| Author | Message | ||
     Tootal |
That's good to hear Dr. Greg! I've heard nothing but good reports from a lot of different folks on YouTube. Very impressed seemed to be the mantra. Who knows, maybe when my Uly finally dies I'd consider one, even with that ugly headlight!! | ||
| Wcbrracing |
I just signed up for the demo ride in sacramento at the end of may, all three days in San Jose was fully booked, think I’ll stop by on a buell just in case there’s no shows.. | ||
| Buellerxt |
It's hard not to be impressed after hearing the reviews everywhere. I hope to get a chance to ride one. What route did you ride in Alb., Dr. Greg? What was the general response? | ||
| Dr_greg |
The ABQ demo route: up I-25 from the dealer to Tramway, then E on Tramway to La Luz trail road (up and back that to get some tight twisties). Then down Tramway to Paseo del Norte, back W to Jefferson and N to the dealer. About 20 miles, and a good mix of conditions, although no off-pavement. I showed up about 3:45 on Sunday (just got back from a. week in Colorado and was lucky to get in on the demo). There didn't seem to be many riders there; lotsa PAs just sitting around. I was grateful the PA demo tour came thru Albuquerque. Had a very good chat with a young H-D guy from the tour; he was also a Mechanical Engineer (U. of Maryland, "fear the turtle") so I told him it was good to see some top-notch American engineering from H-D. It's a pet peeve of mine that some feel that Asian and Euro engineers do higher quality work. My feeling is there are two categories of countries: those that use metric and those that have been to the moon. --Doc | ||
| Pushr0d |
Wow. I just looked at the schedule, and they avoid the entire SouthEast. Them and the IMS shows - I'm starting to get a complex... | ||
| Falloutnl |
"My feeling is there are two categories of countries: those that use metric and those that have been to the moon." Except they did use mostly metric for the moon landings :P | ||
| Pushr0d |
There's a couple of them on display here at Thunder Beach (Panama City Beach). One with alloy wheels, the other with spokes. I can't get out there (travel) to see them, but a friend said they are much better looking in the paint than on photos. I sure hope so! | ||
| Mark_weiss |
I'm test riding tomorrow. A colleague dropped in after his ride and is very enthusiastic about the Pan Am. The only thing that he did not like was its turn signal switch. | ||
| Wcbrracing |
Saw that the San Francisco Bay Area demo tour hpgot changed from Hellyer park in San Jose to Alice’s Restaurant up on Skyline in Woodside this Friday-Saturday-Sunday.... will drop by Friday to see if I can pick up a ride due to a no-show... | ||
| Froggy |
I was at Empire Harley the other day, they have it, it does look nice. I didn't sit on it or test ride it, but I do like the look. | ||
| Leadenwinter |
been contacted by local dealer here in Scotland and demo booked - end of May they reckon - will be taking my Ulysses to show where they started | ||
| 2cylinderbill |
I just did that exact thing!  | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Pan America Notes First note: It’s good. Really good. Do I rate it as stellar? No, but very good nonetheless. For frame of reference, I’m a few inches over 6’ tall. Long arms, Wear 34” inseam Levis but would prefer 35”. XXL gloves fit well. I’ve been riding an ‘08 XB12X Ulysses since the end of 2007. It has accumulated 85k miles and is my go-to bike. The Ulysses is very nearly stock. Handlebars are original and fit well. I have the stock ‘08 seat (which I think is the middle of the three Uly possibilities) and it’s my favorite seat since my ‘75 GT-750 Suzuki. I have footpegs from Precision Engineering that are 1” lower than stock. I don’t have them so much for the added drop (which I like) as for the added grip. The OE 2008 pegs provided too little grip for rough-surface travel. I have a Zero Gravity windscreen for May through October riding. I have an adapted BMW R1100GS shield for colder weather. Both are mounted on Palmer brackets. I don’t think that I have made an ergonomic change to the Uly since the first year of ownership. The Pan America fits me nearly as well as the Ulysses. Seat to handlebar is about perfect. The footpegs are a little higher. This is fine when seated but when standing, the reach down to the bars is too great for me. I’d need lower pegs. HD has bar risers available but the unit with the risers was already broken when I showed up for my demo ride. I