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kw278

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi everyone –

Not sure if this is the correct forum to post this, but as the questions span a few matters I thought I'd put it here for the time being - Admins - please advise if I need to move it.

I have recently sold my BMW R1250GS (I purchased it about two months before the ’21 PA was released) and am looking to purchase a ’23 or ’24 PAS with ARH and wire wheels. As background, I live in central North Carolina (the US) and most of my riding will be on paved roads with the occasional excursion over dirt/gravel roads and fire trails. I’m in the due diligence phase of this activity and would really appreciate any advice you could give regarding the following (I may post these question on a few forums/FB groups so my apologies if you see them multiple times):

  • Are there any after-market upgrades to the headlight, as I’ve heard the OEM unit is rather weak?
  • Aside from the usual aftermarket additions (quickshifter, seat, muffler/exhaust system, hand guards, skid plate, tires, and windshield), what would be the first upgrade you would recommend?
  • Assuming you did not replace the entire exhaust system, or remove the catalytic converter, how did you find the heat given off the bike? North Carolina gets fairly hot in the summer, but not Florida hot.
  • Are there any hard saddlebag setups you can recommend besides the OEM version? Ideally, it would be something I could remove without too much trouble as I really only use them a few times per year. I don’t mind turning a few bolts to get the brackets off every now and then.
  • Anything else about the PAS I should be on the lookout for or be concerned about?
Thanks for your help, and ride safe!
 
#2 ·
Nearly every one of your questions has been addressed elsewhere within the forum. Do a bit of a search on each one of the items. We have members here from various climates that have been gracious to post their experiences. I'm confident you can find enough opinions to make your best decision.
As for now, we can leave the post up in the general. Moderators will move posts from time to time and the originator is notified as to where it went and the reason for the move.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Re: headlight
OEM is fine. You need to adjust the angle to get it dialed in. It’s literally night/day when you have it set up right.

Re: first upgrade
Quickshifter. Have them do it before the bike leaves the dealer. It’s one of the few items that you can’t wrench yourself, because it requires dealer-only firmware updates. While it’s not at the level of Ducati’s quickshifter (really, what is), it goes well with the power characteristics of the engine.

Re: heat
With the 2023 model year, HD made small and significant improvements — added a heat shield and a radiator deflector. Both can be added to earlier Pan Americas. With those tweaks, IMHO, it’s not unusually warm.

Re: hard bags
I have the HD accessory hard aluminum panniers and top box. Installation of the rack for the top box is a PITA, but easy peasy beyond that — see threads for tips. I typically ride with just the top box unless I am really going somewhere. With one key, I can remove them all in less than a minute. The brackets are inconspicuous.

Here’s my install post: https://www.panamericaforums.com/threads/installed-side-cases-and-top-case.1185/

If you’re focused primarily on road, the sport saddlebags don’t require those brackets and come off completely clean.


Re: anything else
Mike’s Motorbike Channel on YouTube is a great resource of how to videos for the Pan America. (@mikeInPA)
 
#4 ·
Sq51lacfd said:
Nearly every one of your questions has been addressed elsewhere within the forum. Do a bit of a search on each one of the items. We have members here from various climates that have been gracious to post their experiences. I'm confident you can find enough opinions to make your best decision.
As for now, we can leave the post up in the general. Moderators will move posts from time to time and the originator is notified as to where it went and the reason for the move.
Click to expand...
While I appreciate the search functionality and folks should certainly give it a spin, there’s also the reality that the search for this forum is not particularly awesome. For new members, we should grant them a little patience and understanding.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
detansinn said:
Re: headlight
OEM is fine. You need to adjust the angle to get it dialed in. It’s literally night/day when you have it set up right.

Re: first upgrade
Quickshifter. Have them do it before the bike leaves the dealer. It’s one of the few items that you can’t wrench yourself, because it requires dealer-only firmware updates. While it’s not at the level of Ducati’s quickshifter (really, what is), it goes well with the power characteristics of the engine.

Re: heat
With the 2023 model year, HD made small and significant improvements — added a heat shield and a radiator deflector. Both can be added to earlier Pan Americas. With those tweaks, IMHO, it’s not unusually warm.

