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[FLSTFI Dave]

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

[spook120]

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.

[2smoke]

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.

[FLSTFI Dave]

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. 

[mark]

 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.

[FLSTFI Dave]

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.

[Twolanerider]

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.

[OBB]

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   

[FLSTFI Dave]

You're safe Don, they don't make one in RED   

Pool boy says they will in 2022

[spook120]

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!

[FLY-DOG]

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.

[spook120]

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 ! 

[FLY-DOG]

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. 

[spook120]

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.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Local dealer just had another loaded PAS in orange delivered yesterday afternoon.  Things are selling very fast.