fbpx

Law Abiding Biker Podcast

Motorcycle Biker Podcast, Videos, & Blogs

LAB-341-Touratech Adventure Rally Experience | Testing the Pan America After 2 Years in the Wild

By Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Touratech Rally Pan AmericaIn this podcast episode, we talk about the Touratech Rally and testing the Harley-Davidson Pan America.  The Touratech Rally is an annual adventure motorcycle rally held in Plain, WA, and is organized by Touratech USA, a well-known manufacturer, and distributor of adventure motorcycle equipment and accessories.

The Touratech Rally provides a great opportunity for adventure motorcyclists and enthusiasts to come together, share experiences, attend workshops, and participate in various activities related to adventure riding. The rally typically features guided rides, skills clinics, camping, vendor displays, and product demonstrations.

Participants have the chance to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest region's scenic backroads and off-road trails, offering a fantastic backdrop for adventure riding. Riders can meet like-minded individuals, get inspired by seasoned adventurers, and learn from experts in the field during the event.

Since event details may change from year to year, it's essential to check the official Touratech USA website or other reliable sources for the most current information on the Touratech Rally in Plain, WA, if it is still being held after my last update.

SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE

Harley-Davidson wanted to fly me down to Mojave earlier in the year to get me back on the Pan America.  As it turned out, we already planned to go to the Touratech Rally.  Harley had a fleet of demo bikes there and they hooked me up with one for the day.  I had the opportunity to talk with Terry Rumpel who is the Engineering Manager for the Pan America.  I also was lucky enough to go out for part of the day with Justin Cleiter who is the Touring Manager for the Pan America.  Now that is a great job!

Check out my video on my review of the Pan America after two years of being in the wild.  You can watch the video HERE.

CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE!

So, what is my prediction for the future of the Pan America?  I have to preface this by saying that I have no inside information related to my prediction.  I'm basing my prediction based on my knowledge of the motorcycle industry and the fact that the mid-weight adventure motorcycle market is blowing up.  My prediction is that Harley will come out with a mid-weight Pan America in the near future!  Perhaps with the Revolution Max 975.  We will see…

NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED:

Wilbers Suspension Review HERE!

New Store Items Mention:

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

  • CLICK HERE!
  • Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
  • Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
  • Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

 

Sponsor-RickRak

  • CLICK HERE
  • The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
  • Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
  • Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

Sponsor-Butt Buffer

  • CLICK HERE
  • Want to ride longer?
  • Tired of a sore and achy ass?
  • Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion?

New Patrons:

  • Bryan Baker of Harrison, Arkansas
  • Donald Jennings of Liverpool, New York
  • John Sneddon of Spokane Valley, Washington
  • Chad Ochsendorf of Watertown, South Dakota
  • Russell Johnson of Thibodaux, Louisiana
  • Jeffrey Cross of Palm Coast, Florida

Patreon Biker Motorcycle Podcast

If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Donate Biker Podcast Button

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

    • Christian Lichvar
    • Geoff Capes
    • Peter Hando

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

Harley’s Next Move With The Pan America? Smaller 975cc Version

By Leave a Comment

harley pan americaI recently got to test ride and review the Harley-Davidson Pan America for an entire day at the Touratech Rally in Plain, WA. Additionally, I got to speak with Terry Rumpel, Engineering Manager for Harley-Davidson, who was involved with the Pan America since its inception. see video below

The Pan America is a larger adventure full-size “touring” adventure motorcycle, weighing in at around 560 lbs in running order, and it's a great bike in that category for sure. If you want to go ride mostly aggressive dirt and single track, then please go get a smaller mostly off-road adventure motorcycle that is a better fit for that sort of riding. The Harley Pan America is a great bike for riding pavement, forest service roads, fire roads, some jeep trails, and open off-road areas in general. 

After the release of the Harley Pan-America, it quickly became the #1 selling adventure motorcycle in North America and there are certainly many reasons for that. See my original article here. 

Now, I originally test-rode and reviewed the Pan America shortly after its release in 2021 at the Sturgis Rally, where I got to ride it around the beautiful Black Hills, so make sure you check that video out for a full review, details, and specs. 

So, it had been two years since I last rode the Pan America, and I was blessed with the opportunity to once agharley pan americaain ride it around the beautiful mountains around Plain, WA. The Pan America was just as impressive this time as it was when I first rode it in 2021. 

Based on the market, my prediction is that Harley-Davidson is working on and will release a smaller mid-weight 975cc version of the Pan America. After all, Harley already has the 975cc Revolution Max motor in production on the Sportster S and Nightster. Heck, why not enter the middleweight adventure motorcycle market since they already smashed it in the full-size category? 