Re: hard bags
I have the HD accessory hard aluminum panniers and top box. Installation of the rack for the top box is a PITA, but easy peasy beyond that — see threads for tips. I typically ride with just the top box unless I am really going somewhere. With one key, I can remove them all in less than a minute. The brackets are inconspicuous.

Here’s my install post: https://www.panamericaforums.com/threads/installed-side-cases-and-top-case.1185/

If you’re focused primarily on road, the sport saddlebags don’t require those brackets and come off completely clean.


Re: anything else
Mike’s Motorbike Channel on YouTube is a great resource of how to videos for the Pan America. (@mikeInPA)
Click to expand...
Thanks, sir - I actually did a bit of searching as a new member to see if these issues had been spoken to - I guess the next time I post I'll need to include an affidavit that I have spent so many minutes (hours?) searching before I posted my question. That's just the situation we find ourselves in social media these days.

At any rate - I appreciate the time you took to respond. (1) I assume the headlight adjustment instructions are in the operator's manual? (2) Yes, my GS had a quickshifter. Never had one before and I didn't even give it a thought when I made to purchase thr bike but grew to appreciate it when I was exiting corners really fast. Might get one for the PAS (3) That confirms what I saw on Mike' Motorbike Channel - just wanted to confirm. (4) I'll copy the link to your post when I get a set. (5) Thanks for the recommendation - I saw his review of the changes for 2024 and found it helpful and his comments about the upgrades for the charging system/battery may swing me towards a '24 instead of a '23. Just haven't got comfortable with the new graphics although once I see a '24 on the floor I may warm up to them.
 
#6 ·
kw278 said:
Thanks, sir - I actually did a bit of searching as a new member to see if these issues had been spoken to - I guess the next time I post I'll need to include an affidavit that I have spent so many minutes (hours?) searching before I posted my question. That's just the situation we find ourselves in social media these days.

At any rate - I appreciate the time you took to respond. (1) I assume the headlight adjustment instructions are in the operator's manual? (2) Yes, my GS had a quickshifter. Never had one before and I didn't even give it a thought when I made to purchase thr bike but grew to appreciate it when I was exiting corners really fast. Might get one for the PAS (3) That confirms what I saw on Mike' Motorbike Channel - just wanted to confirm. (4) I'll copy the link to your post when I get a set. (5) Thanks for the recommendation - I saw his review of the changes for 2024 and found it helpful and his comments about the upgrades for the charging system/battery may swing me towards a '24 instead of a '23. Just haven't got comfortable with the new graphics although once I see a '24 on the floor I may warm up to them.
Click to expand...
Headlight is a piece of cake. You pop off the cowl (no tools required) and there are two bolts to loosen — you can pivot it just like the old days. Here’s a quick video.

 
#8 ·
You bet. Given that you’re coming from the BMW world, I would like to point out that Touratech makes some very nice pieces for the Pan America. Be sure to take a look. Their skid plate is a great piece of kit.

www.panamericaforums.com

Touratech Expedition Skid Plate Installed

I didn’t like the aesthetics of the Harley Davidson accessory skid plate. I am also not a fan of exposed hardware on the bottom of a skid plate. So, I went looking in the aftermarket and decided to go with the Touratech skid plate. It’s a little more expensive than the Harley piece, but for...
www.panamericaforums.com www.panamericaforums.com

 
#9 ·
That's great, trying to get my buddy off his GS! Well, not really but we do go back and forth.:)
I didn't hear about or I didn't pay that much attention to headlight but i did get and install the HD daymakers, one of my firsts....

Kinda depends on where/what/how you'll be riding, ie plan off road I'd suggest rad and gut guard, footpegs.... Longer/highway miles maybe seat/windshield, hiway pegs etc.... or if you got unlimited funds, do everything!:LOL:....

I have stock and done nothing for engine heat but you remind me to look into that, not bad til you get into slow traffic at noon in july.... I have a 21....

