With this Pan America launched in 2021, the Harley firm is taking its first steps in the world of trail running. Starting off on the right foot?
Now, at the heart of a range more designed for wearers of fringed jackets than for enduro riders with dusty noses, there will be this: a high-legged machine belonging to the category of trails.
With Pan America, the Milwaukee company is venturing into lands it does not know. But, even if it does not have flat cylinders, like the BMW GS 1250, the undisputed benchmark of the maxi trail segment, the American is right on target.
It makes BMW salesmen react and arouses the curiosity – and interest – of KTM pilots and Ducati enthusiasts high up.
This intriguing machine reveals a new 1,252 cc V-twin, called Revolution Max, with variable distribution, ventilated by 8 valves, open to 60 degrees, cooled by water and equipped with a short stroke, to envisage high modes.
His tone of voice does not intimidate more than that at first, in slow motion, and his pleasant flexibility, with 13 mkg de couple, however, does not make it a reference.
Especially since vibrations appear at certain speeds intermediaries, and they have nothing to do with those which usually accompany the “potato sound”So characteristic of Harleys that we know.
So you have to look further to discover the true character of the twin, where the Milwaukee purists have never gone: beyond 5,500 rpm. And the magic happens, with 150 hp and a maximum speed set at 9,500 rpm.
The 1250 speeds up the digestion of the burger and pushes your foundation back towards the back of the thick saddle, all in a virile and communicative sound. Never has a thermal Harley shown so much enthusiasm …
This one will even be able, with a shifter expected in 2022, to change gears without forcing the driver to engage.
It can already lean generously in the bends without filing its footrests, with a very natural and easy to access behavior.
Despite its weight (258 kg en version Special) and its generous wheelbase, the American reassures and is even dynamic, changing angle efficiently and without diving under braking.
A treat for weekend outings, which is in no way incompatible with the work of the week. Its size, impressive from afar, turns out to be quite compact, facilitating inter-queue evolution, while handling remains more than adequate.
The protection benefits from a small windshield adjustable in height, with one hand, in four positions. As for the adventurers wishing to taste the earth, they will be delighted toan ideal position when driving upright, with the added bonus of a height-adjustable brake pedal lever.
To be as versatile, the Pan America Special (18 290 €), which takes advantage of a keyless start, relies on driving programs, which you can set yourself.
They influence damping, engine mapping and driving aids. Its traction control and rear ABS can also be disconnected, while its lighting adapts to turns by directing a luminous flux inwardly of the curve.
On its tilting 6.8-inch (touch) screen on-board computer, with improved readability but intuitive operation, it is even possible toadjust height when stationary : at each red light, the motorcycle can automatically lower itself by 3 cm, allowing small riders to put their feet flat.
Appreciable attention, which shows that the firm renowned for its customs, after launching an astonishing 100% electric LiveWire, has perfectly taken care of the development of its first trail.
What will be his next challenge? Even if it is a scooter, we will go and try it. Too bad for my fringed jacket …
HD Pan America 1250 test: our opinion
With such an original face and the brand’s inexperience in the field of maxi trails, it was not a given for this Pan America. But she is more than interesting: she is efficient, exciting, and truly competitive tariff side.
WE love
- Behavior and pleasure
- Performance and motor character
- Special version equipment
- Sharp appearance
We like less
- Some parasitic vibrations
- Readability of instrumentation
- Access to the side stand
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250: technical sheet
- Engine: V-2, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, 1,252cc3
- Bore x stroke (mm): 105 × 72
- Transmission: by chain, 6 speeds
- Power (hp @ rpm): 150 to 9,000
- Torque (Nm at rpm): 127 to 6,750
- Dry weight / in running order (kg): 229/245 (242/258 *)
- Long.xlarg. (mm) : 2 265×965
- Wheelbase (mm): 1,580
- Height of cell (mm): 869/894 (848/874 *)
- Tank (l): 21.2
- Front brakes: 320 mm double disc, 4 piston calipers
- Rear brakes: 280 mm single disc, single piston caliper
- Front-rear suspension travel (mm): 191-191
- Tires AV-AR: 120/70 R 19 – 170/60 R 17
- Price: from 15,990 €
- Price of the model tested: € 18,290 *
* version “Special”
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