rode with the standard seat set in the taller position (of 2). It felt a little lower than the Uly but was well within comfort range. I was riding a Special, that drops ride height when stopping, so that explains the ‘lower’ feel. Not a LOT lower than the Uly, but certainly an inch or so. The Pan Am’s matte-finish, flat screen, instrument display is large and mostly easy to read. Some of the non-key data is displayed in pretty small font and was difficult to see in some lighting conditions. I did not have time to play with the screen; I would have liked to set it brighter and with higher contrast for midday Arizona sun. It was nice that the angle is adjustable. The tachometer readout is an easy to interpret circular arc around a central digital speed readout. Odometers or ambient temperature are displayed below. The readout has several different configurations which allows you to choose the data that is displayed. I don’t know if it is fully customizable or if it just presents a choice of several different preset layouts. The regular engine temp reading is very small with the standard configuration, I’d like to be able to make that bigger without losing other data. I did access a few screens that showed engine temperature and tire pressure, but did not simultaneously show speed. The Special that I was riding was equipped with the optional cross-spoke wire wheels and did not have luggage mounts. The wet weight was supposed to have been around 570 lbs. Despite weighing about 100 lbs more than the Uly, the Pan Am did not feel considerably heavier. The mass is well centered and easily controlled. The demo route that we took did not include any unpaved roads, so that part is a mystery for now. As for Ride Modes, we were locked into only Sport, Road, and Rain. No chance to note the changes made for the two off-road modes and no opportunity to play with any custom settings. In the custom settings, power mapping, throttle response, ABS response, engine braking, suspension damping, adaptive ride height (squat when stopped), and traction control, are all adjustable. Switch gear is “International” in format. That means “not traditional HD”. Lots of buttons on both sides, mostly readily decodable. The turn signal switch is low down on the left, a bit out of sight but easily operated. The left side has the accessory and instrument panel navigation switches. Start/stop and starter buttons are integrated. Move the cut-off switch to on and everything powers up. Tap the center button and the starting cycle engages. The button does not need to be held down. Ride-by-wire throttle sets itself to an appropriate condition for a quick start and regulates its own idle speed. No idle-air bypass needed. For a liquid cooled engine there is a surprising amount of engine noise. Mostly from the upper end. Probably cam chain sounds. Despite being a 60 degree V, the cylinders fire at 90 degrees (due to crankshaft design) so the idle sound is a little unexpected. No major shaking, some vibration. The transmission quietly clicks into first gear and the clutch lever pull is very light due to the slip/assist clutch. The Assist part means that the clutch uses pretty light springs to allow light lever effort and a mechanical ramp and wedge system tightens up the clutch as power is increased. Another nice touch is that the OE clutch lever is adjustable for reach. Another ‘International’ feature. A little throttle is necessary when pulling away from a stop. The engine does not have a lot of flywheel effect and the ride-by-wire system apparently does not compensate to prevent stalling. Once underway the throttle response is crisp and clean. While the engine does not shake, a surprising amount of vibration is present. Yes, the 1250 does indeed produce a lot of power. I don’t think that it as well distributed through the rev range as it could be. Variable valve timing helps produce more power without sacrificing low rpm torque, but I would have preferred that they used the VVT to produce more low rpm torque without sacrificing top end. I would willingly give up 20 hp at the top to have the torque peak moved down a thousand rpm or so. I would like to have the chance to take the Pan America off road to find out how well the power and throttle tunability suit unpaved surfaces and Forest Service roads. In pretty short order heat begins to soak through the seat. I was riding with the standard seat set in the higher of the two mounting positions. Despite a LOT of padding, seat heat is