Hi all, looks like the first glimpse of the 25 Pan Am is on HD's website. Looks like the flagship color will be blue. I'm guessing black and grey will remain lower priced options like in prior years. Any other guesses for 2025 changes or revisions? I'm really hoping that HD implemented an adaptive cruise control/radar system now that most of the competition has it. This will be the 4th model year for the PAS and HD really needs to update the tech IMO to stay competitive in the ADV tech race. Traditional HD buyers don't embrace tech, but buyers of big ADV bikes are more than happy to shell out for it. HD only shipped (not sold) less than 700 Pan Ams to dealers in Q4 2023 with some of those units still remaining unsold today. I'm hoping the 2025 model will bring big improvements and get sales numbers back up to 2021 levels.
2025 Pan Am
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Panamfan123
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In my opinion, the ARH was implemented almost perfectly and was an absolute game changer in the segment. No doubt that all the other manufacturers had to play catch up in that regard. I do believe that adding radar, adaptive cruise, and a few select refinements would give the Pan Am a much needed sales boost. Adding tech certainly won't win over the traditional HD buyer, but it might make BMW, KTM, and Ducati riders take a closer look. A larger fuel tank version would also be nice to better rival the GSA.
22 PAS, 13 Dyna Wideglide, 2001 Honda XR650R, 2007 KDX 220, 1994 ATK 604 E
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I believe that the Pan Am is here for a while, and the motor is definitely a beta test for future bikes to come. I have almost gone Hooligan on my bike and have not seen dirt in about 9 months!
It might just be a trend, I still love moto camping and love the fact that in a few minutes, can convert her to adv bike again.
I can't wait to see this motor in a cruiser!
It might just be a trend, I still love moto camping and love the fact that in a few minutes, can convert her to adv bike again.
I can't wait to see this motor in a cruiser!
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Hi Mike, I believe that tech and image are the 2 biggest sales drivers with the big ADV bikes. The ADV crowd seems to like being on the cutting edge as well as looking (and feeling) like Boorman, McGregor, etc. The Pan Am is a great bike but it's on its 5th model year with no major refresh. Coupled with this, the HD nameplate brings some cultural baggage the some ADV riders simply want nothing to do with, regardless how good the bike is. That's not a bash at HD at all, but it's an obstacle that exists (think of trying to get the most fervent HD traditionalist to ride and accept a Honda- not an easy task!)
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I also would like to add, that the Pan Am's biggest hurdle of all is dealer support!! HD absolutely needs to invest in training (both in sales and service) for this bike if they want to continue selling it. Some dealers have embraced the Pan Am and have become intimately knowledgeable with it while others want nothing to do with it and haven't taken the time to learn the platform. I believe this is the biggest factor keeping other brand buyers away. When you buy a BMW, Honda, Yamaha
Ducati, etc; you know that virtually every dealer will have a tech with experience on the platform and won't need his/her hand held by corporate for basic diag, repair, etc. I'm all for the Pan Am continuing, but without uniform dealer competence, it's another nail in the coffin.
Ducati, etc; you know that virtually every dealer will have a tech with experience on the platform and won't need his/her hand held by corporate for basic diag, repair, etc. I'm all for the Pan Am continuing, but without uniform dealer competence, it's another nail in the coffin.
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I would like to see a "sport" version of the Pan America, 17" wheels and a little lower to the ground. While I personally would probably not buy one, it should be relatively easy for HD to build with little to no re-tooling and would expand the RevMax / Pan America's market beyond ADV.
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Is 5 years really that long for a bike model? The BMW 1250GS was made for 5 years before being updated to the 1300. And the KTM 1290 Super Adventure from what I can find, had a major update in 2017.
I do agree that the HD name is a blessing and curse at the same time. An HD ADV bike has brought over some people who would not have considered buying a non-US brand bike.
But on the other hand, the reliability horror stories have done HD any favors on being taken seriously in the ADV market. Yes, all bikes have their share of issues, but with the public perception of HD only making 1960's technology, I feel this bike needed to knock it out of the park for reliability to be taken seriously and they failed to do that. Hopefully that improves, but first impressions are tough to overcome.
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This is another area where HD could really use this to their advantage but unfortunately has not happened.
One of HD's greatest strengths is their dealer network. I have 2 dealers within 20 minutes of me, and there are others to choose from within 45 minutes to an hour.
I bought a Triumph this past summer. The dealer I bought it from is an hour and a half away. I have another dealer about an hour and a half away in the other direction. Unless something major happens to that bike under warranty, I'll probably never go back to that dealer and just order my service parts online. But I have no problems stopping by my local HD dealer for oil filters, spark plugs, etc..
BUT.. when dealers either treat Pan America customers as second class, or the service department is sub par, etc, etc.. all of that is going to further alienate this market. Having dealers all over is no good if they are not onboard with selling and supporting this platform with the same passion as the M8 based bikes.
2021 Deadwood (OD) Green PanAm, 2007 Pearl Yellow RK Custom
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My .02. Perspective plays alot.
5yrs is nothing (happens all time) but when other manufacturers are making changes (even if it's playing catch up) but your not, Not good! Then you have people talking bout no changes or nothing new again this year, will make continue, what if's and of course just being HD... ✌
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Lots of good points to be made. BTW, your youtube videos are absolutely wonderful and every person on this forum should be very grateful for them.
Panfan123 I for one appreciate your honesty. I had. 2021 that I bought in March of 24 and traded it for a new2024. I had many issues with the 21 but I loved the bike so much that I risked getting the 24 in June of 2024. So far the bike has been flawless. But without honest feedback and reviews how can any company get better. Thanks
I agree, Mike's videos are excellent and very informative. Thank you for the channel Mike, as I have learned a lot from you!
I always find the discussions of HD discontinuing the Pan America fascinating. Just look at the V-Rod for your answer. HD built it for 15 years, and the only reason they killed it is because of the cost of bringing engine to new emission standards, despite very low sales figures.
PAS needs more market saturation, especially with the newer models that have less issues, and it will hopefully develop some following. It already has more aftermarket support than V-Rod ever had, and Rev Max is definitely here to stay. As mentioned above, the dealer network is both a great asset and a great liability. The difference in support and service can be staggering. I'm lucky that at least one dealer close to me has competent PAS tech, but would let my local one near my bike.
PAS needs more market saturation, especially with the newer models that have less issues, and it will hopefully develop some following. It already has more aftermarket support than V-Rod ever had, and Rev Max is definitely here to stay. As mentioned above, the dealer network is both a great asset and a great liability. The difference in support and service can be staggering. I'm lucky that at least one dealer close to me has competent PAS tech, but would let my local one near my bike.
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