Harley-Davidson for many years already suffers from the conservatism of the devoted fans, which pulls the brand to the bottom. The average age of a motorcycle owner of this brand is rising and sales are falling.
Harley-Davidson History
Over the past couple of decades, two lines of bikes (V-Rod and Street) that were supposed to rejuvenate customers have already left the assembly line without direct heirs. And here’s a new revolution, perhaps the most audacious in the company’s history. Meet the best electric motorcycle of the 2024 – Harley-Davidson Pan America.
Harley-Davidson decided to enter the steadily growing segment of the adventure-touring motorcycle market. Though it seems they shared everything they could here long ago, “Harleys” hope to find a niche for their novelty Pan America.
The Pan America 1250
On the paper, the model Pan America 1250 looks fully competitive. The new two-cylinder Revolution Max engine has liquid cooling and (for the first time for H-D) variable valve timing.
Pan America Specs
It produces 152 hp and 128 Nm of torque. The engine is used as a stressed element, so the frame is not very big, and the curb weight is 245 kg. Suspension by Showa is adjustable and has a stroke of 190 mm and a ground clearance height of 210 mm.
Pan America Features
On a large touch-screen dashboard with a diagonal of 6.8 inches, you can display a navigator or a few widgets with information from various systems of the motorcycle.
There is also a lot of auxiliary electronics on the board to optimize braking and keep the rear wheel from slipping in the corners. But when riding off-road, some of the assistants can be turned off.
Pan America Price
Perhaps the most interesting question. So, what is the price of Harley-Davidson’s new Pan America?
- 2021 Harley–Davidson Pan America 1250 – $17,319
- 2021 Harley–Davidson Pan America 1250 Special – $19,999
Exterior Design
What surprises in Pan America is the design. It has nothing in common with the traditions of Harley-Davidson and motorcycles in general. It is rather a very narrow pickup with a huge LED chandelier, chopped forms of which add brutality and recognizability.
Models & Equipment
The motorcycle will be available in two versions: Basic and improved Special (prices in Russia from 1.6 and 1.8 million rubles, respectively). The second will flaunt electronically adjustable suspension, tire pressure sensor, optional adaptive headlight, engine protection, and heated grips.
Only for Special will be available with the option of adaptive height adjustment of the motorcycle: to make it easier for the driver to get on the bike or dismount, the suspension will be lowered as much as possible during parking, and after the start of the movement back to the right level.
By default, the Pan America is equipped with cast wheels with Michelin Scorcher Adventure rubber, and for an additional fee available spoke wheels for tubeless tires.
Competitive opportunities in the market
Of course, it is still difficult to judge how seriously the Pan America will be able to compete with such pillars of the class as the BMW R 1250 GS, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, or Honda Africa Twin. But the first experience of the American manufacturer in the new segment, first of all, should be tested on and off the road, and for this, we will have to wait until the summer when the first samples come to the Russian buyers.
