For decades, Harley-Davidson attracted only one kind of buyer. And everyone was happy. But today the brand urgently needs to sell something else to other kinds of buyers. The new adventurer-class Pan America 1250’s mission is to usher in this new era.
Posted on May 19, 2021 at 11:45 a.m.
–
–
A fascinating moment in the history of the Motor Company
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
For purists, it is unthinkable that the brand will lower itself to producing anything else.
–
Cases like that of Harley-Davidson and his Pan America are rare. Because they are the result of forced change, they are instinctively resisted. No one is complaining about Porsche SUVs today. But at the beginning, phew! Then it depends on the product. Harley-Davidson embodies the genre custom. For purists, it is unthinkable that the brand will lower itself to producing anything else. For the “infidels”, it is proportionately impossible to imagine driving a Harley. But now, Harley-Davidson is changing. You can scream, cry or pray as much as you want, but it happens. Get used to it. Then wipe away your tears and watch. It’s called a Pan America 1250.
A very different kind of Harley
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is a roadster that needs to go as smoothly as possible from asphalt to dirt.
–
This is an entirely new concept: the Pan America has absolutely nothing in common with the traditional Harley-Davidsons. Its nature is however not a mystery: it is about a road having to pass as smoothly as possible from the asphalt to the ground, in short, of an adventurer. Other models, including the BMW R1250GS, KTM 1290 Adventure R, Triumph Tiger 1200 and Yamaha Ténéré 1200, have been competing for the popular class for many years. However, if these motorcycles have established a truth about this niche, it is that it requires a tightrope balance between road qualities and off-road capabilities. Harley-Davidson could hardly have chosen a more delicate direction to begin its diversification.
The machine
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
It is a full-size frame powered by a new 1252 cc V-twin of modern architecture.
–
In addition to its unusual and controversial line, the Pan America offers a relatively common design. It is a full-size mount powered by a new 1252cc V-twin engine of modern architecture and whose tubular steel frame is perched on long-travel suspensions. Traction, braking, power delivery and many other features are electronically adjustable. Basically everything you would expect from a mount of this class is there. One feature of note, however, is the semi-active suspension of the Special (tested) version which lowers at stops and then rises again. On these still very tall motorcycles, it’s downright revolutionary.
The big surprise
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is truly an adventurer model.
–
The mere presence of characteristics specific to adventurer models – suspensions, ergonomics, assistance, etc. – is not sufficient to guarantee the success of the final product, which rather depends on the dosage and the nuances of these characteristics. In this case, we are surprised to find that on his first try in this class as complex as it is hotly contested, Harley-Davidson hits the center of the target. From the first moments at the helm of Pan America and more and more as the kilometers accumulate, we realize that we are talking about a worthy rival of the best models of the niche, which represents a huge compliment to respect.
Both new and familiar
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
The new technology that automatically lowers the saddle when stationary is very popular both on and off the road.
–
From the mixed ergonomics typical of these motorcycles – which are driven sitting on the road and standing on the trail – to the always generous torque of the excellent twin-cylinder via the very wide adjustment range of the semi-active suspensions (Special ), we find at Pan America all the elements of a well-accomplished adventurer. And even more, in fact, since the new technology that automatically lowers the saddle when stationary is very popular both on and off-road, where it allows you to put your feet on the ground in slow and tough situations. On a behemoth of this size and weight, any additional advantage offered to the average pilot is invaluable.
Pan America jumble
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Watch out for mud without off-road tires!
–
A general feeling of refinement. A color touchscreen full of data, but some of it tiny. Pleasantly soft stools. A smooth V-Twin with omnipresent torque, but whose 150 hp are more like 130. A chassis that accepts a sporty rhythm on the road with pleasure. A whole that goes from bitumen to gravel as if nothing had happened. However, beware of mud without off-road tires! Our tester took a bath, which also confirmed the effectiveness of the protective bars. Cruise control, heated grips, Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, phone, music. More expensive Special version, but much more equipped. Lots of accessories.
Conclusion
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
We are dealing with a mount which, in addition to excelling on the road, is quite comfortable on the trail even in fairly difficult conditions.
–
By being difficult – and why not, given the price and quality of the competition? -, we can blame the Pan America for an engine with a bland sound that turns a little high and a number of electronic functions requiring a university course. But it’s a shock to see that we are dealing with a frame which, in addition to excelling on the road thanks to a high level of comfort and a very good handling, is quite comfortable in trail even in fairly difficult conditions. Other brands have needed multiple generations of their models to get to this point. Hat, Harley.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021
–
Technical sheet
Make: Harley-Davidson
Model: Pan America 1250 / Special
Price: $ 20,999 / $ 24,199
Warranty: 2 years / unlimited mileage
Engine: 1252 cc liquid-cooled V-twin
Transmission: 6-speed, final chain drive
Full weight: 242/254 kg
Front brake: 2 discs with 4 piston calipers and ABS
Rear brake: 1 disc with 1 piston caliper and ABS
Front tire: 120/70 R19
Rear tire: 170/60 R17
–
