Harley Pan American coming 2/21/2021

Xclimation

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That is a weird place for a battery. Dielectric grease will be your friend. I think the bike being lower allowed for the easier "push back". My seat is in the low position, but I can only get both toes, or one foot to touch the ground. If I'm gonna roll the bike any distance, I get off to push it.

As far as the power issue. Is it possible that it's been electronically limited for test rides? My neighbor has a Hellcat, and apparently the horsepower can be adjusted/limited for specific drivers. Separately from the red & black keys.
I did put it in the sport mode. I also had put it on a road mode because it had just rained outside. If they somehow limited the bike I would hope that they would at least say something because it would turn people away? but like I said I was really surprised I was expecting to feel more power out of that bike. I know bike manufacturers like to lie about their power ratings. I really feel that both Honda and Yamaha underrate their bikes if anything. But it's funny, Sierra; I thought of you when I got back on my bike. Because you are really liking the tenere. You have a lot of experience, have had a lot of various bikes. I said to myself, "yep Ciara was definitely right."
 

Madhatter

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has the power higher up in the rev range as I understand it . but my test ride was limited in speed (-40mph) so unless I stayed in 1st or 2nd (also was not sure I was in anything but an nonaggressive mode) gears was never going to get it in its sweet spot . going to have to find a real life owner and question him . my biggest negative was that a new windscreen would have to be on the list if I bought one .
 

Sierra1

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. . . . I was really surprised I was expecting to feel more power out of that bike. . . .
has the power higher up in the rev range as I understand it . but my test ride was limited in speed (-40mph). . . .
Wow, Jeep did the same thing when they dropped the 4.0 for the 3.6. Unless you wind it up, you don't feel the extra power. High rpms, and Harley. . . . o_O.
 

tntmo

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The KTM 950/990 have their battery in the same location. I know those are some hard core off road based adventure bikes, I don't think it's as big of a problem as people make it out to be. I also don't think the rectifier is a big issue, but I'm not an expert.

Now having an oil filter sticking out from the front of the engine down there could be a big problem. What kind of adventure bike would do something like that?
 

WJBertrand

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Didn't ride it but got to sit on a Pan America at Laguna Seca this past weekend. Harley was there with a fleet of demo bikes. I was more interested in the races so didn't look into reserving a demo (seemed like a pretty long wait). The seating position is comfortable and I found I could flat foot it standing astride it. I had no idea which seat was fitted, but I think the standard one, or what height setting it was on. It was a special model with the automatic ride height so I think it was about and inch maybe more, as parked lower than my Tenere with its seat in the low position. As others have said the foot pegs feel a bit higher than the Tenere. . I think I would fit a set of bar backs as the handlebars were weirdly swiveled back almost flat, like a tiller, on the example I sat on, yet the reach was not cramped. It seems to me that if they were just set back toward the rider another 1-1.5" you could rotate the bars more upright and get plenty of rise that way. Kickstand scared me the way it makes initial contact then slides outward as the bike tilts farther over - momentary panic there. I heard the demo bikes coming and going and they are definitely quieter than the Tenere with respect to engine noise and clatter and the exhaust almost sounds the same as a Tenere.
The looks are growing on me and it looks far less weird in person, especially the mono tone colored ones. Still not a fan of the orange with the white nose cone contrast. The sport bags fit on with receptacles already present on the bike, so no need for a rack system. I like that idea a lot and the bags look good too.
 

Sierra1

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It's a good looking bike. Reminds me of the Indian Scout. If H-D has finally fixed their reliability issues, they'll be back in the game. There's no reason they couldn't have been producing these bikes 10 years ago. I think Indian provided the "inspiration" for the improvement(s).
 

Sierra1

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I was kinda thinking "copy cat". . . . 1626208760221.png . . . . 1626208837148.png. . . . even has the same "skid plate. I thought maybe that's what the "S" stood for. The H-D is still a better looking bike. Also has a touch of . . . . 1626223141030.png
 
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PhilPhilippines

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I was kinda thinking "copy cat". . . . View attachment 82389 . . . . View attachment 82390. . . . even has the same "skid plate. I thought maybe that's what the "S" stood for. The H-D is still a better looking bike. Also has a touch of . . . . View attachment 82392
The Triumph exhaust looks odd too. It is the width. If it was a single pipe I think it would look better imo.

One of my fave looking bikes ever is the gnarly looking Greaves Griffon
 

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Madhatter

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the HD dealer called mr twice yesterday .... wanted to know if I got my test ride .... offered me a second test ride .... the 2nd call was the salesman who gave me the original test ride ..... I guess they want to sell a motorcycle . from what the 2nd guy said not much interest from normal customer base .
 

Kyle_E

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15k MSRP for a sporster...... Alot of great bikes available for that kinda $$$. Of course HD wont let em go for that either....
I kinda view it as the shot across the bow at Indian. As @Sierra1 pointed out its going to be a direct competitor (with a better engine? and better "electronics package") to the Indian Scout. Scout is the same MSRP with no cool electronics like phone integration and cruise.

As I said earlier in the thread I would have called you a fool if you would have told me I would even half way consider Harley ownership. Now with the new motor and a belt drive option.... I would absolutely cross shop with and Indian Scout Bobber if I was looking for this style bike.
 

Sierra1

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'Cuz, there's no reason to discontinue the models that have been their bread & butter. Keep the styling, put the new motors & electronics in them . . . . and carry on. That keeps the H-D traditionalist happy. Then continue exploring what other styles/types of Harleys that you can get everybody interested in. I don't have anything against Harley. But, what they charge. . . . and what they deliver. . . .

Now, if the new powertrain can improve their reliability record. . . . they'll have a bike with good performance, that you can really trust. That will definitely sell.
 

Highwayman

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I hope so too..... Both a HD owner (built Streetglide and modded Dyna Lowrider S) and multiple metric owner... Attracting new buyers, is where its at. Current guys would be more likely to snatch a clean used garage current sportster and mod the heck outta it for 15k. Buying from HD will be a....... Experience for the newcomers to the brand.....

Its a cool bike, dont get me wrong. I personally dig the FTR if I was to purchase a current american sporty bike (My next addition is gonna be a Ducati Monster or Hyper Motard). The class of bike I enjoy, just not the American offerings so much. Itll be interesting to see how it does real world sales outside of the usual HD hype. Im sure its the pending for the Bronx revival depending on how it sells.
 
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