annoying. It’s not an electrically heated seat, I checked. The bottom side of the seat pan is heavily ribbed. Using insulating tape will be challenging. The seat is too soft as well. It’s very cushy at first, but after a bit you’ve sunk in and cannot move around much. The stock seat is a weak spot. Another lack of comfort is due to heat shed by the radiator. The radiator is wide and mounted lower than expected. No heat went upward but my feet and shins were nicely warmed. Probably OK in Flagstaff, not so much fun in Phoenix. The seat heat may have a solution, radiator heat will have to be endured. A few others noted a lot of heat at their right boot from the nearby catalytic converter. I did not notice. Maybe I just combined it with the radiator heat. My son found heat from the rear cylinder’s exhaust to be uncomfortable as well. He’s ridden my Ulysses and not complained, so this may be something that is an issue for riders with legs shorter than mine. I quickly discovered that the Pan Am’s best feature is its transmission. No quickshifter is currently available, but it’s really not needed. The gearbox shifts instantly, smoothly, precisely, and effortlessly. It’s among the best gearboxes that I’ve ever used. Light pressure on the shift lever and you are in the next gear. Minimal clutch lever movement is needed, or a tiny throttle blip, your choice. The gearbox is great. The Adaptive Ride Height performance was completely transparent. If not for the blinking icon on the panel I would have never known that the system was operating. The suspension unit is entirely self-contained. No external pumps or hoses. The shock works very much like a Nivomat system and uses bump absorption energy to auto-level the machine. It’s an automatic pre-load system. Put a passenger or gear on the back, start riding, the shock pumps up to level. Unload, ride a bit, and the bike returns to level. The special part that H-D has added is an electronically controlled bleed-off system. The suspension seems well thought out and well sorted. Even the Standard without the electronic goodies, still has top-line, fully adjustable and rebuildable, components. The demo site had two of the three different luggage choices on display. The aluminum cans are pretty spacious without making the back of the bike as wide as a BMW. They attach with quick-release frames that stay on the bike. The soft bags appear to be very high-quallity, waterproof, and readily adjustable in size. The soft bag “mounts” are a pair of side guards that prevent the side bags from swinging into the rear tire or resting against the muffler. The plastic hard cases were not on display and I forgot to ask if they used the same mounts as the aluminum set. Overall, I think that H-D has done a nice job with the Pan America. Is the price reasonable? I think so. Have I ordered one? No. While riding the Uly home I decided that I still liked the Uly better. If the Ulysses had ABS there’d be no question. Although, there were times that I definitely wished that the Ulysses had a larger diameter front wheel. | ||
| Wcbrracing |
Got a ride in today just by walking up, they said because of the venue change that they went making time reservations but all walk up for the Woodside location. Was an easy sign up, less than 5 minutes of tablet info/questions and a Motorcycle license check...was given a black HD logo paracord bracelet.... then a quick walk thru of the bike, features, controls, etc... then pick a bike with seat height and road tires or dual sport tires... hop on and go for an on your own loop, probably 12-15 miles overall on two lane twisty roads.... Bike was very comfortable, I had the low seat, felt like I was sitting down in it which made it comfortable... definitely could fell the difference between the “rain-road-sport” modes.. revved well, still had a noticeable vibration to it.. easy shifting.. HOT heated handgrips... decent windbreak from the adjustable windscreen..... but my favorite thing was the linked brake system on it! Literally was a one finger thing... Was a cool experience, hopping back on my xb12ss I felt huge and felt up on top of it vs down in it like on the pan America... | ||
| Josequinones |
