[dead_tom]

Where to begin? A month ago my current bike (2009 VRSCDX) had its life cut short when a lady decided to blast off from a stop sign and t-bone me, with my left leg taking 100% of the impact. Bike was totaled due to a bent frame and my leg was shattered even worse. Doc says up to 6 months for a full recovery which puts me right around late spring to hop back in the saddle.

I’ve had the V-Rod since 2010, with ZERO issues in the 50,000+ miles I put on in that time (less the almost 4 years it was in storage following a previous accident, in which time I rode my 1990 FXR, also totaled in 2017). Anyway, being a magnet for terrible drivers aside, the PanAm appeals to be for obvious reasons - power/power delivery similar to my V-Rod, performance handling and breaking, and I’ve always yearned to be better equipped for off road exploring (never really stopped me on my other two bikes but they definitely had their limitations!).

So here I am, stuck between a Pan America Special, and a Road Glide Special. Two completely different animals I know, but my main hot button is long distance comfort for both rider and passenger, the PAS just happens to bring all the performance to the table as well. I guess you could expect me to be lurking here for the next few months trying to learn more about the bike and lusting over all of your pics. Once I’m able to giddy up again who knows, I just might be posting pics of my own.

 

[Shrewsred]

Sorry to hear about the crash, hope the leg mends well👍👍👍👍

 

[ODGreenPA]

Screw the leg, hope he gave her a proper burial.😁 Kidding aside, pray for full recovery and you are able to ride again and hopefully idiots will notice and not pull out in front of anyone of us riding!

 

[Matilda]

Sorry to hear about the Crash. Hope your Leg will heal.
The dessicion is easy to make.
Set your priorty and do it.
I for myselfe deside many Power and Low wight and came up with the PAS.
My calculation with no rider
152hp/ 258kg = 0,59 HP/kg
94hp/ 387kg = 0,24 HP/kg
Almost 2,5 Times more Power.
Now it is up to you to calculate.
Good luck

 

[dead_tom]

Sorry to hear about the crash, hope the leg mends well👍👍👍👍

Thanks!

 

[dead_tom]

Screw the leg, hope he gave her a proper burial.😁 Kidding aside, pray for full recovery and you are able to ride again and hopefully idiots will notice and not pull out in front of anyone of us riding!

Haha thanks. Is it bad that I care more about being able to shift effectively than I do about possibly having a limp for the rest of my life? If I do end up getting a PanAm, I’ll definitely be adding the brightest accessory lights possible and having them on 24/7... 👀👀👀👀👀

 

[Muttley]

Sorry about the crash, heal quick.

If it's long distance cruising you seek, and speed and actual power aren't that important to you, plus you feel the need to be unquestionably part of the Harley culture, the Road Glide is a beautiful piece of driveway jewelry. Ain't nuthin' wrong with that.

If you want a bike that is a blast to ride, nimble, light and a kick in the pants, and you want to have the option of going off road, then the PAS could definitely be your next bike. Yes, it's still a Harley, however there are a few "Culture Cops" out there that might give you a hard time (a few morons in the 'social club' I ride with in particular). There are a few misgivings and design flaws that can and will be addressed (aftermarket or otherwise), and a few people have had some issues (not me), but over all the bike is pretty freakin' cool. Plus you won't have to wash it after every ride and you can keep all your T-shirts.

 

[107Heaven]

Where to begin? A month ago my current bike (2009 VRSCDX) had its life cut short when a lady decided to blast off from a stop sign and t-bone me, with my left leg taking 100% of the impact. Bike was totaled due to a bent frame and my leg was shattered even worse. Doc says up to 6 months for a full recovery which puts me right around late spring to hop back in the saddle.

I’ve had the V-Rod since 2010, with ZERO issues in the 50,000+ miles I put on in that time (less the almost 4 years it was in storage following a previous accident, in which time I rode my 1990 FXR, also totaled in 2017). Anyway, being a magnet for terrible drivers aside, the PanAm appeals to be for obvious reasons - power/power delivery similar to my V-Rod, performance handling and breaking, and I’ve always yearned to be better equipped for off road exploring (never really stopped me on my other two bikes but they definitely had their limitations!).

So here I am, stuck between a Pan America Special, and a Road Glide Special. Two completely different animals I know, but my main hot button is long distance comfort for both rider and passenger, the PAS just happens to bring all the performance to the table as well. I guess you could expect me to be lurking here for the next few months trying to learn more about the bike and lusting over all of your pics. Once I’m able to giddy up again who knows, I just might be posting pics of my own.

