Harley-Davidson Pan-America: After three years of ownership, on-road and off-road review.

After three years of owning a 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan-America, what are its pros and cons? Is it a worthy adventure motorcycle?

[Wyrmjello]

I have a 2023 and the heat is a non-issue for me and I live in Florida. The air diverter on the left of the bike, with the catalytic converter heat shield manage the heat effectively. Back in the day, I owned a Buell, XB12X that you could cook an egg off. My Pan America has performed flawlessly. It is amazing.

[paulwojnar]

Just tuned in.
Have owned a 2022 PAS since June of 22.
Currently has 22, 090 miles I put on it.
I use it as a daily rider for commuter, backroads twisty corner carving and long haul touring.
I love this bike very much.
Its number 49 of bikes Ive owned and ridden.
Only issue so far was a noisy fuel pump replaced under warranty.
Fortunately my dealership is Rev Max friendly and the lead tech owns and rides a 2021 PAS.
Most of the dislikes that I have read about do not bother me at all.
Side stand, button locations engine heat wind screen etc.
Having owned 49 various types and makes of bikes I adapt very easily.
Here in the NE US the engine heat is welcome most of the year.
My biggest concern is the reluctance of many dealers to embrace this machine.
Also the MOCO lack of advertising of it.
Would really hate to see it go the way of The HD backed Buell motorcycles ( I owned 11 of them).
The Pan America is what the Buell Ulysses was trying to be.
Well I will be subscribed and tuning in to keep up with your experiences on your PA.
Keep the videos coming.
Thank you,
Paul

[moto-minimalist]

I purchased a 21 Pan Am and had no real issues with it but there were glitches here and there. Sold the bike in 2023 and purchased the 2024 Pan Am. Night and day difference in the bikes. No electrical issues, glitches, or problems. The rear brake works now. All in all I would say the first year bike was not quite as refined as the 2024. This bike is just a blast to ride. By far one of the best motorcycles I've owned. If I had to have one thing negative to say, it would be the tail light is a joke. Small and barely visible when you have the tail pack on. Almost immediately installed the Denali tail/brake light plate kit and this really improved visibility from the rear.

[roadglide]

I just picked up a 2024 Pan America CVO this past Tuesday! Absolutely luv it!

[Dundertaker]

As a multiple Honda Goldwing owner, the Airbox issues....it's almost as if the engineers bought the air filter and then designed the bike around it. It's ridiculous that they bury maintenance parts so deep and make it a "shop visit" for the average owner. On an ADV bike, it's a TERRIBLE mistake, considering if you actually USE the bike for ADV, the airbox needs to be checked and maintained almost daily in harsh conditions.

[markh.harris]

I own the 2023 RA1250S. The heat is a non issue for me... I did put the aftermarket (larger, tougher) skid plate on the bike early on. For serious off-road the new skid plate is a MUST.

I agree with all your points for the most part; honest reliable truthful review. I have absolutely had a blast on my Pan America Special... my favorite bike ever.

The two pain in the ass points I agree are the kick-stand, and the air-box. All live-able.

This bike is a keeper!

marcus

[chrisdeiss]

Good honest review! I also have a 21 and absolutely love the bike, pretty much the same feedback as you and making adjustments as I go. I did add the daymaker lights and they make a world of difference!!

[greenrush]

I've owned both. Sold my BMW to buy the Pan Am and have not been disappointed. BMW has some annoying traits that you did not hit on which have plagued the bike for years. Overall though, I thought your review was well done. The Pan Am is not perfect but neither was the BMW. I'm at 7500 miles now with zero issues. Overall what has impressed me most about the Pan Am is its ability to chew up miles without effort. What impressed me the least about the Pan Am and something Harley really needs to address is the size and placement of the rear tail light. Small and hard to see with full bags on the bike. Borderline dangerous. I rigged aftermarket LED's on my tail box to help with that. Otherwise, good scoot.

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Reply

[dnwaterh]

I was so excited about this bike. Was #1 on the wait list when they first came in. Electrical and battery issues were annoying but bearable. After two years of ownership, and really wanting to LOVE this bike, the negatives finally won out and I traded it in for a KTM 890 Adventure. It has been an

[djkak]

Very well done!

I purchased my first H-D touring machine in 1975, a ‘71 FLH and I’ve had an H-D touring machine since then.

In 2021 I bought a 1250S and I’m absolutely smitten with this machine…yeah, it’s been a little fussy, but after 11k miles it’s never left me walking. There is an H-D TSB that will sort out these early machines.

[garyhanna]

Good review. I would agree with most of what you said, especially how much fun the bike is. My '22 with 38, 000 miles has been running great since the March 2023 service bulletins were performed. I would add that the HD Connect interface is MUCH improved since I purchased the MC in February of 2022, and now am confident using the stock navigation system.

[nosyjoe]

2022 PAS, no major issues, just program issues that were taken care of with software updates. Still on original battery.

[larryboody]

Owned one for two years. Tried to like it, learned to hate it. So relieved to scrape it off my shoe

[tluff]

Excellent review of an awesome bike. This ride is always a thrill. No issues with reliability. My only problem has been a bad battery on the key fob. I agree it would be great to see the Motor Company put more advertising and dealer training behind it. There should be an adventure display, clothing, parts and bikes in every dealer.

[willsthomas]

Very good comments about the Pan America, I am a Pan Am owner myself and your assessment was both balanced and accurate. What smiles this bike brings to the rider. I have a 2022 and I have yet experience any issues with mine. Question for you, what cellphone holder do you use? It looks great in your video.

[noidreculse]

I took delivery in May 2021 of a PAS and it has been a horrible experience. Electronic problems early on, I was stranded, also I had to trailer the bike to the dealer from my house. At 6500 miles the Stator quit. The electrical problems seem sorted out with software updates, but I don’t have faith mechanically. I am expecting the fuel pump, starter clutch, or ECM to go out. I live in North Idaho and the plan was to get out of traffic and into the woods.
Also, there is no re-sale value, I wish it would get stolen. BTW, ‘23 model year has a side stand bracket that is beefier, it mounts to the motor and the side stand mounts to it. I have one (back) ordered to arrive in Feb ‘24. Mikes Motorbike Channel on YouTube has get info on the Pan (he owns a ‘21 also) plus he installed Bark Buster hand guards, and so did I.
I have owned 6 new Harleys since 2016, including the first H-D Livewire in 2020. This Pan is my last Harley, back to the Japanese bikes for reliability.

[LongHaulRob]

As a none Harley guy, bikes like this and the Bronx are EXACTLY the bikes they need to branch out to.

[ghostJC]

I have a question for you riders, if anyone can answer honestly. Has this bike been tested in Moab and Baja?

[vmotobiker]

Great review! Great insight from your personal experience.

[RealMan]

I own 1250S 2021 , and I'm really happy with that. This thing is highly recommended . In my opinion PanAmerica is much better then BMW GS, or Honda Affrica . Engine is masterpiece, suspension is unbelievable. This bike worth it's money, for sure.