Reliability of pre-'24 PA's?
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Reliability of pre-'24 PA's?
I'm in the market for a PA and seeing some great deals on early models. My friends (and multiple online sources) are scaring me away though from anything pre-'24. Concerns include:
- Fuel Pump issues
- Stator / Rotor problems
- Wiring Harness issues
- Battery concerns (too small/weak?)
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 126
From: Boston
Lots of threads on this but to summarize, the early models had some QA and other issues. Anything built in late '22 (date is stamped on the frame neck) is generally considered safe. The 23's have a beefier charging system but not quite what the 24's and newer have.
I have a '22 and have had to replace the RHCM under warranty and thats basically it. All model years of the PA have fuel pump issues. I keep mine on a tender so that helps too.
That said, some have '21s that are solid, maybe by the time it gets to you all the issues should be worked out. Either way, get a bike with a warranty and you'll be good. Its worth it, great bike!
I have a '22 and have had to replace the RHCM under warranty and thats basically it. All model years of the PA have fuel pump issues. I keep mine on a tender so that helps too.
That said, some have '21s that are solid, maybe by the time it gets to you all the issues should be worked out. Either way, get a bike with a warranty and you'll be good. Its worth it, great bike!
No major issues with my 22
The concerns are valid. Economically, they can be easy to overcome. I put a lithium battery and never looked back. The rotor was replaced by HD. I paid to have the hose changed by a 24 model (the 22 was too close to the radiator, the 24 have a recess to increase the gap). I have not touched the fuel pump (it makes noise at ignition and I will change it this winter).
so if you want to ride and let HD maintain the bike, buy a 24 or later. If you are used to do stuff on your bike yourself, maybe you save big time on a low mileage pre-24.
so if you want to ride and let HD maintain the bike, buy a 24 or later. If you are used to do stuff on your bike yourself, maybe you save big time on a low mileage pre-24.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 1,932
From: NE Florida
He wants to sell new bikes and knows the price of the used ones are low.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 1,932
From: NE Florida
The concerns are valid. Economically, they can be easy to overcome. I put a lithium battery and never looked back. The rotor was replaced by HD. I paid to have the hose changed by a 24 model (the 22 was too close to the radiator, the 24 have a recess to increase the gap). I have not touched the fuel pump (it makes noise at ignition and I will change it this winter).
so if you want to ride and let HD maintain the bike, buy a 24 or later. If you are used to do stuff on your bike yourself, maybe you save big time on a low mileage pre-24.
so if you want to ride and let HD maintain the bike, buy a 24 or later. If you are used to do stuff on your bike yourself, maybe you save big time on a low mileage pre-24.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 126
From: Boston
yup!
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 246
Likes: 72
From: Maryland
Have a '22 PA Special... I never use a battery tender. Do about 6 thousand-miles a year.
Had my stator replaced out of warranty. Bike has never left me stranded away from home.
My ARH suspension has never worked correctly - warranty and after warranty attempts to repair.
Would probably go for a 2025 if looking to buy a PA.
Have enjoyed every moment of ownership. Would buy the bike again - no regrets. The Pan America for me is the quickest way to get around. I like Road Glides and Breakouts but I need the capability of the Pan America.
Had my stator replaced out of warranty. Bike has never left me stranded away from home.
My ARH suspension has never worked correctly - warranty and after warranty attempts to repair.
Would probably go for a 2025 if looking to buy a PA.
Have enjoyed every moment of ownership. Would buy the bike again - no regrets. The Pan America for me is the quickest way to get around. I like Road Glides and Breakouts but I need the capability of the Pan America.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 101
From: Portland, OR
Here's what you are going to need to replace with updated parts. It's just a matter of time.....
Fuel pump
Stator
Clutch basket.
Some of the earlier bikes may also need the right hand control module replaced.
It's a fun bike. I have over 40K on mine, but the early ones have the typical HD growing pains that need to be sorted out.
Fuel pump
Stator
Clutch basket.
Some of the earlier bikes may also need the right hand control module replaced.
It's a fun bike. I have over 40K on mine, but the early ones have the typical HD growing pains that need to be sorted out.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 569
From: Detroit Metro Area
2021 owner here. There are appealing things about newer units but I would not consider them any less likely to have issues.
2021 has the fuel pump issue, the original wire assemblies, a radiator hose that may be incorrectly assembled and touching the exhaust. a heat shield bracket that cracks on the header pipe, an undersize battery, a charging system that fails, the RH control unit that has issues, and a floppy windshield mounting system. I would say most of these things have been taken care of already if you are looking at a used bike. The only persistent issues are the fuel pump and the stator issue. My 2021 has the 2025 fuel pump in it now.
2022 adds the quick shifter compatibility. All the 2021 issues are still there.
2023 is similar to the 2021 but I think this year added a deflector on the LHS to block hot radiator air from blowing on the riders leg.
2024 adds a new wire harness, a mounting location for the Daymaker Aux Lights, and a new coating on the inside of the fuel tank. The harness is plug and play for the aux lights so a separate harness is no longer needed. The mounting locations for the aux lights are nice EXCEPT a little bracket is needed to complete the installation but it is $275 for each side!!! The 2024 also got the new updated charging system and a larger battery.
2025 adds new paint and at some point in time added the 2025 "A" version of the fuel pump.
I hope this helps.
2021 has the fuel pump issue, the original wire assemblies, a radiator hose that may be incorrectly assembled and touching the exhaust. a heat shield bracket that cracks on the header pipe, an undersize battery, a charging system that fails, the RH control unit that has issues, and a floppy windshield mounting system. I would say most of these things have been taken care of already if you are looking at a used bike. The only persistent issues are the fuel pump and the stator issue. My 2021 has the 2025 fuel pump in it now.
2022 adds the quick shifter compatibility. All the 2021 issues are still there.
2023 is similar to the 2021 but I think this year added a deflector on the LHS to block hot radiator air from blowing on the riders leg.
2024 adds a new wire harness, a mounting location for the Daymaker Aux Lights, and a new coating on the inside of the fuel tank. The harness is plug and play for the aux lights so a separate harness is no longer needed. The mounting locations for the aux lights are nice EXCEPT a little bracket is needed to complete the installation but it is $275 for each side!!! The 2024 also got the new updated charging system and a larger battery.
2025 adds new paint and at some point in time added the 2025 "A" version of the fuel pump.
I hope this helps.