seem to have great marketing strategy your the first real world test I've seen on this bike, very honest and thankfully not gushing over the brand, going on your honest observations, I don't think this will be much of a threat to the well established adventure bike manufacturer's. Who knows ? It may buck the trend for smaller adventure bikes and boost Harleys flagging fortunes, an excellent video, can't see the dealers letting you test another, maybe a bit too honest in the evaluation, thanks again Alf. Cheers Ray

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers Ray. Yep I don’t do too many reviews but I try to give a balanced view whenever I can. Cheers

[@TwoGoTouring]

Cancelled my Pan Am S. Three of us with partners had it for a day. So we had a GS Adventure, the Pan and an Ultra. All three of the girls said that the passenger seat on the Pan caused them to fall forward on braking down that slopey bit. The rear foot peg position is slightly back almost like a sports bike, resulting in them not being able to use their legs during braking and having to use the grab rails all the time. This was not an issue on the BMW. We did 280 miles that day. So Alf , you’re correct in your summary of the bike, it’s a great bike but if anyone out there like me rides 2up quite often, you need to get your passenger to try it. I was so disappointed that I had to cancel the order.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ah yes great point too. Cheers

[@Seektruth-59]

The flashing suspension icon is merely to tell you Adaptive Ride height is ON. Nothing to do with suspension while riding beyond lowering and raising the bike at stops.

[@RevelatorAlf]

ah ok good to know

[@martinkinnear]

Great review Alf. Have to say it’s not for me. I’ll stick to the tiger 1200.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Good choice 👍

[@jvc350]

Alf please checkout Matt LaidLaw's video on the Pan Am. They run it through the desert and some very technical trails. I think they may prove you wrong in it's off-road capabilities. Nice review!!

[@RevelatorAlf]

thanks

[@impoppa9647]

Enjoyed the review and I think you hit a number pf valid points. It feels a bit like the Livewire. Great bike, does "mainly" what HD claims, yet at the ned of it all, a bit of a niche bike. If money was no object...... Sure I would buy one, but I have no plans to go off road, no plans to do non-pavement touring, no plans plans to do off-road adventures and so will stick to my Sport Glide. But I am happy to see HD at least trying to push some boundaries with bikes like this one and the live wire; although I think sales-wise, the Bonx would easily outsell the Pan America if they had come out with that bike also

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes I agree and perhaps that may still happen. Be interesting if it did for sure. Cheers

[@pmcwbn823]

Most of your viewers appear to like the looks of the Pan A., as I do (love it). Guess you prefer the "bug look"? You called the auto ride height as gimmicky. Obviously it is unique and HIGHLY innovative. Harley brilliantly realized the Pan America opens up this segment to many more riders.

[@RevelatorAlf]

bug look? not sure what you mean

[@Adventure_blac]

You mentioned heavy a lot and that they should have came to market with a smaller bike. But this is a full size adventure bike that on spec matches up well with full size adventure bikes. How do you think it compares to the Multistrada V4, BMW 1250 GSA, and the ktm 1290 super adventure?

[@RevelatorAlf]

It’s a lesser bike but they’re all too heavy for technical off-road for extended use

[@gastramp]

Love it. Probably be five years before I buy one though... let them iron it out and hopefully I can pick up a used one. Would I spend 15k on it? Nope. I'll never sell my Wide glide but I'd add one of these for sure.

[@marinebcreation5010]

It is a beast 🔥🔥🔥i love this bike

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep 👍

[@MrJkwatson23]

Very few videos have the deadwood green, which is what I ordered. Thanks for the vid!

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@Bazza47]

Like you say I think it'll be popular in the states because of the extensive dealer network and American patriotism helping sales. What traditional Harley riders will think if it remains to be seen I guess but they didn't take to the V-rod so more likely HD are after new customers with this bike in a segment that's already got well established models from all the main players so it'll be interesting to see how many they sell.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes for sure. cheers

[@AlbertoRinaldo]

I bought one and waiting for it to be delivered in Cyprus 🇨🇾. I know that being a just released model, some issues will pop up. BMW GS took decades to get "perfect" but, this one is something different. I’ll keep riding my F800GS when I need lightness or off-road… the PanAm is for touring… about your review, you should have said more on the revolutionary engine… much much more. Thanks

[@RevelatorAlf]