View attachment 414

Love the new pan am but if I’m still looking I got a street glide special for sale lol heal up soon

 

[Terronaut]

Hey Tom, RIP to your bike man and despite your injuries I'm so glad you are on the mend - that scenario is every rider's worst nightmare. I think I can speak intelligently on this one, as I happen to own a '22 Pan America, and a '15 Road Glide. And a '78 shovelhead, but we'll leave her out for the conversation for obvious reasons. At the end of the day, there's no doubt it's a matter of preference, but for me, for LONG DISTANCE (as is your question), there is no comparison - my Road Glide is exponentially more comfortable. Of course that is long distance, on well-paved American roads, let's be clear on this too. The considerably larger girth, longer wheel base, gearing, and considerably larger frame-mounted fairing of the Road Glide absorbs the road and wind, and when set up properly (bars, controls, etc.) lays me out in a much more recumbent position than the PA. At 80MPH the RG purrs along somewhere in the 2,500 RPM range, so vibration is non existent, and there's little more than a comfortable, steady, and gratifying "purr" coming from the exhaust. Althought the PA redlines much higher at a whopping 9k, I find riding at 75-80MPH a bit uncomfortable for long, as the motor is winding up in the 4,000RPM+ range, which with a Two Brothers exhaust is more of a roar than a purr, and I also find that my hands tend to get a bit numb from leaning forward ONTO my hands, and through a bit of vibration. I live in Texas and have ridden my RG east to North Carolina and back, west to California and back, and countless journies in betweeen, comfortably, and with no issues. Although doable, personally I think that much traveling on my Pan America would be difficult for me, and I'm not young anymore either. If I was going to ride 300+ miles a day, with or without a passenger, there's no doubt I'd prefer the RG. But again, that's me. Day to day though, I love - LOVE- riding my Pan America! It's been my go-to since I've got it and it's by far thee funnest bike I've ever owned, being quite powerful, nimble, and let's face it pretty dang easy on the eyes. Swtiching back and forth between the RG and the PA sure takes some muscle memory adjustment - they are wildly different rides, both performance ride, control wise, and physically how they are laid out. As a side note, if I'm riding 15 miles or less, my shovelhead is fun too - it's about as comfortable as a garden tractor but sure looks great lol. At the end of the day though, my opinion is just that - it's my opinion. Others may love to ride their Pan America, or other sport adventure bike, for days on end - it's just a matter of choice, and best of luck on yours! Cheers

 

[malinois781]

I would go with the Pan Am Special and spend more time off road where there ain't so many other drivers in cars... increase your odds!

 

[Burnin Padrons]

Where to begin? A month ago my current bike (2009 VRSCDX) had its life cut short when a lady decided to blast off from a stop sign and t-bone me, with my left leg taking 100% of the impact. Bike was totaled due to a bent frame and my leg was shattered even worse. Doc says up to 6 months for a full recovery which puts me right around late spring to hop back in the saddle.

I’ve had the V-Rod since 2010, with ZERO issues in the 50,000+ miles I put on in that time (less the almost 4 years it was in storage following a previous accident, in which time I rode my 1990 FXR, also totaled in 2017). Anyway, being a magnet for terrible drivers aside, the PanAm appeals to be for obvious reasons - power/power delivery similar to my V-Rod, performance handling and breaking, and I’ve always yearned to be better equipped for off road exploring (never really stopped me on my other two bikes but they definitely had their limitations!).

So here I am, stuck between a Pan America Special, and a Road Glide Special. Two completely different animals I know, but my main hot button is long distance comfort for both rider and passenger, the PAS just happens to bring all the performance to the table as well. I guess you could expect me to be lurking here for the next few months trying to learn more about the bike and lusting over all of your pics. Once I’m able to giddy up again who knows, I just might be posting pics of my own.

View attachment 414

Welcome aboard, and be thankful that you're on the right side of the dirt where you have to make such a tough decision... buy a bagger or a PAS
I agree with Terronaut on the bikes. I have an '17 Ultra Limited and the '22 PAS.
Two totally different rides, and on the long hauls I do enjoy being stretched out on my Ultra, but I've found myself riding my PAS more around my state looking for the dirt than riding my Ultra for sure.
Glad you're still kicking

 

[Matilda]

Hello dead Tom,
I did it to.
Dropped my pas down the stony hill.
.....it happend but i am still fearly ok.

 

[drifter]

😳 Sorry to hear.

