Compete in what area: style, performance, weight, mass, low CG price, complexity, dealer network? How do you know this?
I've thought about trading my R1100GS in on a 2018 R1200GS but maybe I'll wait and see what the Pan American is all about.

 

Heck yeah, shove a hopped up V-rod engine in there, lots of bush guards, a couple small suitcases. Winner!

 

I agree with you 100%. When I look at a Buell, I don't see "adventure bike" on it anywhere. It just looks like another metric standard to me. The Pan America looks like a true adventure bike with a lot of styling thrown in. I think it looks GREAT! I don't know what the finished product will look like, but if it's anywhere close to the Photo shopped one it will be a winner.

 

Where did you find the specs on weight? I'd like to look at them. Thanks in advance.

 

I hope they do well with it, I have to wonder what nicknames will be hung on this bike, The Panty, The Pansey, The Panzer, who knows?

 

I worked at a dealership in the early '70s that sold Montessa and Hodakas. Hodaka came out with a 250 Enduro that looked pretty interesting on paper. It had the right bells and whistles for that era. Once it got to the shop and we unpacked it, it was nothing like it appeared in its pamphlets. It was heavy, awkward, and was not designed by enduro riders. It looked the part but it was no where near a true enduro bike. I hope Harley did its homework and this bike is a good one unlike the Johnny come lately Hodaka.

 

My comment has to do with 30 years of development on the GS. It will be like Royal competing with Jello. Keep in mind that the new 1250 is slightly less than the outgoing 1200 in 'price' but with the bags, guards, and premium package it costs as much as a new Ultra Classic. The GSA is even more. But price is not what I am referring to. The GS has two models in the GS and GSA, the TFT instrument panel, integrated GPS, electronic suspension, ride modes, pro mode with the add-on chip, off road GS academy, clean low-maintenance shaft drive, and an accessory bin stuffed with branded and aftermarket 'adventure' stuff developed from real-world planet crawling use.

This will be like Ford or GM launching an SUV to compete with Jeep. The 'adventurous' Jeep goes beyond the tangible. Those SUV's have been light years ahead in road behavior and pricing but the desire for a Jeep as the ultimate beast has not waned.

I am not actually bashing the bike or the effort. I actually want one. I just hope HD is doing their homework and not setting this up for a 2 -year model run and then bailing!

 

More like Jeep has been lightyears ahead of other SUVs in off road behavior with 80 year old technology

 

425 is the bare weight. Here are some specs for you.

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2...ulysses-review

 

BINGO! This trigger a thought. Most any company tries to forecast their market 3-7 years out and prepare for such. UNLESS, your business profile is so unwavering you hope the market still accepts you. Honda was WAYYY late to the chopper game with the Fury and too big for their britches, still trying to create their own niche with too many entry level bikes. Yamaha had perfect timing and now has the Star line. Kawi is flexible and looks a few years out.

Then there's Harley whose monied demographic is aging out, trying to get youthful with electric bikes and thinks their overpriced substandard quality will be over shadowed by nice paint and chrome to those who can't afford their products. Now with outrageous chopped yesterdays news, cafe's waning, sport touring bikes not even a blip anymore and adventure bikes all the rage, they are left with their rears flapping in the wind.

This thinking is why GM is closing plants. Trying to turn the iceburg around the Titanic. Great business plan.