I'd like to see the motor in person, 'cuz you're right, looks weird. But, the motor is not the issue, it's that dustbuster nose piece.. . . . Not sure about the "Mattel" looking motor though.
I'd like to see the motor in person, 'cuz you're right, looks weird. But, the motor is not the issue, it's that dustbuster nose piece.. . . . Not sure about the "Mattel" looking motor though.
They are. I have stopped by several local dealers (Milwaukee, WI) and they are selling as fast as they arrive. Demand seems awfully strong for a new model in a segment Harley had not been playing in. Owner reports have been quite positive and those that have had some issues report exceptional service by the dealers as well as Harley. If a problem pops up Harley wants to know about. Very encouraging.I have read the sales of the Pan America are doing well. Of course I read that on the internet so it has to be true right? Hope Harley does well with this bike.
I was shocked myself, the frontal view is not as ugly as the pictures. Its kind of like the "Two Face girlfriend" Seinfeld episode....really can't explain it.I'd like to see the motor in person, 'cuz you're right, looks weird. But, the motor is not the issue, it's that dustbuster nose piece.
Still reminds me of Wallace and Gromit...one in Wales bikers cafe yesterdayView attachment 81155
I think the whole point of the PA is to branch away from the Harley faithful. Harley's revenue is in freefall, if they don't attract new buyers things do not look good.The Harley faithful are not going to accept that exhaust note. Where the Tenere is "clanky", the H-D is "tinny".
Thanks for sharing that article, pretty interesting. I haven't ridden a new BMW so can't compare the bikes, but there were half a dozen GS bikes parked at the PanAm test event I went to so obviously the BMW riders are interested in the HD. I chatted with a few people there, many were considering purchasing the HD.For those of you that haven't seen this comparison test yet. Good reading material. I got a kick out of their comments on the 6th gear roll ons.
BMW R 1250 GS versus Harley-Davidson Pan America: Trans-Atlantic ADV showdown - RevZilla
Any new adventure motorcycle is going to be measured against the standard that invented the class, the BMW GS. So how does the Pan America compare?www.revzilla.com
Sierra, I hate to say it but we will probably see more HD Pan Ams around than Super Teneres.
That'll be an ass, not a mule...Just yesterday I saw a GS loaded like a mule. From 1/4 mile behind it, I thought maybe it could actually be a Tenere. As I caught up to it and waved, the rider just stared. He seemed to reluctantly wave as I exited the highway. Maybe he'd never seen a monkey riding a motorcycle. I also saw a 'Wing, and two H-D cruisers. For around here, that's a lot of bikes in one day. . . . and I don't know why.
Not really surprised by that statement. "ADV touring" bikes are old people bikes. The Bronx would have maybe flipped the switch for some new blood. But they ceded that battle to Indian. Of the 10 or so Indian FTR's Ive seen 9 were young guys.He said that these sales are all HD guys making the conversion to adventure touring rather than new to HD riders. At least the HD guys are embracing the bike but it doesn't look like they are picking up any market share.
On another note, they also had a Niken there. First time I saw one in person. Now that is a horse of a different color.
I would say that is very likely true with most pre-orders going to previous Harley owners. With that said, I think this bike has gotten a fair amount of interest from folks that have never owned a Harley. These folks (like me) will not buy the bike without a test ride. The real question will be how many will buy one after they have a chance to test ride one.A couple weeks ago I stopped by the HD deal 90 miles from my house. The owner had his orange demo bike there. I think it looks better in person. They had a black one in the back prepped for the new owner to pick up and ready to roll out the door. The salesman that I was talking with told me they are selling them before they are able to get any in the door for the showroom. He said that these sales are all HD guys making the conversion to adventure touring rather than new to HD riders. At least the HD guys are embracing the bike but it doesn't look like they are picking up any market share.
On another note, they also had a Niken there. First time I saw one in person. Now that is a horse of a different color.
Did you rent a KTM for a weekend before your purchase?Honestly I've never learned much from a test ride. Mostly only been able to rule out bikes ...and some of those were probably unfair.
To even contemplate adding a Harley to the fleet id need a weekend rental at a minimum.
I hadn't thought about it before, but you bring up a good point. They're all "adventure" bikes. But, they all choose a different path, with different priorities. A person should decide what path he wants to take. Many times cost determines your path. But, with the exception of the H-D, a person can find a used/older model that fits the budget.. . . . I see the HD as a direct competitor to the big KTM and Ducati, not so much to BMW and Yamaha.