I'm in the middle of some transmission/primary work in my '90, and ended up visiting two local dealers yesterday, gathering up assorted odds and ends (bearings and gaskets and such).

Both had Pan Americas on the floor. I took a few minutes at the second dealer to really give it a good look.

I was really impressed. The proof is in the riding and the durability, of course, but visually, that looks like an exceptionally well put together bike. The details all look right.

The only gripe I have is with the digital dashboard. Not my thing. I prefer traditional gauges, but these digi-dash units seem to be the thing anymore. Alas.

Thinking about the Street models, it always felt to me that the MoCo was too timid. They were afraid of getting too far away from their cruiser roots, and ended up with a bike that missed the mark for what it should have been.

I don't see any of that in the PA. It looks to me like they set their mark on a world-class adventure touring design, with no concern for straying too far from traditional HD styling. And I think they nailed it.

This gives me more hope for their future than I've had in years. It has long been my opinion that HD was a company trapped by their tradition. They didn't know how (or weren't willing) to move beyond it. The PA is them turning that page.

Early reports are that the PA is selling well. I can see why. If it proves itself to be a capable, long term motorcycle, this will end up being a major turning point.

Good for them.

 

I'm with you on that and that one point would certainly be a concern for me. It seems like darn near everything runs through that display. What happens when you're out riding "in the bush" and that screen gets taken out. Does it disable the bike? I dunno. I hope not.

 

Well they did say multiple bikes will be built around this engine.! I want to see a bigger version of the Revolution Max in a Bagger now !

 

If you want to compete in the adventure touring segment, you'd better bring a great weapon to the fight, or not even bother trying. It's a popular and fiercely competitive arena.

Kudos to Harley for apparently doing it right.

 

I popped in to the dealership today myself for the first time in a while. They had their only PA in stock on the floor. It was already sold so it was a "no touchy" situation which I completely understand as I wouldn't want strangers pawing over my new ride either.

In any event, I completely agree with you 0maha. Photos don't do this bike justice. I was impressed with the looks, styling and appointments. Next would be going for a test ride. The owner of the dealership is a friend and has one coming in for himself. He invited me to ride his when it arrives, but from everything that I'm hearing about the bike, it could be VERY tempting. We'll see.

One point to add is that apparently the MoCo misjudged demand on the spoked wheels. So PA's that are shipping now all have the forged which would be a big deal breaker for me. One could swap them down the road when they restock, but I'm told that's $1750 vs. $500 additional if you order it that way.

I do believe that this bike could very well get HD back on track. Here's hoping that to be the case, and if so that they can leverage it going forward.

 

Agree with ya’all. If I had the coin, I’d love to add one to the stable.

 

Stopped at my local and they only have one left in the showroom with a "Hold" tag. MoCo is taking deposits and then they ship them to the dealer you request..

 

Saw a special today. Not real sure on the colors and over all styling on the the body work but a very good attempt on Harley's part moving forward. Seems well executed and thought out. Maybe another color might do it in the looks department. After talking to the sales man I would definitely be thinking about looking into a extended warranty for sure. A lot of technology on that bike

 

I bummed around a dealership the other day. They have a winner.

I could see one of these in my future. In the meantime I'll cut my teeth on an inexpensive DR650 for a while.

 

I am impressed also. The ride and handling are awesome. This bike is very well engineered in my opinion. The only complaint I had was the engine noise. You hear every single moving part. But it works GREAT. I do not think it is totally on par with the BMW, but at the price point it’s a good deal.