The parking area of the Portland Harley-Davidson dealership was abuzz with classic cruisers and touring bikes. Riders had gathered for an event despite the chilly November rain. As I prepared to test ride the Pan America Special, it was wheeled out, immediately drawing attention. This robust, black and grey machine stood in stark contrast to the surrounding chrome and glossy finishes.
I anticipated skepticism, but the reaction from these seasoned Harley riders, many seemingly unfamiliar with off-road riding, was surprisingly positive. “Can’t wait for mine,” one biker enthusiastically remarked, sporting a local club patch. “Deposit down, but they’re saying June for delivery,” another added, tinged with disappointment. Others circled the Pan America, snapping pictures and examining its features: aluminum panniers, crash bars, spoked wheels, and powerful auxiliary lights. “That thing looks f***ing fun,” exclaimed a large, bearded rider. “Where are you headed?” he inquired. I explained my plan to ride to the coast and perhaps venture into the mountains, weather permitting. “Snow shouldn’t stop you, man. Looks like you could conquer anything on that,” he said, eyeing the aggressive knobby tires. “Heard about it, but first time seeing one. It’s cool. Might have to get one myself.” This sentiment of acceptance, even excitement, was a recurring and unexpected theme.
This warm reception for such an unconventional Harley from die-hard enthusiasts highlights the Pan America’s unique position. It signals a significant shift for Harley-Davidson, a company steeped in tradition and known for its conservative approach. This motorcycle could very well mark a historic turning point for The Motor Company.
While I’ve ridden and reviewed numerous Harley-Davidsons over the years, owning one hadn’t been on my radar. Unlike the loyalists in the dealership parking lot, they simply weren’t my style. I appreciate Harleys and enjoy riding them, but as a journalist, they are a significant expense. My preference leans towards sportier, more contemporary, high-performance bikes. The whole “bad biker” persona associated with Milwaukee iron has never appealed to me either. For me, motorcycling is about the pure joy, the thrill, and even the practical utility of riding. Brand is secondary, as long as the bike fits well and performs as expected. My garage houses bikes of various makes and styles from different countries, but no cruisers, and certainly no Harleys. However, I do own a 650cc dual-sport and have been venturing off-road for over a decade of my 40 years riding.
If you’re familiar with the motorcycle world, you likely know the Pan America. If not, understand this: it’s not a cruiser, not a chopper, and definitely not your typical air-cooled, pushrod Harley touring behemoth. It’s unlike anything Harley-Davidson has produced before. And that’s precisely the point. It’s a Harley Davidson Adventure Bike, through and through.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America adventure bike in black and grey 2022 color scheme, showcasing its departure from traditional Harley designs.
What the Pan America truly is, is a state-of-the-art, technology-rich, and incredibly capable “ADV” or “adventure bike.” It’s a fusion of off-road and on-road motorcycle characteristics, designed for long-distance highway travel and rugged off-pavement exploration. These bikes are built to cross continents, navigate streams, and reach destinations that ignite the adventurous spirit in riders who see borders as opportunities, not obstacles. This segment of the motorcycle market is booming and fiercely competitive.
Adventure motorcycles, including the Harley-Davidson Pan America, BMW’s GS series, Yamaha’s Ténéré models, KTM’s Adventure lineup, Honda’s Africa Twin, and even more accessible options like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, are essentially refined dirt bikes designed for public roads. From the earliest days of motorcycling, around 125 years ago, while racing was an immediate draw, many recognized motorcycles as an exhilarating and cost-effective way to explore the world, particularly areas with limited road infrastructure. Modern adventure bikes like the Pan America embody this spirit: they are personal workhorses designed to tackle terrain inaccessible to cars or conventional motorcycles, while still being practical for daily commutes and weekend fun. Adventure bikes, though often not the most aesthetically focused motorcycles due to their utilitarian nature, are the ultimate Swiss Army knives of the motorcycle world. And currently, Harley-Davidson’s Pan America stands out as a model packed with the most innovative features.
