I am not a troll, look back at my post history, the bike really felt like a turd, really hoping this was due to the ride mode I was in. If I nail my 124 in the first thee years she goes and goes quickly, this didn't happen on the Pan America during my test ride.

 

I took a test drive in a Porsche GT3 yesterday, and I wasn’t impressed. My PA will do wheelies if I crack the throttle in first gear.
💩

 

Ok fair enough. One thing to note is that the Pan Am does NOT run like a big twin. My Road Glide with a 117 has gobs of torque down low but the Pan Am doesn't come alive until 4k rpm. It'll feel like a dog at 2500 by comparison.

And yeah, sport mode will definitely liven the bike up. I use Road mode most of the time because in Sport, the suspension rattles my teeth on these crappy roads.

 

The first time I test rode my PAS it was horrible. I told the sales guy the bike was a turd. He had the tech come out and look at the bike. There was something wrong (it was showing some code) and the bike's computer appparently limited the power somewhat. Code fixed and the bike became a rocket. (I traded my Fat Bob when I got the PAS.)

 

Generally agree, but I'd guess you've never ridden a Rocket III Roadster - definitely doesn't lack torque. It'll damn near pull your arms out of socket.

 

Took a test ride about a month ago and totally agree with everything you said. It's a fun ride!

 

Water cooled engine designs are smaller displacement, shorter stroke, higher RPM engines compared to air-cooled Harley-Davidsons. It is not the method of cooling, but rather totally different design that makes them different.

A water cooled engine with the long stroke and huge displacement of a conventional Harley-Davidson would have similar output characteristics, there's just no such thing.

Yet despite the huge displacement, it has almost an inch and a half less stroke than my twin cam 103. I doubt it pulls at 2000 rpm like a Harley-Davidson. But displacement can certainly make up a lot of that difference.

That said, I won't be riding that and no, I haven't. American brands only and no radiators for me.

 

Been riding the big v-twin's for a long time with the sweet spot around 2500 rpm to 3000 rpm depending on speed..
Now I found that the sweet spot for cruising on the PA is between 4000 rpm and 4500 rpm, Taking a while getting used riding in the higher rpm range.
Riding the PA is a blast, its fast and nimble, but still like to take the big v-twins out as well.

 

My CVO Road Glide is 163/167, and in sport mode the Pan America Special is pretty impressive. Turn off traction control and it's a hoot. Also consider the PA is 100% stock.

I

 

And close to 400 lbs lighter. Just what the doctor ordered. Love mine! Ride in ROAD mode 95% of time, SPORT mode is too exciting for this old man.