I have the HD aluminum panniers and top. What detansinn said, top bracket little pain but easy, I installed mine and survived two drops and still great, there's a little bend but they work..... once installed very easy on off bike.

I'm coming from 07 RK and I absolutely love my bike, I've had (and hope that's all) minor inconveniences and my buddy (wrote about other posts) has had problems with his beemer and I'd buy again.
I think im done with my "upgrades/add ons" and ive got several different brands. AltRider, tourtech, HD, black dog, Denali, A1....

Keep us posted on your purchase.
✌
 
#10 ·
I have the Touratech top box and have been happy with it for the past 2 years. Installing it didn’t result in cursing until I got to putting the locks in. They really ought to do that for you.

No complaints with the lighting.

Definately get the Arrow header. Helps with heat by lowering engine temp, improves throttle response and gives some amount of power boost even with OEM arrestor and silencer.

For riding on gravel you’ll want to ditch the OEM tires. What works for me may or may not work for you so I say investigate and experiment. In general I like a knobby in the front and something more tractor-like for the rear. My current setup ( Shinko E804, Mitas E07+) gives me total confidence and traction on gravel up to 60 mph. With the Anakee Adventure tires 30 mph could put your life in jeopardy if you needed to brake suddenly on gravel. Plus like many others I found the Anakee front tire severely cupped out after only a few thousand miles. This bike is hard on front tires.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
ODGreenPA said:
That's great, trying to get my buddy off his GS! Well, not really but we do go back and forth.:)
I didn't hear about or I didn't pay that much attention to headlight but i did get and install the HD daymakers, one of my firsts....

Kinda depends on where/what/how you'll be riding, ie plan off road I'd suggest rad and gut guard, footpegs.... Longer/highway miles maybe seat/windshield, hiway pegs etc.... or if you got unlimited funds, do everything!:LOL:....

I have stock and done nothing for engine heat but you remind me to look into that, not bad til you get into slow traffic at noon in july.... I have a 21....

I have the HD aluminum panniers and top. What detansinn said, top bracket little pain but easy, I installed mine and survived two drops and still great, there's a little bend but they work..... once installed very easy on off bike.

I'm coming from 07 RK and I absolutely love my bike, I've had (and hope that's all) minor inconveniences and my buddy (wrote about other posts) has had problems with his beemer and I'd buy again.
I think im done with my "upgrades/add ons" and ive got several different brands. AltRider, tourtech, HD, black dog, Denali, A1....

Keep us posted on your purchase.
✌
Click to expand...
I shall! The GS was a good bike, although I always had a problem warming up to the looks. The real issue (in addition to having a bit of brand loyalty to the MoCo) was service - the nearest guy, who is actually quite good, is over an hour away.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Stainless Steel Provider said:
I have the Touratech top box and have been happy with it for the past 2 years. Installing it didn’t result in cursing until I got to putting the locks in. They really ought to do that for you.

No complaints with the lighting.

Definately get the Arrow header. Helps with heat by lowering engine temp, improves throttle response and gives some amount of power boost even with OEM arrestor and silencer.

For riding on gravel you’ll want to ditch the OEM tires. What works for me may or may not work for you so I say investigate and experiment. In general I like a knobby in the front and something more tractor-like for the rear. My current setup ( Shinko E804, Mitas E07+) gives me total confidence and traction on gravel up to 60 mph. With the Anakee Adventure tires 30 mph could put your life in jeopardy if you needed to brake suddenly on gravel. Plus like many others I found the Anakee front tire severely cupped out after only a few thousand miles. This bike is hard on front tires.
Click to expand...
Thanks! Yes, I had Anakee's on the GS. I'll check out the Arrow header - I assume no adjustments to the ECU are necessary? Is is compatible with a Two Brothers muffler?
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
detansinn said:
You bet. Given that you’re coming from the BMW world, I would like to point out that Touratech makes some very nice pieces for the Pan America. Be sure to take a look. Their skid plate is a great piece of kit.