Pan America Special: Technology and Features
Alt text: Rider’s perspective of the Harley Davidson Pan America’s LCD display showing GPS navigation connected to a smartphone, highlighting its modern technology integration.
I offered a preliminary overview of the Pan America last year, but after extensive riding over two months, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of its features and real-world performance. Despite Harley-Davidson providing the Pan America during Oregon’s typically darkest, wettest, and coldest period, I was determined to ride it as much as possible, regardless of the weather. The bike is engineered for such conditions, and I have the appropriate gear.
The Heart: Revolution Max 1250 V-Twin Engine
Alt text: Close-up view of the Harley Davidson Pan America’s Revolution Max 1250cc V-Twin engine, emphasizing its modern design and liquid cooling system.
The Pan America, available in a base model starting at $17,319 and the upgraded “Special” trim, priced at $19,999 (the version I tested), is powered by the revolutionary 1,250cc Revolution Max engine. Being a Harley, it’s a V-twin, which is not just a nod to heritage but a practical choice for this category of motorcycle. Unlike BMW’s GS 1250 with its wide, horizontally opposed cylinders, the Pan America’s engine is compact and better protected against impacts and falls. This powerplant is thoroughly modern, featuring fuel injection, liquid cooling, vibration reduction, variable valve timing, and multiple riding modes. The RevMax is a departure from traditional Harley engines, delivering an impressive 150 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque, with a thrilling 9,000rpm redline—performance figures significantly exceeding Harley’s typical air-cooled engines, except perhaps in torque. Furthermore, diverging from the belt drives common on other Harleys, the Pan America uses a chain final drive paired with a six-speed transmission. BMW has largely moved away from chain drives on their adventure bikes, favoring shaft drive, which presents its own set of pros and cons.
Beyond the innovative engine, the Pan America boasts a host of features previously unseen on a Harley, including a large, full-color LCD touchscreen display. This screen presents riding data, GPS navigation, and more, replacing the traditional analog speedometer and tachometer. It features a sophisticated frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, an intelligent LED headlight system that illuminates corners as you lean, highly customizable ride modes and braking systems, and an advanced self-leveling suspension. This suspension can automatically lower the bike at stops, enhancing rider confidence by providing solid footing.
Alt text: Close-up of the Harley Davidson Pan America’s handlebars, highlighting the array of control buttons and user-friendly layout for accessing bike functions.
While the handlebar controls might seem crowded with buttons initially, their layout becomes intuitive with use. Notably, Harley has adopted a conventional turn signal switch on the left, a welcome change from their traditional single-button-per-side system. The engine start/stop button is uniquely positioned on the top right pod, but after weeks of riding, I found the placement of frequently used buttons to be well-considered and easily accessible by feel. My only minor critique is the high-beam toggle on the left pod, which is a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental activation of the high beams.
Adventure bikes are inherently tall, and when loaded, they can feel top-heavy at stops. The Pan America addresses this with a rider seat that offers three height settings, adjustable without tools, and additional tall and short seat options. For riders under 5’8”, Harley’s optional Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) system is invaluable. It automatically lowers the bike by up to two inches when stopping, significantly boosting confidence. Although my height meant I didn’t strictly need ARH, I appreciated the ease of flat-footing the bike at stops. The system operates seamlessly. No other motorcycle currently offers this feature. ARH is a $1,000 option and can be deactivated if desired. It’s a crucial feature for shorter riders interested in the Pan America and broadens the bike’s appeal to a wider demographic, including the growing number of female riders.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America adventure bike equipped for off-road and touring with LED lights, aluminum panniers, spoked wheels and knobby tires, showcasing its adventure-ready configuration.
