[Sq51lacfd]

I've been a member here since I purchased my RA1250S. It has been a fantastic resource of knowledge and experience and I am truly grateful for all of the postings.
I noticed something recently, there seems to be an over-abundance of complaint related posts and a lack of positive posts. I found myself guilty of the same thing when I went down the rabbit hole on the radiator hose issue. I tried to post information that would be helpful to others, but, I could not help but think that some of it was an exercise in therapy for myself. (Venting)
Let's all try and commit to posting something positive to encourage all of us to continue to learn and discuss the great adventure we have all taken to.
I'll Start............
By comparison to the 20+ bikes I have owned in the last 40 years, this is by far my favorite. As far as horsepower, it will wipe the floor with my Ducati Multistrada and come in at almost 95 lbs lighter.
I love the consistency in the size and type of fasteners used on the bike. Makes for less tools carried and less laying on the garage floor.
I was not a fan of the color choices initially, but now, find myself thinking they are all equally cool.
Aftermarket manufacturers are scrambling to build more and more parts each week to add to this already awesome machine.
Not a day goes by that I wish I'd bought something else.

What do you all have that makes it a Great Bike to own?

See you out there.

 

[kirkster]

Wow, 20+ bikes is a lot. For me the Pan America is my 10th bike since I started riding in the late 1970's. I too think this is my favorite bike to date. I love the power, the ride and handling. I also love the weight, it is so much lighter than my Road Glide Limited I traded for it. I've only had it for not quite 2 months but I enjoy it every time I take it out. It is a blast to ride.

Ride safe.

 

[Dirtglide]

It's truly a great motor, it's super comfortable and the most stable and planted bike I've ever owned. It also attracts more attention than any other bike I've owned, the amount of, nice bike mate comments the bike gets is off the scale, even when filthy dirty, which happens. I can get 200+ miles from a tank if I need to, 180ish when ridden progressively, that's fine. Suspension has quirks, but overall is good, comfort or control can be selected as the mood/conditions dictate. Sport mode is a laugh and the bike can really be hustled along thanks to it feeling so planted, 6th gear is an overdrive, the digi dash is good and better with the 2022 update. Brakes don't feel that sharp, they work but I'd like more bite, think I'll change to SBS Evo pads, had great results with those in the past. Choose your product

Pillion comfort is also good, with the plastic grab rails being the only let down Our's snapped, but then I knew I had overloaded it before we left, we got 250 miles south and it went all floppy, only being held on with two Rock straps and the one single bolt which bolts into the plastic brake light shroud. Weight ahem, 'saving' taken too far let's think

A friend came to our rescue. He rode 30 miles to meet us the next day, we loaded our 52L Givi Maxia huge box which looked massive on all previous bike, but looks compact on the PAS.

Dave fetched the box on the back of his Honda 750 DCT moto, where's the clutch lever, Dave? To which he replies. Piss off! Back to his gaff and luggage safely tucked away for collection, later. I did phone Harley Assist, they couldn't find me or the bike to start with, thank me for holding, and then offered recovery the next morning to Manchester HD, they'd put me and my long suffering wife, in a hire car, that okay?

No thanks, we shall soldier on. Hotel handy man offered the use of his drill and cable ties and next thing you know it's more bodged up than a bodger in field of bodges. Top man. Sans top box the rack survived the rest of the tour without issue, handily, it snapped beyond the rear of the grab rails, so my wife could still HOLD ON! Baby

So what's a man to do.... Replace it with something made of metal. The rails and tiny rack will be quietly removed and placed into long-term forgettage. I had a look at the budget which is tighter than two coats of paint, and bought yin o' these - Luggage Carrier + Holder for Harley Pan America 1250 / Special 21-22 Bagtecs SLP Luggage Rack

It was shipped the same day which is a nice 'positive' note to end on. Enjoy the weekend folks. DG

Doomed!

Well that's god damn torn it! That's another fine mess you've got me in, said the wife! 💩

Don't panic, I can fix this! 🇺🇲

And we made it to the Isle of Man.

In style! ☮

 

[Dirtglide]

The racks gone, John.

 

[Burnin Padrons]

The racks gone, John.
View attachment 1246

I have to agree with the grab handle issue. I keep hoping for HD or an aftermarket someone to remake that!!!!

 

[drifter]

 

[Burnin Padrons]

View attachment 1782

I like it! Have you been able to attach (bolt) any boxes or tour packs to it, or do you just use straps?

 

[drifter]

Pelican case, ‘permanent’ mount.

 

[Dirtglide]

Drifter's solution is neat, just wouldn't work for me as my Givi pannier mounts use the same under seat connection. I went this route. Prep for new metal rack & grab rails
I've not fitted a topbox yet, don't think I need it. Having a metal rack and hand rails is 110% better than plastic, even just for getting the bike up and off the mainstand. My wife showed me a paper bag from a grocery store that had a higher weight rating than the plastic PAS rack, massively higher than the 5lb it's rated for. Oh, how we laughed.

 

[Burnin Padrons]

Drifter's solution is neat, just wouldn't work for me as my Givi pannier mounts use the same under seat connection. I went this route. Prep for new metal rack & grab rails
I've not fitted a topbox yet, don't think I need it. Having a metal rack and hand rails is 110% better than plastic, even just for getting the bike up and off the mainstand. My wife showed me a paper bag from a grocery store that had a higher weight rating than the plastic PAS rack, massively higher than the 5lb it's rated for. Oh, how we laughed.

Yeah the plastic grab handles are a joke, especially when you need to upright your bike. Drifter has a nice set up and I found that rack he is using.
I'm definitely going that route.

 

[Asphaltsurfer1]

😂 yeah that plastic grab handle worries me every time I use it to move the bike around. Had similar on a few GSs but I agree, we might have gone a bit too light on those Pan Am versions. None the less, let’s go with the intent of the thread on positive things. I haven’t added them up in a long time but somewhere around 20 is probably about right. Yes I’ve had a few electronic “issues” lately but I’m positive HD and my dealer will sort them out.
1) Dynamic Suspension- while really tall riders probably won’t see the benefits. For me, it allows me to run the seat in the high position (bad knees) and still get both feet down at a stop. A game changer in comfort for me above the other advent touring bikes.
2) e-suspension- I’ve had a 1250GS and 1200 Multistrada with e-suspension and I think the Shoei on the Pan Am has better range of adjustment. It gives me the option of a plusher ride while still providing a good standard setting and a good sport setting.
3) handling- overall HD nailed it. The Pan Am handles as well as anything European that I’ve owned. A great balanced bike.
5) power- probably not the most torque or HP that I’ve owned but I love the smooth delivery. Almost like a Triumph 1050 Speed Triple that I used to own. The quality of power is really good.
6) oddity- it’s an HD but doesn’t look or feel like any HD I’ve ever owned. BMW and other Euro riders seem to be the flock it should fly in but I seem to see and hear of more traditional HD owners adding or changing up to a Pan Am thane I do brand switching. Not sure where it fits in but I have fun parking next to other HDs in a mixed crowd of bike types/brands. Always fun to see their reaction. It doesn’t get invited to the party. It crashes the party!