Harley-Davidson's first adventure bike, the 2021 Pan America is out

Harley-Davidson finally unwraps the Pan America

After nearly 3 years since it was first announced, the Harley-Davidson (H-D) Pan America is finally heading to showrooms. The suggested SRP: $17,319 for the base model and $19,999 for the Special; or roughly ₱844,000 and ₱974,000, respectively. (shipping, taxes, and other duties not included).

What we know

_{Pan America 1250 Special}

The road leading to Pan America’s launch can be compared to a telenovela. It was a long build-up. Then the project was almost shut down due to reorganization within H-D. The coronavirus pandemic hit. And in spite of all that, it was announced again that the project will proceed, albeit with a later launch date.

But, that’s all over and the Pan America is finally coming to the showrooms.

New Revolution Max Engine

_{Revolution Max 1250cc engine}

At the heart of the Pan America is the 1250cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 60-degree V-twin Revolution Max engine. It is capable of producing 152 Ps of power at 9,000 rpm and 127 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm.

To bring the best out of this newly-developed engine even on low revs, H-D engineers have opted to equip the Revolution Max with Variable Valve Timing (VVT). This technology can also be found on BMW’s R 1250 GS.

What’s surprising is that the new Pan America is 7 kilos lighter than BMW’s R 1250 GS, tipping the scales at only 242 kilograms (wet). H-D also put a 21-liter all-aluminum fuel tank on the Pan America, allowing it to go as far as 420 kilometers (claimed) in one top-up.

The Pan America was designed to be lightweight, using the engine and powertrain as a stress member. It's paired with a cast-aluminum swingarm minimizes unsprung weight.

A page from Honda?

Some of these specs might sound familiar. Honda Africa Twin familiar.

Keeping it aloft is a Showa 1 by 1 47mm inverted cartridge front fork. The rear suspension is a Showa Piggyback reservoir shock with adjustable hydraulic preload. The rear suspension incorporates a linkage system which provides a progressive feel through the stroke and maintains a comfortable, compliant ride on-road, while providing superior support for off-road conditions.

Bringing it to a stop are new twin Brembo radial monoblock four-piston (30 mm) calipers in front, biting 320 mm rotors. In the rear is a 280 mm rotor.

It rides on cast aluminum wheels (19-inch front and a 17-inch rear) shod on Michelin Scorcher Adventure tires collaboratively designed for the Pan America models.

Lots of tech

As for the rider, he gets a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen instrument panel. It can be tilted for optimum visibility while its non-reflective glass cover makes it easier to view in most lighting conditions.

The touchscreen function is disabled when the motorcycle is in motion, but the rider can use hand controls to manage many functions of the screen display.

It supports mobile apps via Bluetooth-equipped mobile devices, including music and calls. Navigation is supplied by the free Harley-Davidson App for iOS or Android.

Rider aids

The rider also gets selectable ride modes with five to choose from. 4 are pre-programmed and one can be customized. The pre-programed ride modes are Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus. The customizable mode lets the rider choose power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. Cruise control is fitted as standard.

There are also rider aids to make the Pan America easy to rain in during difficult situations or poor road conditions. Cornering enhanced technology utilizes an inertial measurement unit, IMU, for optimal intervention when the motorcycle is leaned compared to when the motorcycle is upright. These suite is made up of Cornering Enhanced Electronically Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System, and Hill Hold Control.

Two variants

There will be 2 variants of the new adventure bike from Milwaukee: the Pan America 1250 and the Pan America 1250 Special.

As the name implies, the Pan America 1250 is the entry-level variant. However it already gets quite a lot like an adjustable windshield, Daymaker LED headlamps, all-LED lighting, cruise control, 4 ride modes, and adjustable suspension.

The Pan America 1250 Special gets additional, exclusive features like a center stand, handlebar guards, skid plate, crash bars, semi-active suspension – which for an additional $1,000 (₱48,700), can be upgraded to Adaptive Ride Height Control (ARHC). The ARHC adjusts the Pan America’s height to as much as 2-inches lower when fully stopped while adjusting it back to its standard ride height when moving. There are other configurable modes.

Philippine availability

_{Pan America 1250 (base)}

As of press time, our friends from Harley-Davidson have not confirmed the Philippine pricing and availability of the new Pan America and its variants. Rest assured that it is destined for the Philippines and they will make an announcement soon.