www.panamericaforums.com

Touratech Expedition Skid Plate Installed

I didn’t like the aesthetics of the Harley Davidson accessory skid plate. I am also not a fan of exposed hardware on the bottom of a skid plate. So, I went looking in the aftermarket and decided to go with the Touratech skid plate. It’s a little more expensive than the Harley piece, but for...
www.panamericaforums.com www.panamericaforums.com

Click to expand...
Touratech makes some good products, although I had Vario side cases (nice if you don't abuse them too much). And the skid plate is under consideration - As I mentioned, there won't be an awful lot of off-road activity initially but definitely somethng to kepe in mind.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Stainless Steel Provider said:
I have the Touratech top box and have been happy with it for the past 2 years. Installing it didn’t result in cursing until I got to putting the locks in. They really ought to do that for you.

No complaints with the lighting.

Definately get the Arrow header. Helps with heat by lowering engine temp, improves throttle response and gives some amount of power boost even with OEM arrestor and silencer.

For riding on gravel you’ll want to ditch the OEM tires. What works for me may or may not work for you so I say investigate and experiment. In general I like a knobby in the front and something more tractor-like for the rear. My current setup ( Shinko E804, Mitas E07+) gives me total confidence and traction on gravel up to 60 mph. With the Anakee Adventure tires 30 mph could put your life in jeopardy if you needed to brake suddenly on gravel. Plus like many others I found the Anakee front tire severely cupped out after only a few thousand miles. This bike is hard on front tires.
Click to expand...
Also, how is your setup on paved roads? We have an annual trip to the southern Blue Ridge where we ride the usual suspects - Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28 - can your setup hande those? How much noise?
 
#15 ·
100% agree with @detansinn!!

If I could go back, I might would have tried the Chinese knock-off HD hard panniers from Pazoma Racing. They look pretty good and are a lot cheaper. But you get what you pay for... So it would be a gamble. I run the top case and a tank bag primarily, with a Wunderlich toolbox. For overnight trips, I put my HD sport bags on.

I have a '21, it NEEDED a better battery (search the forum for details).. If I bought a '22 or even a '23, I would upgrade the battery. For the '24 model year, HD wised up and bumped the battery size. (Per "Mikes Motorbike Channel).

Chain maintenance and tension- the PA runs a little looser than other bikes to accommodate the ARH. Read the manual, and don't skimp on the lube.

The cornering lamp- along with the headlight, it also might need adjusting, too high and you'll piss off anyone you get behind because every time you turn they'll think you are flashing them. There is a place in the menus to lock it in the ON position, then just adjust it down on the road. When you lean a turn, it'll light up the white line/ditch as it should. It might take a couple tries to find the "sweet spot".

Tires- For mostly pavement and especially deals gap, I run Dunlop Mutants. Highly recommend.
 
#16 ·
I was in your boat around this time last year and I did pull the trigger and i'm glad i did! Everyones got a little different perspective, so here's my 2c.


kw278 said:
  • Are there any after-market upgrades to the headlight, as I’ve heard the OEM unit is rather weak?
Click to expand...
It is rather weak, but re-aiming (as suggested above) is good, and you're going to want one of the spot lights and/or running lights. HD has one (comes standard on the new CVO) and Denali has a number of options too.
kw278 said:
  • Aside from the usual aftermarket additions (quickshifter, seat, muffler/exhaust system, hand guards, skid plate, tires, and windshield), what would be the first upgrade you would recommend?
Click to expand...
  • Bags! As an aside, exhaust, lights and seat are the only ones i think are super needed if you are staying on road and not hitting the dirt a ton.

kw278 said:
  • Assuming you did not replace the entire exhaust system, or remove the catalytic converter, how did you find the heat given off the bike? North Carolina gets fairly hot in the summer, but not Florida hot.
Click to expand...
So im up north and its hot. I replaced my exhaust with the HD SE and i love it. But its not the stock or aftermarket exhaust that gives off heat, its the radiator/engine headers that do. The 23 and newer have a shield and if you have an older theres an aftermarket one you can put on. Its definitely a warm bike for sure, one of the few negatives about the bike. Being up north, its actually not bad to ride in the cold weather however.

