Harley Pan American coming 2/21/2021

[~TABASCO~]

Do most people think they will be in the ADV business for 20 + years?

Is this a culture addition to the brand or a 'grasping at straws'? I wish them all the luck and all the best. The last CEO, Matt Levatich dumped a ton of cash into the development of 6-8 new bikes. (maybe more or less- I forgot) The live wire from what I understand is way over budget and has had many issues and set backs. And came to the market much later than hoped for. The new CEO, Jochen Zeitz has slashed all but two new bikes (I believe). I understand as the new CEO came on board, this ADV bike was the closest to to production after 'investing' so much capital into it, and wanting to soak up what money they can from it.

I personally see this as a great step forward for Harley, I think its a good thing adding it to their portfolio, I just don't believe that this is a long term internal culture "want". I wonder if this is going to be like the V-Rod? Im looking at the 5-10 year model. I hope they add to the line up in the future, (the factory) participates in the ADV 'culture' and they grow the segment. (unless this blows the market away, and they sell a zillion, I do not think we will see much extra promotion or participation, other than a small budget. They want to make cash and stop spending cash)

I dont think this will be around for longer than five years. Its all based off numbers, sales, and money. If they don't fallow up with adding to the ADV line up I just don't see it lasting in this very competitive segment. (Yamaha has been in the dirt bike / ADV market for a million years and have a super solid base. If everyone is honest, how long was the Tenere "really" popular in the real world? 2-3-5 years? The industry has stopped making parts for the Tenere, no one talks about the bike any longer. We are all hard core Tenere owners, but many of us want the 700 or a new 'better' 1200) They are too slow to market, they are trying to walk on egg shells and make everyone happy. For what this machine cost, the 'cost savings' on this bike slaps you in the face. (two thought process here that I see, Harleys tend to show up on the showroom floors VERY underwhelming and in immediate needs of modifications before you leave the first day, Initial cost-expensive before mods. Its a KNOWN business model. On the other hand you have someone like KTM that comes with many upgraded parts versus the 'normal'. Initial cost-expensive. The KTM model with upgraded parts might be smoke and mirror promotion BS, but at least I feel im getting some good parts for the money. With Harley, it always has seemed as if they have stripped every part down to the lowest of the low, so customers will feel more inclined to buy more stuff the first day. Feels like a rip-off to me, its just SO blatant, its ridiculous. I have to add the boiler plate: this is just my opinion, LOL

There will always be the "keeping up with the Joneses", there will be the first year fan fair, how long do you see this actually lasting?
Im not a Harley business expert, I just read the news, articles, business journals, and read up on 'new models' like everyone else. But if you think about there business "ideas" over the last 5-10 even 15 years. I think this ADV bike is GREAT, but way to late for there business 'model' ideas. I just don't think they are committed to this segment at all. But they are looking for a 'making cash' niche. Is Harley already selling the re branded KLIM Gor-Tex ADV jacket and pants? Many interesting things to think about for sure.
I look forward to trying it out one day, and hope they have tons of success, it will be interesting and fun to sit back and read, learn, listen to folks that try it, and possibly own one. Lastly, I love all motorcycles, all the other positive and negatives yaping is just social static. We are all addicted to social static, that's why we are here on the forum! LOL- LOL-LOL

OK, I HAVE TO KNOW ! Who will be the first to sell their Tenere and run out and get the new Harley ?

 

[regder]

that rectifier location is in the same place as the rectifier on the Tenere plus Tenere has an oil filter sticking out front ..... so what is the problem ?

On the ST, it's behind the right (or is it left?) upper side cowling. My theoretical concern is more to do with submerging it on a water crossing or being damaged by junk thrown up by the front tire. Yes, most people (like me!) never take their ADV bikes off-road, but it's a curious position on a large bike with I'm sure other spots to put it.

 

[tntmo]

My test ride invite has been updated, now they are going to have an unpaved section we can ride on (no obstacles, 25mph speed limit). Anyway, will see how it goes on Friday.

 

[holligl]

(no obstacles, 25mph speed limit).

Where's the fun in that?! (Have fun any way. Hope they don't put a radar gun on you!)

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[tntmo]

Where's the fun in that?! (Have fun any way. Hope they don't put a radar gun on you!)

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

I have been known to be a rule breaker, expect to see 26mph from my test mule!

 

[gv550]

I rode the Pan America base model yesterday, very impressed with the performance, suspension and brakes. The ergonomics as tested doesn’t work for me but bars and seats are easy to change. It was a warm day (25c) but certainly not hot and there was a lot of heat on my legs from the center mounted radiator and there was more engine vibration than the T12. The price for the base model in Canada is about $1000 more than a new T12 but we get panniers, center stand, wire wheels and shaft drive.
Harley gets the nod for more power, beautiful colourful display, easy adjustable windshield, phone pairing, and 4 ride modes.
Would I buy one? Certainly not a first model year, and I consider chain drive a big step backwards, so not likely ever see me owning it.

 

[Madhatter]

my neighbor says the local H dealer has 2 , may go by there soon . maybe today .

 

[PhilPhilippines]

my neighbor says the local H dealer has 2 , may go by there soon . maybe today .

