2023 Harley-Davidson Pan America [Full Motorcycle Review]

Harley-Davidson made a decidedly bold gambit in 2020 with the introduction of the Pan America. After all, America’s stalwart heavy V-twin cruiser company—the 800-pound (quite literally) gorilla in the OEM room—was entering the ADV world, a realm already dominated by capable machines from a number of manufacturers.

What shook everyone was how impressive it was for a first-year machine. The 2023 model introduces refinements to the Pan America package in the form of the Special, which ensures its place on the ADV mantel as a true contender.

But first, some vanity. The introduction of the Pan America speaks volumes to Harley-Davidson’s innovative daring, which I feel they don’t get enough credit for.

To take such a risky corporate gamble in a new, highly competitive segment—with a risk of alienating a firmly ensconced and ardently devoted customer base—was impressive. The company deserves kudos for how cleverly they’ve managed their established persona as a tried-and-true American legend over the years, while at the same time testing new waters.
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[donnellans]

Great bike! No issues. Mines a ‘22. 11K miles in about 9 months. ‘21 had first year issues, but all sorted now. 😊

[greenrush]

I met Jeff on the road. He was very eccentric on his thoughts and review plan with this bike. He bought me a bag of lays Potatoe chips and a soft drink and explained that he really likes this bike even know it is rough around the edges as he said. He then explained how functionally this bike was. He said he loves the v-twin and tracks with a real purpose. he liked using the massive Lucious horsepower and justified the speeding tickets he obtained from this review. He was thinking of ditching the cops but decided it may not be the best idea. This bike has the best of the best tolls for safety and reliability. I can keep going if you would like. The pan America is an eager bike that likes to hang out on fire roads and such. It also is very confident and can brake on a dime. It works beautifully and stable. Have a nice day. Thanks jeff.Oh jeff had to hang his legs in a safe place as he explains in the video



Reply

[hughmac]

As an owner of a 2022 Pan Am Special, I'm happy with it, but I think it is more road than off road. I've taken it on rough off road tracks and it will do it, but it is too heavy. I have 45 years experience at riding, lots of years doing motocross and enduro, and if you want to go off road, you need a smaller bike, 450 to 500cc and under 200kg. I love my bike, I ride practically everyday, 90% road and some off road. The bike does need some mods, like different seat (I refused to get Harley Davidson's seat upgrade, if they have a better seat, they should fit it as standard), rear rack with more than 5kg weight limit, real barkbusters not silly plastic ones that come off on the first hit, and bigger off road foot pegs. The crash bars are very good, they save the bike very well when you drop it off road.

[coachron]

I’ve owned my Pan Am for 1 1/2 years and it’s an awesome bike! No issues, no problems.

[vmotobiker]

Excellent video informative while providing nice video of motorcycle riding.

[fwg]

I have had my 21 PA Special since May of that year and have 12500mi on it now. She has unfortunately had many electrical issues and spent many months in the shop getting them all straightened out. But I love the bike and would get another if anything ever happened to her. The PA is probably the best all-around bike I've ever had, in highway mode it's ride is as smooth as my Goldwing and Sport mode is great. But the real fun begins when you go in and configure your own street or off road mode and let her rip!

[B_Ritt]

I’m on my second PAS. My first one was blue & white, it went down off-road in East Tennessee, bent the handle bars, broke the windshield, etc. My dealer took it on a trade and I bought the new Gauntlet Gray. I love the PAS. I’ve had an H-D Softail and Streetglide touring bike but will most likely stay on the PAS for a good while.

[michaelrocole]

Love my 2023 PAS it’s nimble fast economical and a few upgrades it’s fantastic for touring. Hit a fire road or gravel no issues just see where it takes you. After coming from a really heavy Touring bike this is a great bike for a much better experience. As far as the heat of the exhaust I just wrapped the pipes problem resolved. Good review

[HaydenAlerte]

Great riding. Smooth, precise, and good rythm…

As for the bike…

Haven’t tested a PAS yet, but it’s on my shortlist now.
Thanks and Ride Safe!
✌️😎

[TwoHawksHunting]

I understand the 2024 model has improvements that address a few of the previous model's issues. That's good news. 1:39

[johngallays]

Hello
I’m 5’8” with a 30” inseam
Wound you recommend putting a lowering kit on it

[cruisinwithcannibal]

Try trading for a new one hahaha you sound like a Harley employee it’s only 6 weeks old
Have five other Harley’s this is still my favourite of all second PanAm had a 2021 with less issues than 2023
glad to hear you’re putting lots of miles on ride safe and thanks for the reply will keep you updated about Harley’s response fortunately I have a great dealership here ✊🏾🤙🏾

[johngallays]

Would you consider the pan American as your main ride. If I were to own one I would mostly use it a touring and and a weekly rider. I would rarely go on gravel roads I’m currently riding a street glide. Just curious of your thoughts on using this way

[greenrush]

Thanks Jeff for the bags of chips bruuh

[jh]

Don't like that you failed to mention the cheap plastic handguards (that will immediately break when dropped, even if dropped into dirt/grass. Ask me how I know.), the insufficient stock skid plate, and the lack of a radiator guard coupled with the fact it's in a prime position to take rocks from the road.
I LOVE my '23 PAS but you just spent 6 minutes talking about all the good and didn't even mention the bad. Granted I fixed all these problems for about $600 but these are the kind of things a prospective buyer would want to know.

[johnboe]

The seat has two positions a high and low setting.

[williamwallice]

I'm on the fence right now contemplating surrendering my 21 PAS.

[greenrush]

I met Jeff on the road. He was very eccentric on his thoughts and review plan with this bike. He bought me a bag of lays Potatoe chips and a soft drink and explained that he really likes this bike even know it is rough around the edges as he said. He then explained how functionally this bike was. He said he loves the v-twin and tracks with a real purpose. he liked using the massive Lucious horsepower and justified the speeding tickets he obtained from this review. He was thinking of ditching the cops but decided it may not be the best idea. This bike has the best of the best tolls for safety and reliability. I can keep going if you would like. The pan America is an eager bike that likes to hang out on fire roads and such. It also is very confident and can brake on a dime. It works beautifully and stable. Have a nice day. Thanks jeff.Oh jeff had to hang his legs in a safe place as he explains in the video

[WilliamFletcher-zo]

I road a Pan American, and then I rode a Suzuki 1050 V strom. I know own the Suzuki. Not even close.

[bikered]

Many people having mechanical issues, ECM failing under 10, .000 miles, my friend on a trip to Alaska this summer, chain kept loosening, bike was over heating, had to keep stopping for it to cool down.. In Fairbanks had top spend over $800 for repair of cooling issue... A week later had to have the chain and both sprockets replaced in Wasilla, another $800 plus dollars, all under 10, 000 miles on the bike... Dealers in our area have used ones for sale with very low mileage, can't get rid of them No I will stay with my