Rode it today for about 20 minutes at HD of Frederick, MD. Mark's review is spot on, The vibration above 5k is noticeable, but between 4-5k it is pretty smooth while still having roll on power. Below 4k it is very smooth but downshift before accelerating hard. The heat coming off the rear cylinder was very noticeable in traffic today with temperatures in the low 90s. I previously owned a Uly and an 1125CR, this bike feels like the mock-up that has floated around here for years of the Uly with the Helicon in it. | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Obviously the designers were Battlestar Galactica fans. | ||
| 2cylinderbill |
For comparisons sake, I was out with my wife on my 2014 Multistrada in low 90s here in NJ and was baked pretty good too. Inner thighs both sides were feeling the heat to an uncomfortable level on a 90 minute ride. Not really unexpected I suppose. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
We took in a 2018 Multistrada several weeks ago. Engine heat was very, very, well controlled. Torque spread was better too. The Multi looks fragile if dropped thoough. | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
I just rode one of these today. It has a nice riding position and suspension. I’m short and can nearly flat foot it so that is really surprising. I don’t see where the torque and horsepower is though. It’s definitely not at the lower rpm range. My Aprilia ETV1000 out pulls it tenfold in the lower rpms. I felt a lot more vibration in the pegs and bars then my Aprilia. I can’t see spending $22,000 plus for it. I’d buy the BMW S1000XR before I’d buy the Pan Am. That’s probably what I’ll do but I’m waiting to see LAP’s Buell version of the sport adventure bike. | ||
| Falloutnl |
"I just did that exact thing!" Even at 15 years old the Uly is an effortlessly better looking bike. | ||
| Screamer |
I demo’d the Pan America on Friday. I was able to take route that I’ve ridden dozens of times. Opinions on a few items… The suspension was locked in “road” mode. It was too mushy and had vague feedback from the front wheel. Handling on deep gravel was really poor - maybe resolved with a different mode choice. The handlebars were tipped too far back and too low, creating a tiller effect, which is an odd sensation on a (partial) off-road bike. Possibly resolved by simply tipping the bars up and forward. Although it was explained to me that the bike had the compensating ride height - I couldn’t detect any movement/adjustment. Possibly, it was shut off or this particular bike didn’t have the option. Controls and switches, and clutch operation were very nice. Comfort/seating position was very good and footpegs seemed slightly forward of a Uly. Brakes were great - linked brakes seem a little odd at first but by the end of the ride I really liked them. The engine fueling behavior was great - no hiccups, no coughs and no flat spots - although a little more mechanical noise than I expected. Power was absolutely wonderful - really fun. I seldom buy new, but if I were buying a new bike - this would be near the top of the list. | ||
| Pnw_ulys |
Bought one. . .  While understanding the Pan America, like the Buells are "global" motorcycles, I just prefer spending my money on products with headquarters located in this country. Not Munich, Tokyo, Hinckley, etc., but Milwaukee U.S.A. YMMV, and Ride Safe, Paul | ||
| Ftd |
I will be demoing them at Biketoberfest. I am sure I will replace my ‘06 ULY with one when the time comes. As the new HD’s go I am impressed. I bought a LiveWire early this year and I really like it. I would buy it agin in a second. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I test rode a Pan American at Sturgis this year and that is a fantastic motorcycle but it’s like my Ulysses, too tall for me to get on and off! Once on it, everything was ok! Very fast motorcycle! | ||
| Cvc |
I climbed on one but never took the ride at 5’7” in my shoes the bars were too much of a reach and I couldn’t slide as far forward in the saddle as on my XT. The adaptive hight was still too tall for me to backup the bike without jumping off if I encountered an incline. My XT is on an 06 SS rear shock and the forks are slipped 1.2 inches up in the trees to match the rear drop. So the length of the bike and my lack of length stopped me from exploring any further and when I walked out to the parking lot and looked at the red Uly I was going to ride home it just looked sexier. You taller guys enjoy I’m sticking with my old Buell at under 25k on the clock I’m in no hurry. | ||
| Pushr0d |
I was by the local Dealer to pick up rear wheel seals for my (3-bearing wheel), and asked the parts bubba if they still had their Demo bike. He said it was gone, and he said HD has sold all of the PA's. They don't expect to see another one for a while, and it'll be the new model year. | ||
