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Author Topic: Pan America Special  (Read 1702 times)

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FLSTFI Dave

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Pan America Special
« 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
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2023 FLTRXSE Whiskey Neat
2021 RA1250S Pan America Special
2019 FLTRXSE Red Pepper / Magnetic Gray Traded
2018 FLTRXSE Gunship Gray  Traded
2017 FLHXSE  Starfire Black / Atomic Red  Traded
2015 FLTRUSE Abyss Blue / Crushed Saphire Traded
2013 FLHRSE5 Diamond Dust 117  Traded
2012 FLTRXSE White Gold Pearl / Starfire Black  Traded
2009 FLTRSE3 Silver/Titanium  Traded
2003 Fatboy, real fire paint set,

spook120

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #1 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.
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2smoke

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #2 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.
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FLSTFI Dave

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #3 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. 
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2023 FLTRXSE Whiskey Neat
2021 RA1250S Pan America Special
2019 FLTRXSE Red Pepper / Magnetic Gray Traded
2018 FLTRXSE Gunship Gray  Traded
2017 FLHXSE  Starfire Black / Atomic Red  Traded
2015 FLTRUSE Abyss Blue / Crushed Saphire Traded
2013 FLHRSE5 Diamond Dust 117  Traded
2012 FLTRXSE White Gold Pearl / Starfire Black  Traded
2009 FLTRSE3 Silver/Titanium  Traded
2003 Fatboy, real fire paint set,

mark

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #4 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.
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FLSTFI Dave

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #5 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.
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2023 FLTRXSE Whiskey Neat
2021 RA1250S Pan America Special
2019 FLTRXSE Red Pepper / Magnetic Gray Traded
2018 FLTRXSE Gunship Gray  Traded
2017 FLHXSE  Starfire Black / Atomic Red  Traded
2015 FLTRUSE Abyss Blue / Crushed Saphire Traded
2013 FLHRSE5 Diamond Dust 117  Traded
2012 FLTRXSE White Gold Pearl / Starfire Black  Traded
2009 FLTRSE3 Silver/Titanium  Traded
2003 Fatboy, real fire paint set,

Twolanerider

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #6 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.
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OBB

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #7 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:
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FLSTFI Dave

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #8 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
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2023 FLTRXSE Whiskey Neat
2021 RA1250S Pan America Special
2019 FLTRXSE Red Pepper / Magnetic Gray Traded
2018 FLTRXSE Gunship Gray  Traded
2017 FLHXSE  Starfire Black / Atomic Red  Traded
2015 FLTRUSE Abyss Blue / Crushed Saphire Traded
2013 FLHRSE5 Diamond Dust 117  Traded
2012 FLTRXSE White Gold Pearl / Starfire Black  Traded
2009 FLTRSE3 Silver/Titanium  Traded
2003 Fatboy, real fire paint set,

spook120

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #9 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!
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FLY-DOG

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #10 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.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2021, 12:07:34 PM by FLY-DOG »
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Current Stable:
2021 BMW R1250 GSA Rallye
2016 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited w/392 Hemi
2012 CVO Street Glide
2007 Mustang GT500
2006 YZ250F

spook120

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #11 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 ! 
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FLY-DOG

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #12 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)
« Last Edit: June 17, 2021, 05:35:26 PM by FLY-DOG »
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Current Stable:
2021 BMW R1250 GSA Rallye
2016 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited w/392 Hemi
2012 CVO Street Glide
2007 Mustang GT500
2006 YZ250F

spook120

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #13 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.
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FLSTFI Dave

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Re: Pan America Special
« Reply #14 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.
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2023 FLTRXSE Whiskey Neat
2021 RA1250S Pan America Special
2019 FLTRXSE Red Pepper / Magnetic Gray Traded
2018 FLTRXSE Gunship Gray  Traded
2017 FLHXSE  Starfire Black / Atomic Red  Traded
2015 FLTRUSE Abyss Blue / Crushed Saphire Traded
2013 FLHRSE5 Diamond Dust 117  Traded
2012 FLTRXSE White Gold Pearl / Starfire Black  Traded
2009 FLTRSE3 Silver/Titanium  Traded
2003 Fatboy, real fire paint set,
 

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