25zzz

 

[Madhatter]

So I went

 

[Madhatter]

the bike is good its the dealers that will kill the product . I'm the only customer there ,a sales manager sends me a sales person . he doesn't know a thing about the bike or anything ADV . spends most of his time trying to get away from me , only wants to talk about the normal product they sell and how great they are. maybe spent 10 minutes talking to me for the hour I was there. and how Harley may put that engine in a hotrod version of a cruiser and how great that would be .
would have been better that I had not talked to anyone .

 

[Madhatter]

my thoughts is I should call the manager and share my thoughts , he seemed interested at least before he turned me over to an unbeliever.

 

[Madhatter]

I asked about a test ride , he said we have to schedule it but never offered to do it.
as far as ergonomics , felt very similar to the Tenere . should be a fun bike .
as far as a chain goes ,KTM and Ducati have new competition .... BMW Triumph and Yamaha have the shaft thing ..... sorry Guzzi , no replacement for displacement .

 

[PhilPhilippines]

my thoughts is I should call the manager and share my thoughts , he seemed interested at least before he turned me over to an unbeliever.

I am sure yowilldo it far more tactfully than me. I try but I really have to concentrate on getting the tact right. Something I am not very good at, sadly.

 

[Sierra1]

Looking at those pictures. . . . it wouldn't be so bufugly. . . . if they would do away with the fairing piece under the windshield assembly. Put two big honkin' round head lights in there instead. Like the Rocket 3, or a two bulb version of the Venture.

I still think the motor looks plastic. And, shame on Harley for not putting this motor in all of their bikes. Like Mopar puting a hemi in everything; if ya' got it. . . . use it.

 

[gv550]

I applied online to the dealership to schedule the view and test ride (mandatory procedure due to Covid). My first request went unanswered. My second request did get a telephone call response from a salesman who said the machine was available and he would get back to me with possible ride days and times, but he never called back. My third request got an email reply from a different salesman and he set up the ride within 2 days.
When I arrived he handed me the key fob and showed me the start button, nothing else. I asked about setting up the navigation screen so I wouldn't get lost and he flat out refused, told me to concentrate on the ride, not the display................. fair enough.
When I returned he asked my opinion on numerous things and I gave him mostly positive responses, I just didn't like the seating or handlebars. I then asked him if he had ridden it yet, (he is half my age and appeared to be a genuine motorcyclist, not a tattooed weekend outlaw) and he said yes and just hated it because it's "not a real Harley". I think if he had his way the bike would sit in the back corner and hope nobody sees it. Buell and Vrod all over again!

 

[Madhatter]

So I’ve had a nap since I posted. Feel the same. If I was hot for a bike and today was the day . I would buy the KTM 1290 just on dealer experience.

 

[Madhatter]

Gv550 , exactly. It’s an alien from another planet. I think Harley knows who rides these things, but they need to tell their dealers.

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . he said yes and just hated it because it's "not a real Harley". I think if he had his way the bike would sit in the back corner and hope nobody sees it. Buell and Vrod all over again!

You're right. If they can't build anything different . . . . they need to build what they have better.

 

[twinrider]

The Daymaker auxiliary lights seem to live up to their name.

 

[magic]

Well, I had a test ride yesterday and here is my attempt at a short review. I rode a Pan Am Special with all the options, spoke wheels, Anakee Wild tires, adaptive ride height, skid plate, and Showa suspension. I rode the bike with the adaptive ride height set in auto and in sport mode. The bike automatically sets preload at 30% sag. I did not even try to change any of the settings, there is a lot going on with the display and there are like 13 switches on the left hand controls. I only had the bike for 1 hour and didn't want to spend any time pushing buttons and possibly screwing something up.

First off the engine is very strong, it makes good low end power and really hauls ass up to its 9500rpm redline. HD claims 150hp and I believe it. Parking lot maneuvering is good, but the engine really doesn't like to lug below 2000rpm. The fueling is good with no issues. The transmission shifts nice and smooth. Out on the highway 75mph is about 4200rpm and at this speed the engine is very smooth with very little vibration through the grips and pegs. Fourth, fifth and sixth gear roll ons are pretty impressive getting up to 100mph + in short order.

The fit and finish appear to be pretty good. The adaptive ride height feature works like it was designed and after a while I hardly noticed it. At 6'4" I really don't need it, but I left it on auto. There are a lot of new features to learn about on this bike and a 1 hour test drive isn't enough time to figure them all out. I didn't even try to use cruise control. The ergonomics are also good, although I would prefer the taller seat and handlebar risers. I was told both are available from HD.

This is still a big heavy motorcycle. It feels to be somewhat lighter than my S10. I figure my S10 weighs about 625lbs. with panniers, crash bars and skid plate. It will be interesting to see what the magazine tests reveal on the weight, speed and fuel mileage.

Overall, I liked the bike. The engine is great, with lots of power and a nice sounding exhaust note. The hydraulic valve lash adjusters are a big plus. I don't care for the looks of the front end especially the headlight area. If this bike is reliable and all those electronic features work in the long haul the Pan Am might be the real deal. Although everything on the bike worked as it should, suspension, brakes, ride, engine, clutch, transmission and electronics. I don't see it making my list of new bikes to consider. I wonder how the HD dealers will handle all the complex electronics on the Pan Am. Especially things like the computer controlled variable valve timing. I'll just take a wait and see approach and there's also the economic situation with Harley Davidson to consider.