| Tempest766 |
Its good to see that hype still sells. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
Saw the new colors for the Pan America released this week. Good to see they have a line of bikes that are selling fast. Most dealerships giggle when I ask if they have one in their demo pool to at least sit on. | ||
| Pushr0d |
Resurrecting this thread - how are the PA's holding up? How's the performance, fuel consumption, tire wear? | ||
| Pnw_ulys |
Loving the Pan America. Less mileage accumulated (3,250) than expected as I'm doing more "remote" work now than pre-Wuhan, but very impressed with how the bike performs. 1) Ergonomics: The bike in stock configuration fits me great; I’m 5’8” with 30” inseam. My bike has the Adjustable Ride Height option that “squats” when slowing and stopped so I can virtually flat-foot the bike. That said, it’s still a “big” bike: almost a foot longer than my Uly XT and 6” wider. 2) Performance: The bike is incredible, and the first bike I’ve owned with traction control, ABS, linked braking, rider “modes”, cruise control, etc. For reference, I also own a ’92 Harley FXR, ’08 Buell Ulysses XT and ’09 Buell 1125 CR so the tech gap was pretty significant, but most everything on the Pan America was fairly intuitive. A lot of us are “Never buy a first year . . .” consumers, but no regrets on this one and seems like Harley executed plenty of due diligence in the research and testing phases. 3) Fuel Consumption: When topped off, the available range is roughly 235 miles, about 40 more than the Ulysses. Roughly 45 miles to the gallon for my normal commuting scenario, a bit less if I’m enjoying myself in “Sport” mode. 4) Recalls: Two so far - - replaced the plasticky grab rail base, and a TFT display screen had the potential to black out in temps under 30 degrees. 5) Tire Wear: I usually get pretty good mileage out of a set of tires, from the wear at 3,250 miles I’d expect to get at least 7,500 miles out of the rear and 10,000 from the front. The Michelin Anakees are a decent pavement tire, not superb in the rain, and really haven’t done any significant off-pavement riding yet. 6) Accessories: This was the one point of contention - - whether unexpected demand due to the success of the bike, supply chain issues, or “Putin!” , there was a considerable back-log of getting parts from Harley. Some aftermarket companies have stepped up (Touratech, Camel ADV, SW Mototech, and a slew of Chinesium suppliers, but it appears most of these issues are either resolved or soon-to-be-resolved. I’ve got the following accessories mounted: a) Sport top and side cases – Sourced: HD b) Skid Plate – Sourced: Camel ADV c) Headlight Guard – Sourced: HD d) Fender Extenders – Sourced: Pyramid (eBay) e) Rear Brake Reservoir Guard – Sourced: eBay f) Side-stand plate – Sourced: eBay g) Tank Bag – Sourced: Joe Rocket 7) Navigation: There is no stand-alone navigation system for the bike. You can either use the Harley app through your phone, or go with a separate GPS unit. I’ve barely scratched the surface of the Harley navigation planning system on my laptop or the app, so can’t really opine on the performance of that system. 8) Maintenance: This is my first bike with a chain, and finding it pretty simple to keep it functional. The lubrication interval is every 600 miles, and slack adjustment takes less than 10 minutes. Guys I know complain about having a chain, but not certain why - - maybe I don't mind the chain because I’ve broken half a dozen belts on the Uly. . . Oil change with synthetic oil is every 5,00 miles. 9) Options: For anyone considering the purchase, I’d highly recommend up-spending on the Special instead of the Standard although the Adaptive Ride Height option is available for either model. Here’s the options list on the Special ($1,500 price differential): a) Crash Bars (radiators) b) Steering Damper c) Cruise Control d) Center Stand e) Aluminum Skid plate f) Heated Grips 2022 models can also be optioned with a quick-shifter, not available (even retroactively) for the 2021 models. This feature is of little interest to me, but if you are a fan, good to know if researching In finality, bought this bike as a replacement for my “long-in-the-tooth” Uly, both for commuting and touring with the better half. We have a few multi-state trips planned for mid-summer, and we were able to reserve a Pan America for our return to the AMA’s Alps Challenge Tour this September. Ride Safe, Paul  |