 

[Burnin Padrons]

Boy oh boy

 

[drifter]

Hey @Matilda, how are you doing? Are you recovering well arter the accident?

 

[Matilda]

Hey drifter,
Thanks for asking, i am ok. Running, jumping, party at its best.
Lately i was at a Whisky Fair 👍🥃🥃🥃
Three days after the accident i was on my other Harley on tour.

The Bike is smashed. Frame, fork, Front wheel are done. Other parts too.
The new Pan America is ordered. so i am locking forward to get it in the spring

 

[FOURSEASONS1621]

Also sorry to hear about your accident and bike being totaled. I can say without a doubt drivers notice me on my PA more than any other bike I've owned. I believe this comes from its extremely tall stature putting your body more in the line of sight of other drivers. Nearly no close calls 8k miles in so far. I hope to welcome you and your bike to the forum in the coming months! Post your dealer pic when and if you take delivery!

 

[Asphaltsurfer1]

No “fender bender” accidents when MCs are involved. The PAS is a replacement for a 1250GS BMW that was taken out by a young and dumb driver. I too am getting my legs back to riding. PanAm forum is probably going to overall favor that direction versus traditional big twins. Once your legs heals it might tell you if it would rather lean a bit back or forward. Weight and height differences plus riding position might help dictate a decision. For me, the adventure stance with knees stretched out and a bit back with a slight lean forward is more comfortable on the long haul and allows stand up riding to get pressure off your back and ass. I had an Electraglide and have ridden Roadkings and Streetglides. They’re nice too but prefer the PAS in my old age.

 

[71Romeo]

Hey Tom, RIP to your bike man and despite your injuries I'm so glad you are on the mend - that scenario is every rider's worst nightmare. I think I can speak intelligently on this one, as I happen to own a '22 Pan America, and a '15 Road Glide. And a '78 shovelhead, but we'll leave her out for the conversation for obvious reasons. At the end of the day, there's no doubt it's a matter of preference, but for me, for LONG DISTANCE (as is your question), there is no comparison - my Road Glide is exponentially more comfortable. Of course that is long distance, on well-paved American roads, let's be clear on this too. The considerably larger girth, longer wheel base, gearing, and considerably larger frame-mounted fairing of the Road Glide absorbs the road and wind, and when set up properly (bars, controls, etc.) lays me out in a much more recumbent position than the PA. At 80MPH the RG purrs along somewhere in the 2,500 RPM range, so vibration is non existent, and there's little more than a comfortable, steady, and gratifying "purr" coming from the exhaust. Althought the PA redlines much higher at a whopping 9k, I find riding at 75-80MPH a bit uncomfortable for long, as the motor is winding up in the 4,000RPM+ range, which with a Two Brothers exhaust is more of a roar than a purr, and I also find that my hands tend to get a bit numb from leaning forward ONTO my hands, and through a bit of vibration. I live in Texas and have ridden my RG east to North Carolina and back, west to California and back, and countless journies in betweeen, comfortably, and with no issues. Although doable, personally I think that much traveling on my Pan America would be difficult for me, and I'm not young anymore either. If I was going to ride 300+ miles a day, with or without a passenger, there's no doubt I'd prefer the RG. But again, that's me. Day to day though, I love - LOVE- riding my Pan America! It's been my go-to since I've got it and it's by far thee funnest bike I've ever owned, being quite powerful, nimble, and let's face it pretty dang easy on the eyes. Swtiching back and forth between the RG and the PA sure takes some muscle memory adjustment - they are wildly different rides, both performance ride, control wise, and physically how they are laid out. As a side note, if I'm riding 15 miles or less, my shovelhead is fun too - it's about as comfortable as a garden tractor but sure looks great lol. At the end of the day though, my opinion is just that - it's my opinion. Others may love to ride their Pan America, or other sport adventure bike, for days on end - it's just a matter of choice, and best of luck on yours! Cheers

GREATEST REVELATIONS EVER. What a perfect telling of who you are and how the bikes suit you. I'm keeping my 21 RG love her but am so ready to take the much lighter PAS in the rain and wherever. I won't be on any super long trips regardless...or at least not too many miles in any given day. Though life is short, I'm not trying to get through it too quickly.

 

[71Romeo]

Sorry about your leg you badass. Tough question cuz the baggers are so comfy. Once I got used to the foot position on the PAS and the weight difference I couldn't resist and have to have one. So my gut says go PAS for now. Keep her happy. Slide into a new color scheme and amazing bagger for the 2024 or 2025 model year......