Harley-Davidson prioritized weight reduction in the Pan America’s design, a challenge given the need for robustness in adventure bikes. Typically, durability means using steel, aluminum, and other metals rather than lighter materials like plastic or carbon fiber. Yet, the base Pan America weighs just over 500 pounds, competitive with offerings from BMW, Yamaha, Honda, and others. My test bike, with side cases and other accessories, weighed just over 550 pounds fully fueled. Fully optioned with panniers, auxiliary lights, spoked wheels, and ARH, the price approached $23,000. For a fully equipped, large-displacement adventure bike, this is a reasonable price point, comparable to its rivals.
On the Road and Off-Road with the Pan America
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America confidently riding on a dirt trail, emphasizing its off-road capabilities and the continuation of fun beyond paved roads.
Like most adventure bikes, the Pan America is designed for extended journeys beyond city limits. Testing the Pan America in the Pacific Northwest winter meant carefully selecting riding days due to unpredictable road conditions. The Cascade Mountains to the east can quickly transition from 42°F in Portland to freezing temperatures just outside the city as roads ascend. To the west, the Oregon Coast, separated by the Coast Range, offers milder temperatures due to the ocean’s influence, with passes reaching 1,500 feet. After Harley-Davidson generously extended my review period due to snowfall, a window of clear, milder days appeared. I aimed the Pan America towards Astoria, one of the oldest West Coast cities, located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America parked with a scenic backdrop in Astoria, Oregon, suggesting its suitability for fulfilling wanderlust and long-distance adventure touring.
The Pan America offers multiple ride modes: Comfort, Balanced, Sport, Off-Road Soft, and Off-Road Firm. These adjust throttle response, traction control, ABS sensitivity, and other parameters. Riders can also customize settings within each mode. I began my journey in Balanced mode, the standard for street riding, heading north along the Columbia River. With heated grips activated, base layers on, and liners in my Rev’It! riding gear, I was comfortable in the 43°F temperature as I followed Highway 30 through towns like St. Helens and Scappoose.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America riding on a foggy road, with a bridge in the background, illustrating challenging weather conditions and the bike’s adaptability.
At Rainier, the majestic but vertigo-inducing bridge across the Columbia River leads into Washington and scenic rural highways. However, thick fog obscured the bridge’s eastern end, so I stayed on Highway 30 and began ascending into Oregon’s panhandle. Sunlight filtered through the fir trees as I gained altitude, and the Pan America’s display showed the temperature dropping to 40°F, then 38°F, and finally 35°F as I descended into a fog-filled valley. The road was wet, the temperature low, so I switched the Pan America to Off-Road Soft mode, raised the windscreen, and proceeded cautiously on the deserted highway with limited visibility. Cars, pickups, RVs, and logging trucks emerged from the fog as I rode in 4th gear, auxiliary lights on to enhance visibility. Off-Road Soft mode noticeably softened throttle response and increased ABS, improving braking confidence. The fog was so dense it condensed on the bike, my visor, and gear. At a rest stop, I added an Adventure Spec rain shell.
Ten minutes later, the road briefly climbed above the fog before descending into another valley. Passing through Clatskanie, the temperature dipped to 33°F but didn’t fall further, and thankfully, no ice was encountered. Soon, I was back along the river, navigating patches of fog and sunlight, the Pan America back in Balanced mode, the responsive Revolution Max engine urging me on as straights appeared between curves. My bike had DOT-legal knobby tires, ideal for dirt and sand but surprisingly well-behaved on pavement. I often found myself exceeding the 55mph speed limit. Despite its size, the Pan America felt stable and neutral, even on knobby tires, and cornered far better than anticipated. Harley-Davidson’s focus on ride quality and the high-tech suspension ensured consistent handling, regardless of load. I carried camera gear, snacks, and extra clothes in the panniers – a light load – but the suspension is designed to maintain optimal sag whether carrying minimal gear or fully loaded for a long expedition.
Alt text: Rider enjoying a hot beverage in Astoria, Oregon after a ride on the Harley Davidson Pan America, highlighting the bike’s rider protection in cold and foggy conditions.