Why say what’s already been said

[@AlbertoRinaldo]

@@RevelatorAlf In the interests of providing fuller information? I know there are hundred videos on this bike but, the engine on this bike is one of the many reasons why potential customers may buy it. My opinion of course 🤟🏻

[@RevelatorAlf]

@@AlbertoRinaldo yes for sure cheers

[@Kevin97587]

They are like 5 years late if not more with this bike. People are shifting towards smaller more nimble bikes (those who actually use them offroad) Even Honda is bringing their transalp again with most likely a 750/850cc and lighter than the africa twin. People are starting to realise weight matters if u want to use these offroad

[@RevelatorAlf]

I’ve been saying this for years but nobody listened ha ha

[@simongilbert2704]

yes , i agree good bike , just as good as the rest. hd dealers have to have something to sell , this will boost their range after the loss of nearly 50 percent of their line up . i am sure hd can sleeve this bike down to an 800 as 150 hp for trails is 110 bhp to much..;;; if you ride off road in enduro type situations a bike of 100 kilos in mud is touch and go to get it upright or [and] unstuck ,, these adventure bikes are hard packed trail only whatever the make ;;; do the maths 250 kilo is a quarter of a ton , most people wont manage , good sensible review.thanks.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks Simon

[@brents1643]

I'm getting 1. Love these bikes

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Interesting to hear a UK rider's perspective. I gave you a thumbs up and a new sub. I'm in the states. I'm a Harley Davidson Enthusiast in disclosure... but I'm not myopic for the brand, I also own three Kawasaki motorcycles at this time. A year or two ago, I felt like you did, Harley is missing the market bringing the 1250cc Pan Am out now. Every other manufacturer is going for 700cc-900cc bikes. I think I may have stated that around the internet at the time. But, I went out and bought one and it is making me eat my words now. I'm still waiting for those accessories to come in before I try anything even remotely gonzo on the bike, for the reasons you stated. Why did I get one? I'm in the States with all those dealerships, like you mentioned. (Although I'm finding that they aren't stocked with parts for their touring bikes at this time, as my Ultra Classic is down for the second week, 5 hours away from me. I'll give some allowance for the Covid hysteria throwing a wrench in the parts system at this time.) I have a KLR 650 and a KLX 300S. neither of those bikes will allow me to cross the country or ride to Alaska from the lower 48 in any kind of timely manner, and that is who this bike is for, if you're a Harley Enthusiast . (lets just call us creatures of MOCO mania HDE, its easier to type.) I also have the Ultra Classic and an 02 ZZR 1200, which will gobble up those those miles, if they are paved only. I also commute 1000 miles round trip twice a month in California. The Pan Am will be far easier to lane split/share than my Ultra Classic, and my ZZR1200 is retired from regular riding. The Pan Am feels not that different from the KLR in ergo's and height/weight when I'm rolling. Mine is the special but does not have the Adjustable Ride Height, and I'm 5'8" 30.5 inseam. The Pan Am Special feels almost identical to the KLR... But, it is so much better in every regard against the KLR. Better engine, suspension, quality of components. I know there are other bikes that are better than my 2018 KLR and I considered them but in the end I wanted the Pan Am to gobble miles and handle some decent off-road situations, should I run in to them and I got the KLX 300 to ride true trails at a pace my 55 years of age can handle.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ah yes it will be perfect for that no doubt. Cheers

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@RevelatorAlf Cheers Alf!

[@my.motorrad]

My complaints were ergonomic mostly. Tight between the seat and pegs, bars were a little low and the windscreen was almost useless. Too much wind at speed. The clutch engagement was very high and narrow and the throttle was a little snatchy in sport mode. It hung up a couple times. I think the last two were from being a demo bike that had a very hard life for the miles on it. It has the beans though and it should do well and I hope it does, I just didn't turn around and look back after riding it. All that said, I don't ride dirt anyway and if they use this in a sport tourer like the RT, I'll take another look.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep for touring I’d still go for the RT. Yep agree with windscreen and quite flimsy I thought too

[@fedricoekkelenkamp5384]

