Harley Pan America 1250
#141
08-02-2018, 10:35 AM
Grand HDF Member
I applaud HD for developing something other than more cruisers. This is the right move for them. The idea of sporty / ADV offerings with the HD dealer network makes for a compelling selling strategy. I see lots of mentions of Buell comparisons, and rightly so to some degree. I've test ridden a Lightening Long and Firebolt when they were around. They were THE funnest bikes I've ever experienced, but they were also the only bike I've experienced where bolts came off on the test ride. Point being, I don't believe the quality of those bikes was a selling point. I'm assuming the quality of these new HD's will be on par with the cruiser offerings. Very excited about these new bikes!!!!
Have to say, since these bikes were announced, I've been following various threads on here and other forums. It is truly amazing how A.) the true hard core traditional cruiser types write as though these HD's were the coming of the Apocalypse and how B.) those that are of an open enough mind to appreciate these new platforms, deride them in their assumptions of how they will compare to like bikes....without even really knowing what the specs of these new bikes are. Entertaining to say the least....
The following 4 users liked this post by rauchman:
#142
08-02-2018, 12:55 PM
Road Master
#143
08-02-2018, 04:14 PM
Club Member
Ok, so I'm past the "shock" of the looks. After a few days, I can honestly say...I'm digging it...a lot. It is different and right in the ballpark of what I've been wanting. Assuming it will have decent specs, I think I'm looking at my next bike. Already have a done up Switchback and while I really love the design focus of the revamped Softails, there isn't one of any model line that I see that I would sell my bike for. Something like the Pan American offers large travel in the suspension and (assumed) nice power from the new motor. I dig the Mad Max'ness of the aesthetic.
I applaud HD for developing something other than more cruisers. This is the right move for them. The idea of sporty / ADV offerings with the HD dealer network makes for a compelling selling strategy. I see lots of mentions of Buell comparisons, and rightly so to some degree. I've test ridden a Lightening Long and Firebolt when they were around. They were THE funnest bikes I've ever experienced, but they were also the only bike I've experienced where bolts came off on the test ride. Point being, I don't believe the quality of those bikes was a selling point. I'm assuming the quality of these new HD's will be on par with the cruiser offerings. Very excited about these new bikes!!!!
Have to say, since these bikes were announced, I've been following various threads on here and other forums. It is truly amazing how A.) the true hard core traditional cruiser types write as though these HD's were the coming of the Apocalypse and how B.) those that are of an open enough mind to appreciate these new platforms, deride them in their assumptions of how they will compare to like bikes....without even really knowing what the specs of these new bikes are. Entertaining to say the least....
I applaud HD for developing something other than more cruisers. This is the right move for them. The idea of sporty / ADV offerings with the HD dealer network makes for a compelling selling strategy. I see lots of mentions of Buell comparisons, and rightly so to some degree. I've test ridden a Lightening Long and Firebolt when they were around. They were THE funnest bikes I've ever experienced, but they were also the only bike I've experienced where bolts came off on the test ride. Point being, I don't believe the quality of those bikes was a selling point. I'm assuming the quality of these new HD's will be on par with the cruiser offerings. Very excited about these new bikes!!!!
Have to say, since these bikes were announced, I've been following various threads on here and other forums. It is truly amazing how A.) the true hard core traditional cruiser types write as though these HD's were the coming of the Apocalypse and how B.) those that are of an open enough mind to appreciate these new platforms, deride them in their assumptions of how they will compare to like bikes....without even really knowing what the specs of these new bikes are. Entertaining to say the least....
As long as it fits, and has the right bits, I will be touring on her in 14/15 months. The eGlide will be gone and I will have 2 Pans.
#144
08-03-2018, 08:56 AM
#145
08-03-2018, 09:33 AM
The following users liked this post:
CanadianRocky (08-03-2018)
#146
08-03-2018, 09:26 PM
I do hope the Harley Davidson Pan-America has a good Harley motor, good suspension, traction control, electronic adjustable suspension, cruise and all the other features of the BMW GS1200 at a competitive price point. I want one to go with my other harleys
#147
08-03-2018, 10:33 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Harley has completely F-ed up the simple things like their hydraulic clutch, ABS systems, infotainment, and a simple water filler neck. And now they have fluid transfer and sumping issues looming on the new bikes. The last thing I want on these new bikes is technology they can't support. Just give me a simple bike with good suspension and competitive horsepower. Don't ruin it with gadgets that are beyond the MOCO's intellect level. KISS.... Keep It Simple Stupid. Do that and they may have a winner that I will get in line to buy. But hey..... That's just one mans humble opinion. It carries no more weight than anyone else's....
The following users liked this post:
perki48 (08-03-2018)
#148
08-04-2018, 08:00 AM
I hope not, if I wanted an Indian motor, I would buy an Indian.
I do hope the Harley Davidson Pan-America has a good Harley motor, good suspension, traction control, electronic adjustable suspension, cruise and all the other features of the BMW GS1200 at a competitive price point. I want one to go with my other harleys
I do hope the Harley Davidson Pan-America has a good Harley motor, good suspension, traction control, electronic adjustable suspension, cruise and all the other features of the BMW GS1200 at a competitive price point. I want one to go with my other harleys
I was, in my opinion, clearly implying HD should emphasize torque in the Pan motor and HP in the SF/Custom motor IN COMPARISON TO the Indian Scout motor, which is an excellent example of a 1200cc engine.
The Pan and SF/Custom clearly have the same motor, cam and compression changes and move powerbands easily.
#149
08-04-2018, 08:18 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Showa makes good suspensions and Harley is using them very well. The handling between a 17 and 16 touring bike is nearly night and day. The real killer with adventure bikes is that not all of them want a big bike, the mid range of 750-900 strikes the best balance of weight and power. A lot of the bigger bikes are merely ridden by those after a look who consider off road meaning gravel or their lawn. As for reliability, well its not that bad though both of mine left a bit to be desired. I would not worry too much about reliability because Harley does have a huge dealer network to support you if not a bazillion mom and pop
I have a bad feeling that harleys 1250 will make the same or less power than my tiger 800 and it wont be nearly as bullet proof. There are guys on the tiger forum at 100k with only valve adjustments. That is what you want in an adventure bike and if this new 1250 motor is even as powerful as a vrod it will still be way to heavy. I dont know, what i do know is there is no way i would trade the tiger for one. It will need time to prove itself, along with the other bikes. I wouldnt buy that indian clone looking one until harley stops sucking at flat track.
And who doesnt like the front that looks like a beak?
#150
08-04-2018, 08:38 AM
Club Member
My GS 1150 made about 85 HP and 70 Torque and it would handle well in the dirt and do 100 mph on the Slab easily. So 100 HP & 80 Torque would do me fine...... as long as the Torque comes on quickly, say around 2500, and stays flat all the way to about 5,000. Most importantly it has to be Tractable. I read the Scout Motor likes to rev and is twitchy below 3,000 rpm. That’s the last thing you need going up a loose gravel 12% grade With 180 degree switchbacks on a fully loaded bike.
If you have ever been stopped at the Apex of a turn like that on a 900+ lb loaded bike, you will know the value of a low Reving bike that has a hill hold feature.
If you have ever been stopped at the Apex of a turn like that on a 900+ lb loaded bike, you will know the value of a low Reving bike that has a hill hold feature.