Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, all the details & Pricing

Harley have released their all-new long awaited first ever Adventure model. Looking at the spec sheet and design it seems that the Pan America is going to be a good bit of kit Down Under...

The Pan America is Harley’s first attempt an adventure bike. In a segment packed with strong experienced contenders the Pan America has a lot to live up to, however, reading the specifications, it seems the bike is a highly capable beast. We can’t wait to test one.

The Pan America isn’t what most people think of when it comes to Harley-Davidson, but is an exciting bike for Aussie’s.

The Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models are powered by the new 150hp Revolution Max 1250 engine, a liquid-cooled 1,250cc V-Twin designed to offer a broad powerband. To minimise overall motorcycle weight, the Revolution Max engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis.

Check out all our Harley-Davidson news and reviews here…

HD say the Pan America models are equipped with technology designed to enhance the riding experience, including multiple electronically controlled ride modes plus Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements. This broad collection of technologies is designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking.

Not just made for the gravel paths, the Pan America was made for paved roads too. It should be a good all-rounder.

The Pan America 1250 Special model is equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active front and rear suspension. As an industry-first innovation, the Pan America is equipped with Adaptive Ride Height (ARH), a revolutionary new suspension system which automatically transitions between a low stopped position and optimal ride height when the motorcycle is in motion.

Harley-Davidson design and engineering teams collaborated throughout the process of creating and refining the Pan America 1250 models with a vision guided by utility. From grab handles to integrated luggage mounts, to a horizontal headlamp configured to better illuminate an off-road trail…

From grab handles to integrated luggage mounts, to a horizontal headlamp configured to better illuminate an off-road trail, function defines style. The Pan America has been made to work as an adventure bike.

HD say a focus on performance and minimising weight drove both vehicle and engine architecture, material choices, and aggressive component design optimisation, all with the goal of achieving a desirable power-to-weight ratio. The powertrain is a stressed member of the chassis, eliminating the traditional frame. Still, it does tip the scales a bit heavier than the competition.

Three distinct elements – the front frame, the mid frame and the tail section – bolt directly to the powertrain. This design reduces motorcycle weight and results in a stiff chassis that contributes to precise handling. The cast-aluminium swingarm minimises unsprung weight while the chassis is designed with a 1580mm wheelbase, ideal for touring capability and agile handling required.

Cast aluminium wheels (19-inch front and a 17-inch rear) are designed to be strong, yet lightweight, intended for use on paved roads and un-paved surfaces, such as gravel roads and fire roads. Harley-Davidson and Michelin collaboratively designed a Scorcher Adventure tyre for the Pan America models to meet the demands associated with adventure touring. Michelin Anakee Wild tyres with an aggressive knobby tread pattern will be offered through Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories for riders seeking maximum off-road traction and a bold style profile.

Harley-Davidson and Brembo also collaborated on an all-new braking system for the Pan America models that is designed to provide the rider with great braking feel and performance. A new radial monoblock four-piston (30mm) caliper takes full advantage of the material characteristics to increase stiffness while reducing overall weight. Dual front brake rotors are 320mm in diameter; single rear-brake rotor is 280mm diameter. A new front brake master-cylinder offers adjustable lever response.

The Pan America 1250 model features premium passive front and rear suspension that is fully adjustable.

The Pan America 1250 model features premium passive front and rear suspension that is fully adjustable for pre-load and compression/rebound damping. The front suspension is provided by a SHOWA 47mm inverted cartridge fork. Rear suspension is a SHOWA Piggyback reservoir shock with adjustable hydraulic preload. The rear suspension incorporates a linkage system which provides a progressive feel through the stroke and maintains a comfortable, compliant ride on-road, while providing superior support for off-road conditions.

The Pan America 1250 Special model is equipped with electronically adjustable semi-active front and rear suspension. Utilising data provided by sensors on the motorcycle, this suspension system automatically controls damping to suit the prevailing conditions and riding activity. These suspension components are provided by SHOWA, while the control software was developed by Harley-Davidson.

The Pan America has an extremely impressive suspension set-up. Going a step further on the Special model.

The Special model also features TPMS to show current front and rear tyre pressure on the on the colour display screen and displays an indicator to alert the rider when tyre pressure is low, and the pressure should be checked.

The Vehicle Loading Control system senses the weight of the rider, a passenger and luggage to select optimal suspension sag by automatically adjusting rear preload. Unladen seat height is 850mm in the low position and 874mm in the high position.

The Vehicle Loading Control system senses the weight of the rider, a passenger and luggage.

All instrumentation and infotainment functions are displayed on a tilting 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen. The non-reflective glass cover makes it easier to view in most lighting conditions. The touchscreen function is disabled when the motorcycle is in motion, but the rider can use hand controls to manage many functions of the screen display when the motorcycle is moving.

The display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth-equipped mobile device, including music and calls. Navigation is supplied by the free Harley-Davidson App for iOS or Android.

Plenty of options on the TFT touchscreen that the rider can also control through buttons on the bars.

Selectable Ride Modes electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Five modes are available on the base model (four are pre-programmed and one can be customised). The Pan America 1250 Special model has two additional modes that can be customised by the owner.

Pre-programmed ride modes for the Pan America 1250 models include Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. The rider may use the MODE button on the right-hand controller to change the active ride mode while riding the motorcycle or when stopped, with some exceptions.

There will be plenty of riding modes for the Pan America to choose from based on the conditions.

The other additions that the Special model will have is a multi-Position Rear Brake Pedal that allows the rear-brake foot pedal height can be changed between two positions to improve control and comfort when the rider is standing.A tubular steel brush guards thats have been designed to protect the radiator and help support the motorcycle in a tip-over event as well as a Skid Plate to protect the sump.

The Advanced Daymaker Adaptive Headlamp technology utilises the ABS IMU to determine the lean angle of the motorcycle and automatically project additional light into corners to illuminate areas of the road that may be unlit by an LED headlamp without this technology. This may give the rider more confidence on dark roads with the special model.

We will only get the Special model in Australia, which isn’t anything to be disappointed about considering all the extras.

Adding to the list of extras the heated grips on the Special model have three temperature settings, selected with a button on the hand control. A steering damper is also included to enhance dynamic performance during aggressive off-road riding.

The final factory installed option is the Adaptive Ride Height. Harley-Davidson is the first to offer this technology in the motorcycle industry, and Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) is an option for the Pan America 1250 Special model only. Adaptive Ride Height unlocks confidence you can feel in different scenarios by enabling a lower seat height when the motorcycle is at rest, without compromising ground clearance in motion.

The Pan America has plenty of Harley Davidson accessories to choose from to make your ride unique.

Paint Colours for the Special model are Vivid Black; Gauntlet Gray Metallic; Deadwood Green (available in select international markets only); two-tone Baja Orange and Stone Washed White Pearl; all with Split Graphic. The normal model will only have Vivid Black, River Rock Grey with Medallion.

In Australia and New Zealand, only the Pan America 1250 Special will be offered and will arrive at Australian and New Zealand Harley-Davidson dealerships in the third quarter of 2021. The Pan America Special is priced at $31,995 AUD ride away in Australia. Laced wheels and Adaptive Ride Height is an optional extra. Head here for more order info.