Arriving in Astoria, the ocean influence raised the temperature back into the low 40s. After a breakfast stop, I headed for a beach, hoping to ride on the sand for photos. However, law enforcement at the trailhead advised against it due to a tsunami warning from a distant volcanic eruption. Heeding the warning about the unpredictable Pacific, I instead headed southeast on Highway 202, a winding rural road through Oregon’s timber region back towards Portland. Familiar with this route, I switched the Pan America to Sport mode.
The Revolution Max engine transformed, becoming aggressive with increased throttle sensitivity and a performance-focused fuel map. The bike’s electronic aids became less intrusive. After weeks of riding, I was more attuned to the Pan America’s dynamics. Highway 202 was deserted and typically police-free, encouraging spirited riding. Despite its size, knobby tires, and side cases, the Pan America Special cornered confidently, and the Brembo brakes provided ample stopping power. Harley’s suspension technology proved its worth, delivering predictable handling in various conditions.
Alt text: Speedometer view on the Harley Davidson Pan America showing high speed, emphasizing its rapid acceleration and smooth performance for easy highway merging.
My test bike had likely endured over 4,000 miles of press riding, so I felt comfortable pushing the engine to its 9,000rpm limit and using the slick gearbox. The Pan America accelerated out of corners and easily reached triple-digit speeds on straights. The Screaming Eagle 2-to-1 exhaust, an OEM upgrade, provided a muted roar, largely overshadowed by wind noise. This bike isn’t about excessive noise; it’s about performance. I was exhilarated riding through redwood and Douglas fir forests.
About 20 miles into my return, I encountered construction vehicles and flaggers. “Washout,” the flagger informed me, “road closed ahead.” Road washouts are common in this rainy region, but the timing was inconvenient. I needed to get back to Portland. The flagger, assessing the Pan America, suggested, “Bike like that, take the forest roads through.” Following her directions and using the Harley-Davidson app to set GPS, I backtracked and found the gravel detour. Switching to Off-Road Soft mode, which reduces but doesn’t disable ABS and traction control, I ventured onto the logging road.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America navigating a forest road in Oregon, showcasing its adventure touring capabilities and the appeal of exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.
The muddy gravel logging road wound through dense woods and clearings, with occasional fog patches. The temperature hovered in the high 30s, with some icy puddles in shaded spots. Now, the Pan America was in its element. I increased speed, navigating ruts and muddy sections. Exiting corners, I applied more throttle, enjoying the rear tire throwing mud before traction control intervened. In Off-Road Soft mode, the compliant suspension absorbed washboard surfaces and bumps. As the road climbed towards Klaskanie Summit, it transitioned from gravel to rocky two-track. I navigated the rough terrain in first and second gear, standing on the pegs, envisioning adventures across Siberia and the Andes.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America being controlled at slow speed on a rutted forest trail, emphasizing its maneuverability and balance in technical off-road conditions.
A crucial aspect of an adventure bike is low-speed control. Maneuvering technical terrain at walking pace or slower demands balance and finesse from both bike and rider. The Pan America felt stable and planted in the dirt, thanks to the off-road tires, its balanced feel, and surprising lightness for its size. Its low-speed maneuverability is commendable.
Off-Road Soft mode on the Pan America disables rear ABS and minimizes front ABS intervention, the most lenient setting available. Rear traction control can be deactivated via a handlebar button. While some experienced adventure riders prefer fully отключение ABS, I appreciated the front ABS in a muddy corner. Braking hard, I slid the rear to correct my line, nearly tipping into a bog. But the front wheel maintained rotation, keeping the bike upright. Overshooting the turn would have led to a steep drop-off, potentially requiring satellite rescue. Cell service was nonexistent; loggers still used CB and UHF radios. I navigated the corner and continued, eventually rejoining paved Highway 202 near Jewel, muddy but satisfied.