A middle-weight Pan America is awaited by many riders like me, who love the full-size Pan America. However, a smaller, lighter, Pan America would better suit me for the terrain and type of adventure riding I do. I like to ride more technical terrain and even some single track. And, if the smaller version is anything like its big brother, it would crush this category of the adventure motorcycle market too!

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

LAB-317-Harley-Davidson Headquarters & Dealerships Closing? 2023 Bikes Leaked!

By Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Harley-Davidson HeadquartersIs Harley Closing its Doors?

So, what is going on with Harley-Davidson as we move toward 2023?  Is Harley Permanently Closing Its Headquarters Building in Milwaukee and why?  Why are so many independently owned dealerships closing their doors or selling?  Oh, and what’s up with the possibility of a 975 version of the very popular Pan America Adventure bike?  Is the long-talked-about Harley Bronx Streetfighter actually going to become a reality?  And what’s all this mean for the future of the Motor Company? 

Well, these are all loaded questions and I have a metric ton to throw at you, so let’s dive in and see if we can make sense of it all for you!  2023 could prove to be a very exciting year for Harley-Davidson.

So, let’s start with the question of whether Harley-Davidson is permanently closing the doors to its Milwaukee, Wisconsin Headquarters building, which has served as such since 1973.  The answer is “yes”, well kind of.  You see, Harley-Davidson is letting employees work from home on what may become a permanent basis.  Harley’s Milwaukee headquarters closed in 2020 due to the global pandemic, but Harley CEO Jochen Zeitz says the complex is going to be repurposed rather than reopened for workers.

Neither Harley-Davidson nor the CEO has specified exactly what its 500,000-square-foot complex in Milwaukee will become. Still, the company insists the location will remain an important location for Harley’s presence in the U.S.  Further, Harley is fully embracing remote work and the flexibility and openness it brings.

SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE

So, what’s my opinion on all this?  I personally think that varies greatly from industry to industry.  I do recognize that there are some benefits to remote working, such as fewer distractions, workers may feel less stressed and stay more focused, and of course, remote workers love having flexibility in their schedules if feasible.  With that said, I think Harley needs to tread lightly here because a huge part of the motorcycle lifestyle is riding and hanging out with other like-minded bikers. 

You certainly want your employees to embrace, live, and understand the motorcycle culture.  That’s hard to do remotely.
A ton of bonding, discussions, ideas and a sense of belonging can occur during those in-office in-person hours, and those motorcycle rides to lunch and back.  That can’t be replicated via video conferences and virtual check-ins in my opinion.

NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED:

Next, let's talk about independently owned dealerships.  It’s true that some smaller independently owned Harley dealerships are closing their doors.  In fact, the Denver Post reported this month that “Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson (RMH-D), the oldest family-owned Harley motorcycle dealership in Colorado, is shutting down at the end of the month”. 

The longtime business, founded in 1979 by owner Kathy Yevoli, who still serves as RMH-D president, has fallen victim to a corporate downsizing strategy, said Marina Yevoli, Kathy’s daughter and director of marketing at the Littleton motorcycle dealership.  “We are closing, not by our choice,” Marina Yevoli said. “To be politically correct, they (Harley-Davidson) are condensing the market and independent dealers do not fit that mold. They are doing away with family-owned businesses.”

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

  • CLICK HERE!
  • Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
  • Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
  • Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

 

My thoughts are that Harley should be careful if they are in fact snuffing out independent dealerships and going more corporate.  I think that move could potentially hurt them in the long run.  You see, many long-time Harley customers, and newer customers for that matter, have built personal relationships with their independent dealerships and personnel and get treated in a personal way.  An independent owner takes great pride in their dealership for the most part.

It’s more of a family-friendly one-on-one experience that many Harley owners are accustomed to and it very well may be one of the reasons they stick with Harley-Davidson.  Don’t forget that many of these independent dealerships have become staples of their communities.  But, this seems to be the way many industries are going these days like Comoto Holdings, Inc., which owns Revzilla, J&P Cycles, Cycle Gear, and Rever.  I guess only time will tell.

CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE!

New Bikes for 2023?

Pan America 975

Okay, now, let’s talk about the potential release of a new Pan America 975.  This is not surprising to me, since Harley’s first stabHarley-Davidson Pan America at the adventure market was the Pan America 1250, which quickly claimed the title of the #1 selling Adventure Motorcycle in North America, beating out other long-standing adventure motorcycles like the BMW 1250 GS Adventure.

Sponsor-RickRak

  • CLICK HERE
  • The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
  • Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
  • Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

Earlier this year, signs of the new Pan America 975 were mistakenly mentioned on Harley-Davidson’s website for an accessory locking fuel cap.  The fuel cap was listed as being compatible with the current Pan America 1250 models as well as two unannounced models; the RA975 and RA975S, which I assume to be new Pan America models which will be powered by the 975cc version of the Revolution Max engine, like the one in the new Nightster.

