I just wanted to start a thread hoping to build on this is one of the best bikes out there. The forum here is loaded with threads on the problems with the bike. What I think is lost is this is hands down the most fun and enjoyable bike out there I have had two HD ultras, several sport and cruiser bikes and have been a dirt rider since I was 8. The only other bike I have had was faster than it was a Hayabusa which sucked to ride. A Lithium battery has solved most of my problems, I have yet to ride anything better..
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PAS is the best bike
craig.touchton
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50 Posts
All good points, although I actually thought the boxer look was kind of cool. But motorcycling would be boring if everyone had the same aesthetic sense, wouldn't it? As for the torque, I've read that, and I'm sure dyno numbers don't lie, but I actually used to occasionally stall the GS when pulling out unless I was attentive to getting the RPM up to about 4K. Haven't had that experience (yet) with the PAS. The dealer issue, while secondary, was a bit of an issue for myself as I am an hour south of Raleigh. The nearest source for me was actually a former BMW service manager who had his own shop. The problem is that he was an hour and some change away. I didn't have to go there often; maybe twice a year, but it was still a major inconvenience.
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44 Posts
I had to switch from my Ultra Ltd. to the PAS because of a bad hip. The adv. riding position works for me and I wanted to stay with HD. So, a PAS it is. Now, after riding it, it is probably the most exhilarating bike that I have owned. The power and handling is the best I have experienced from an HD out of the box. I would not go back even if I could. It's an apples to oranges comparison (bagger vs adv) and it all comes down to preference and need. No reason to flame anyone's choice. Ride what you want to ride and be happy.
Delivered in December new and now have 1,600 miles on it. I absolutely love my '22 PAS. I have not enjoyed my commute this much ever, to the point that I get up early so I can take the long route (an extra 25 miles) to get to work. I just wish I didn't have to stress about it not starting in the morning. It has been at the dealer for over a couple of weeks now getting it's RHCM replaced (waiting for the part), hopefully that will fix the issue and I'll be stress free.
It's such a great bike, I hope the bugs get fixed before my warranty runs out. I would love to keep the bike for a long time and hope my many trips to the service department are not endemic.
It's such a great bike, I hope the bugs get fixed before my warranty runs out. I would love to keep the bike for a long time and hope my many trips to the service department are not endemic.
A lithium battery solved my issue with it not starting, pretty much solved all my electrical gremlins.
Mine too
i first migrated to the ADV segment more than a dozen years ago primarily because of the more comfortable ergo's of the ADV's upright seating position. At 6'5" tall (barefoot), a bagger needs ALOT of modification for someone my height to be comfortable on it for extended periods of time, but I ultimately made of the HD baggers in my life work for me.
I went through a 2006 Ulysses, a 2013 Tiger Explorer, a 2016 Honda Africa Twin, and now a 2023 PAS (still have the Honda and PAS). But I can't completely give up on the bagger segment either. Still holding onto my 2017 Electra Glide (that looks like a Street Glide). I switch bikes primarily depending on who I'm riding with, the type of riding I'm doing, and what bike my riding buddies (that I'm riding with at the time) are riding. I ride with a club that rides a little bit of everything. The club is very much a "anything on two wheels" type. We all respect and enjoy the variety of bikes and everyone's choices they made.
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137 Posts
I love my PAS and it’s a riot to ride - ridden thousands of urban miles and ridden up gravel/dirt forest roads and ATV trails to over 13,000 feet (with the girlfriend in tow) and the bike did not disappoint. Unquestionably the funnest bike I’ve ever had, and I still have my ‘78 Shovel and ‘15 Road Glide which like 2023DG said, I ride depending on the situation, or my mood. Electrical gremlins and starting issues are not my favorite but hoping an upcoming lithium battery swap eliminates those, as many have suggested. An air cleaner that appears to be next to impossible to service is another thing - albeit small really. What does concern me is the prospect of HD killing production and finding service afterwards.
@Terronaut
I can tell you that having personal experience owning a 2006 Buell Ulysses (owned between 2013-2016) that I bought when the Ulysses was already out of production (since 2010) for 3 years (and Buell was out of business as well), HD was pretty good about making sure Buell parts were available for dealerships to order for some time after. Some dealerships were better at obtaining Buell parts than others. Some just gave up on it all together. I had HD dealers around me that would still order Buell parts for me.
The Buell forum (BadWeatherBikers.com) was a very passionate crowd, just like the PA crowd, and did an awesome job helping each other out with parts availability/procurement and fix-it advice. There were also small independent parts suppliers and repair shops that dealt with Buell parts and helped as well. I ultimately sold the Buell in 2016 more because of wanting an upgrade (replaced it with a 2013 Triumph Tiger Explorer) vs. not being able to get Buell parts. I would bet HD will be even better about keeping service parts available on bikes like the PA with the bar and shield emblazoned on them.
But don't worry about that now. Go out and enjoy your PA! I've only had mine since late December! I'm willing to bet that even if HD ends PA production in a couple of model years, that you'll likely see and want another bike long before you'll get frustrated with PA part procurement.
The not-starting part has been the only blemish on an otherwise awesome overall experience. Had it up at the Iron Horse Lodge by the Tail of the Dragon one evening and it was a great conversation with some Triumph and BMW GS riders. Then next morning it wouldn't start...
It was finally fixed with a software update about a year ago, and still using the original battery, I have had no issues (although I'm ready to replace it just to be safe). I also put an adapter on the battery for my jump start battery just in case.
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137 Posts
I’ve seen several people mention a software upgrade fixing a starting issue. Asking if there is a particular starting issue you are referring to? The only one (I am acutely aware of) is low voltage in the battery (<12V) causing the bike to not start. Mine has done this even after being just unplugged from a tender, and continues to do so intermittently although to the best of my knowledge software is up to date. Was this the same starting issue you refer to? I plan on swapping out to lithium one of these days - for now my added-on boost points and mobile jump starter are my back-up for quick get-away.
Thanks for the advice. If the issues continue that will be my next step. I got my back back a day ago and so far so good.
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