From there, I enjoyed a spirited ride down traffic-free Highway 103 in Sport mode, then onto Highway 26 back to Portland. The Pan America received a quick wash before the rain returned. It was an informative and exhilarating ride.
Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Harley Adventure
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America on scenic backroads, with GPS navigation displayed, highlighting its touring capability and exploration of less-traveled routes.
For a first-year adventure bike from a company with no prior experience in this category, the Pan America is remarkably well-executed. Minor criticisms include small LCD screen fonts (a software fix is expected), and the right exhaust pipe’s upward angle, necessitating a smaller right pannier. A slightly downward angled exhaust would likely allow for equal-sized panniers. The windscreen adjustment lever could be improved, and headlight reflection off the windscreen mount is noticeable at night. The handlebar controls are busy, but become more intuitive with use.
However, the Pan America’s strengths far outweigh its minor drawbacks. The Revolution Max engine is incredibly versatile, performing smoothly at low speeds on technical trails and powerfully on open roads. It delivers ample power with refined manners and minimal vibration across the rev range. While I thankfully avoided crash-testing, the Pan America’s robust design, with its narrow V-Twin, bash plates, and crash bars, inspires rider confidence. But the Pan America’s appeal extends beyond its engine.
Alt text: Close-up of the Harley Davidson Pan America’s spoked wheels designed for tubeless tires and easy spoke repair, emphasizing practical features for adventure riding.
Adventure riders encounter diverse terrains, requiring adaptable braking, traction, and throttle settings. Harley-Davidson has effectively provided experienced riders with customizable controls while offering simplified ride modes for beginners. Thoughtful features abound: a nearly six-gallon fuel tank, adjustable levers, an effective windscreen, adjustable seat, the excellent ARH system, and overall comfort and control. These make it an exceptional long-distance machine, even if primarily used on pavement. This is a motorcycle that’s hard to outgrow or outrun.
Alt text: A vintage Buell adventure bike, contrasting with the modern Harley Davidson Pan America and highlighting the evolution of Harley’s approach to adventure motorcycles.
Beyond its impressive hardware, the Pan America serves a larger strategic purpose: attracting new riders to the Harley-Davidson brand. Harley-Davidson has faced recent challenges, but the Pan America and future models using this engine are poised to revitalize the brand. The Sportster S, already available with a detuned RevMax engine, leads this charge, a significant departure from traditional Sportsters. Many more innovative models are expected.
Upon returning the Pan America, I encountered more riders at the dealership, still curious about the bike. Describing my experience, I summarized, “Fast, fun, and very capable. It can take you anywhere,” recounting my detour and forest road adventure. One rider, turning to his friend, declared, “I’m getting one,” admitting he’d been skeptical initially but was now convinced by positive reviews.
Alt text: Harley Davidson Pan America parked at a rural gas station, suggesting its long-range touring capability and suitability for remote adventures.
This anecdote encapsulates the Pan America’s broader impact. Harley-Davidson will always have a loyal core audience, but rider preferences are evolving, and the company is adapting. More women are riding Harleys and motorcycles in general, and brand loyalty is becoming less rigid. Many Harley owners also own bikes from other brands, including adventure bikes. Harley-Davidson’s research indicated significant interest among their riders in owning an adventure bike, if Harley would produce a competitive model. The Pan America is Harley-Davidson’s resounding answer, a motorcycle that not only competes but surpasses many rivals in numerous aspects.
It’s remarkable how Harley-Davidson succeeded so comprehensively in their first attempt at a true adventure bike. I myself am seriously considering adding a Harley-Davidson to my garage. This is a bike compelling enough to make me contemplate selling other prized motorcycles and possessions to acquire. Given Harley-Davidson’s recent financial headwinds, the Pan America may well be seen as the motorcycle that revitalized the company, shaping its future and attracting a new generation of enthusiasts. It has certainly climbed to the top of my personal must-own motorcycle list, which is a significant endorsement.