I have to wait 4 weeks before i will get my Pan America Special in Black. I rode a demo Pan America Special at my Dealer 30 may 2021. My dealer said that Harley will come with a Pan America 700 or 850 cc. When i realy want to go off road i use my Harley MT 350. At a Indian dealer in my home town were they also sell and do main tenance on harley(maintenance on my harley Mt 350) as well Royal endfield told me that Indian also will come with a all road bike.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Nice. You’ll have fun on it for sure

[@richardperry5880]

Hi Alf . Very good video and review . I agree with you . Harley have left it to long in the off-road market bmw Ktm Honda Suzuki Kawasaki. Done off-road since day 1 . I think it will be the same way as livewire 🇬🇧🇬🇧👍

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep, that's the big risk here. Cheers

[@Chase_N]

I liked everything about the PanAm, except the looks. But they've grown on me, like the original Dyna Fat Bob & the Softail Fat Bob. I didn't like their looks either. Strangely enough, both grew on me so much that I actually bought the Dyna version.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep I can see that happening for sure

[@kevincraig8257]

I really like my 1200 Tiger xca yea its a bit heavy but I didn't buy it to do the Baja 1000 I've seen some videos of experienced riders on the v4s multistrada but not everyone is a pro but what ever bike be happy and ride it when ever and wherever you can sure they are all set up for specific types of riding thats why you need three or four or maybe just one Himalayan my favorite bike is my MT-10 easy to move around the garage and it has some power put some 50/50 wheels and tires on it I think it would do pretty fair

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes very true. Cheers

[@johnvaleriewelbers2995]

Great review bang on with depends where you live. Here in Canada better dealer network than the better bmw. Also is new expect some problems, 2017 ultra was new have had problems 😯 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes indeed cheers

[@paulmorris3022]

Hi Alf i contemplated on the pan america, but i have the best of both worlds. i have my HD Fat Bob 114 and my Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro. love them both. so i am happy so far. i am interested for the New Triumph Tiger 1200 though. if they put adaptive ride height on them and with shaft drive to i might be doing a deal.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep I can see the appeal

[@Jonathan-L]

I wonder if Harley Davidson will bring out a model with the 1250 Revolution engine to compete directly against the KTM Super Duker?

[@RevelatorAlf]

Perhaps the Bronx will finally see the light of day?

[@brandonfontaine285]

How is stock suspension and adjustability?

[@RevelatorAlf]

It works well and is automated too

[@bertmoss4205]

£15,500 for the special, extra cost to have adaptive ride height and spoked wheels. £250 for paint total cost £16750 I purchased this bike as a bit shorter in the leg, really disappointed adaptive ride height only worked when it felt like it, tft screen constantly froze, don’t think the bike is any better than any other adventure bikes out there and I have had most of the , decided this Wasn’t for me traded in after 3 weeks and went for low rider s.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Oh wow really

[@thepieman2742]

I must agree, it’s heavy. So goodluck with it hot dogging off road! Tourer ok but I’m like you I prefer a real tourer.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep. Go light for the dirt and all purpose for the tour. Cheers

[@grenphelps7455]

Listen, ur banging on about how heavy it is, well if u had done a bit of research, u'll find that it sits in between the GS and ktm, also ur saying that it's going to be heavy if u drop it, well yes but so are the above mentioned bikes, I use to have a 2018 GS and that was heavy, I've recently ridden the pan america and thought it was a great bike, just enough power without being daft like the ktm, as for the styling, it's all subjective, but I like it because its different and not just another ktm or GS or multistrada.....yes some bits of the bike look and feel a bit cheap, as for some things going wrong well it comes with the territory, don't go looking at ktm's gen 3 superduke, u'll be here all week, who will buy this bike, well at the moment plenty, because most dealers have sold out their allocation and are asking HD for more bikes, I'm looking to get one next yr....👍👍

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes it's very popular for sure

[@scootjockey]

Heat Heat Heat !

[@RevelatorAlf]

A tad warm yes

[@saddle8bag]

Harleys don't leak Alf. They mark their spot.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ha ha just like old British bikes then

[@brandonfontaine285]

I'll stick my my V strom 1000 for $8000 less

[@RevelatorAlf]

Good choice too

[@vernegibb621]

No not for you ok you want a small bike got it.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep

[@everythinggaming7938]

Compared to competition in its price range it’s shite

[@RevelatorAlf]

I would have to disagree. It's actually very capable

[@reddog8145]

I agree. You can’t get a top speck gs for that money.