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CVO Social => Other Topics => Topic started by: FLSTFI Dave on May 10, 2021, 06:43:17 AM

Title: Pan America Special
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on May 10, 2021, 06:43:17 AM
I got to do a short test ride on the Pan America Special.  I am very impressed.  It is the quickest stock Harley I have every rode except a V-Rod. I understand why they have a rain mode.  Power is good down low RPM and at the top of the RPM.  Even with traction control on in sport mode it will try to lift the front tire.  The suspension is way better than any Harley I have ever rode.  Takes bumps much better than my touring bikes.  The information display is very nice too.  Seat hight stock has to positions plus they offer a low seat.  Under the seat it has two plugs for Heated gear.  It also has heated grips.  Front windshield height is adjustable, and they have taller and lower shields.  Harley really did their home work before brining this to market.

I plan to take a much longer test ride on it soon where I can hit some really bad spots in the road that jar the crap out of me on my bike.  Also what to hit some good twisty road to see how well it corners.  I am giving the bike serious thought.  I have always been interested in the ADV bikes. 

I also hope other brand riders will at least look at this and give it a test.  This could bring a whole new demographic to the Harley show room
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: spook120 on May 10, 2021, 07:27:31 AM
Mine is supposed to land by end of May. I will let the group know what I think after a few hundred miles. Had 4 GSA's so experienced in AVD bike world.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: 2smoke on May 10, 2021, 10:27:31 AM
The Pan American got a smashing review in Cycle World. The author, Kevin Wing, said "it is the best bike Harley has ever built". This is a very crowded market segment and the competition has some excellent models. The Pan American will be a serious contender IF they can meet or beat the level of quality of the other brands. (Honda, KTM, BMW, etc.) If the quality is like everything else from Harley these days this bike will be their Waterloo.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on May 11, 2021, 06:57:15 AM
Mine is supposed to land by end of May. I will let the group know what I think after a few hundred miles. Had 4 GSA's so experienced in AVD bike world.
I will be very interested in hearing your review.  My local dealership has five deposits so for for the Special.  You should be able to give a good review then with your ADV experience. 
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: mark on May 11, 2021, 07:59:53 AM
 :drink:The author, Kevin Wing, said "it is the best bike Harley has ever built".  Not exactly a high bar to reach...lol. 

It does seem HD has done a good job on this bike, let’s hope first year production gremlins don’t show up.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on June 16, 2021, 07:17:54 AM
I did another Demo on the Pan America.  Very nice.  HD sena 30K pairs to bike, no whim needed, volumes are much better than when going through whim on my CVO.  Harley sure got a lot right with this bike.

bad bump that puts me out of my seat on either my CVO King or CVO road glide, is not at all jarring on the PA, not even is Sport which is firmer than road mode.  At 75mph going up hill to Crossville, plenty of roll on passing power.  Pulls great all the way past 9000 rpm.  Engine is nice, a good bit of mechanical noice, but little exhaust noise.  Suspension is very good, its pretty comfortable, just doesn't sit like a touring bike.  I like it a while lot, quite impressed.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: Twolanerider on June 16, 2021, 05:43:29 PM
Read the above mentioned review of the Pan America also. That article only reinforced my opinion that I'm never test riding one of these bikes.  Because I'm way too interested and, perhaps, way too likely to be too impressed by the machine; and I just don't need nor have space for a fourth bike.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: OBB on June 17, 2021, 05:35:31 AM
Read the above mentioned review of the Pan America also. That article only reinforced my opinion that I'm never test riding one of these bikes.  Because I'm way too interested and, perhaps, way too likely to be too impressed by the machine; and I just don't need nor have space for a fourth bike.
You're safe Don, they don't make one in RED   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2: :drink:
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on June 17, 2021, 07:43:44 AM
You're safe Don, they don't make one in RED   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2: :drink:
Pool boy says they will in 2022
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: spook120 on June 17, 2021, 10:03:50 AM
I have had a PAS on order since day one.  I was promised mid May delivery. Now delivery is pushed back to mid July. If I didn't have a full set of hard bags and mounts sitting in the corner, I would cancel the bike and go find another GSA. This is pure bullchit on HD's part. And frankly the longer I wait the less enthusiastic and more critical I become. And this is from a HD fan boy!
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: FLY-DOG on June 17, 2021, 11:54:43 AM
I have had a PAS on order since day one.  I was promised mid May delivery. Now delivery is pushed back to mid July. If I didn't have a full set of hard bags and mounts sitting in the corner, I would cancel the bike and go find another GSA. This is pure bullchit on HD's part. And frankly the longer I wait the less enthusiastic and more critical I become. And this is from a HD fan boy!

I recently purchased a 2021 R1250 GSA and kept my CVO Street Glide. Hang in there.....The GSA's have a waiting list as well due to COVID and the previous "stop sale" for several months due to the leaking Hayes front brake calipers being replaced by Brembo's. I might have bought a Pan AM Special if they were available 2 months ago. I still will test ride the PA when my local dealer has one available.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: spook120 on June 17, 2021, 04:19:50 PM
Thanks. I will most likely go through with the Pan Am purchase, ride it for awhile to see how it performs as a long haul bike, and then go back to the GSA if expectations are not met. I am trying to not have pre existing prejudice against the Pan Am but finding it difficult to do so. In any case it will make good trade material for a 2022 CVO ! 
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: FLY-DOG on June 17, 2021, 05:30:54 PM
Thanks. I will most likely go through with the Pan Am purchase, ride it for awhile to see how it performs as a long haul bike, and then go back to the GSA if expectations are not met. I am trying to not have pre existing prejudice against the Pan Am but finding it difficult to do so. In any case it will make good trade material for a 2022 CVO !

I doubt you will be disappointed; when you get your new PA go on a ride with your local BMW ADV group and swap bikes back and forth with a new R1250 GSA owner for a back-to-back comparison; then let us know your thoughts! If you are near NE Florida, I will do a day's ride with you and swap back and forth.  8)
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: spook120 on June 17, 2021, 06:15:59 PM
Thanks for the offer, if I bought another GSA it would be my 5th one. It will be interesting how the PA compares. Thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: Pan America Special
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on June 18, 2021, 07:07:06 AM
Local dealer just had another loaded PAS in orange delivered yesterday afternoon.  Things are selling very fast.