kw278 said:
  • Are there any hard saddlebag setups you can recommend besides the OEM version? Ideally, it would be something I could remove without too much trouble as I really only use them a few times per year. I don’t mind turning a few bolts to get the brackets off every now and then.
Click to expand...
Well, there is no "OEM" bags, unless you are buying the new CVO. I got the sport HD ones which are the easiest to pull on and off. I found for stopping at hotels its super easy to unload your stuff for the night. If you are going off road though, you're going to want to look into some more heavy duty panniers.

kw278 said:
  • Anything else about the PAS I should be on the lookout for or be concerned about?
Click to expand...
Get the bike on the latest software update when you take delivery of the bike. Keep the bike on the tender at all times, unless you are upgrading to the lithium battery.

Have fun and stay safe out there.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Tobba611 said:
100% agree with @detansinn!!

If I could go back, I might would have tried the Chinese knock-off HD hard panniers from Pazoma Racing. They look pretty good and are a lot cheaper. But you get what you pay for... So it would be a gamble. I run the top case and a tank bag primarily, with a Wunderlich toolbox. For overnight trips, I put my HD sport bags on.

I have a '21, it NEEDED a better battery (search the forum for details).. If I bought a '22 or even a '23, I would upgrade the battery. For the '24 model year, HD wised up and bumped the battery size. (Per "Mikes Motorbike Channel).

Chain maintenance and tension- the PA runs a little looser than other bikes to accommodate the ARH. Read the manual, and don't skimp on the lube.

The cornering lamp- along with the headlight, it also might need adjusting, too high and you'll piss off anyone you get behind because every time you turn they'll think you are flashing them. There is a place in the menus to lock it in the ON position, then just adjust it down on the road. When you lean a turn, it'll light up the white line/ditch as it should. It might take a couple tries to find the "sweet spot".

Tires- For mostly pavement and especially deals gap, I run Dunlop Mutants. Highly recommend.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this - and since you brought up the battery and Mike's Motorbike Channel - I have a follow-on question. Mike (I guess that's his name) also said the charging system was being upgraded in '24 to charge better at lower RPM's. I'm also considering a '23 model, as I like the styling a bit better, but I'm wondering if the '21-'23 charging systems are up to scratch. I've come across a few posts where they had to be replaced. Any thoughts on the risks of not going with a '24 (with the more robust charging system)?
 
#18 ·
kw278 said:
Thanks for this - and since you brought up the battery and Mike's Motorbike Channel - I have a follow-on question. Mike (I guess that's his name) also said the charging system was being upgraded in '24 to charge better at lower RPM's. I'm also considering a '23 model, as I like the styling a bit better, but I'm wondering if the '21-'23 charging systems are up to scratch. I've come across a few posts where they had to be replaced. Any thoughts on the risks of not going with a '24 (with the more robust charging system)?
Click to expand...
I haven't seen the '24s, and i haven't heard any reports of anyone riding those. So thats all in theory at the moment. My personal opinion is as long as you stay away from the '21's, you should be fine. Like i said, i always keep mine on a tender so i haven't had issues. And those who have, have upgraded to the lithium or other stronger batteries. I think theres a stronger Yazua battery but i haven't heard if its made a difference or not.
 
#19 ·
tvond said:
My personal opinion is as long as you stay away from the '21's, you should be fine.
Click to expand...
Only deal breaker on a 21 is if you want a quick shifter.
Other than that, not much difference between a 21 with an updated starter clutch and current software updates and a 22.
23 started to see more improvements with the radiator hose retention, improved windscreen stability, and a couple other things.

to the OP, I would not be concerned about the charging system updates itself unless perhaps you are going to ride 2-up and you are both using heated gear.
The larger battery, however, should prove to be a benefit over what comes in the 21-23s.
 
#20 ·
now, let me add the caveat that the differences I described are the actual changes as far as parts used on the bike year to year. Once could perhaps also argue that later model bikes may have had better QA coming off the line as the factory techs gained more experience. There were several TSBs issued for early year bikes instructing dealers to verify proper routing and clamping of the coolant hoses, proper routing of the battery cable, proper wiring in suspension connectors, etc..
 
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