Now, the fact that the smaller Pan America was mentioned on the Harley website, would suggest that they likely planned to include the mid-sized Adventure bike this year but decided against launching them, perhaps due to supply chain constraints.  So, my prediction is that the new Pan America 975 will come out at some point in 2023.  I will note that Harley-Davidson is expected to announce the bulk of its 2023 models in January.

Sponsor-Butt Buffer

  • CLICK HERE
  • Want to ride longer?
  • Tired of a sore and achy ass?
  • Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion?

Bronx Streetfighter

Harley-Davidson Bronx StreetfighterFinally, let’s talk about the infamous Harley Bronx Streetfighter that never came to be.  Remember, this bike was supposed to come out in 2021 with the Revolution Max 975T motor but never did.  Now, Harley never confirmed they scrapped the Bronx Steegfighter, but they did come out with the Nightster in 2022, which has the Revolution Max 975T engine. 

Many thought that was the replacement for the Bronx, that it was dead, and would never make it past a concept bike.  However, new information has leaked that Harley reapplied for the trademarks for the Bronx Street Fighter name.  So, that begs the question, how much longer will Harley dangle that carrot in front of us?  Will we finally see a Bronx Steetfighter actually release and hit the streets in 2023?

New Patrons:

  • Glenn Kamppi of Arlington, Washington
  • Shan McArthur of Snohomish, Washington
  • Russ Parks of Tellico Plains, Tennessee
  • Rashid Hilliard of San Antonio, Texas
  • Kirby Lee
  • Don Donnell of Santa Rosa , California

Patreon Biker Motorcycle Podcast

If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Donate Biker Podcast Button

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

  • Peter Hando
  • Douglas Emerson
  • Joseph Malecki

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

Harley-Davidson Headquarters & Dealerships Closing? 2023 Bikes Leaked!

By 4 Comments

Harley-Davidson HeadquartersIs Harley Closing its Doors?

So, what is going on with Harley-Davidson as we move toward 2023?  Is Harley Permanently Closing Its Headquarters Building in Milwaukee and why?  Why are so many independently owned dealerships closing their doors or selling?  Oh, and what’s up with the possibility of a 975 version of the very popular Pan America Adventure bike?  Is the long-talked-about Harley Bronx Streetfighter actually going to become a reality?  And what’s all this mean for the future of the Motor Company? (See Video Below)

Well, these are all loaded questions and I have a metric ton to throw at you, so let’s dive in and see if we can make sense of it all for you!  2023 could prove to be a very exciting year for Harley-Davidson.

So, let’s start with the question of whether Harley-Davidson is permanently closing the doors to its Milwaukee, Wisconsin Headquarters building, which has served as such since 1973.  The answer is “yes”, well kind of.  You see, Harley-Davidson is letting employees work from home on what may become a permanent basis.  Harley’s Milwaukee headquarters closed in 2020 due to the global pandemic, but Harley CEO Jochen Zeitz says the complex is going to be repurposed rather than reopened for workers.

Neither Harley-Davidson nor the CEO has specified exactly what its 500,000-square-foot complex in Milwaukee will become. Still, the company insists the location will remain an important location for Harley’s presence in the U.S.  Further, Harley is fully embracing remote work and the flexibility and openness it brings.

So, what’s my opinion on all this?  I personally think that varies greatly from industry to industry.  I do recognize that there are some benefits to remote working, such as fewer distractions, workers may feel less stressed and stay more focused, and of course, remote workers love having flexibility in their schedules if feasible.  With that said, I think Harley needs to tread lightly here because a huge part of the motorcycle lifestyle is riding and hanging out with other like-minded bikers. 

You certainly want your employees to embrace, live, and understand the motorcycle culture.  That’s hard to do remotely.
A ton of bonding, discussions, ideas and a sense of belonging can occur during those in-office in-person hours, and those motorcycle rides to lunch and back.  That can’t be replicated via video conferences and virtual check-ins in my opinion.

Next, let's talk about independently owned dealerships.  It’s true that some smaller independently owned Harley dealerships are closing their doors.  In fact, the Denver Post reported this month that “Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson (RMH-D), the oldest family-owned Harley motorcycle dealership in Colorado, is shutting down at the end of the month”. 

The longtime business, founded in 1979 by owner Kathy Yevoli, who still serves as RMH-D president, has fallen victim to a corporate downsizing strategy, said Marina Yevoli, Kathy’s daughter and director of marketing at the Littleton motorcycle dealership.  “We are closing, not by our choice,” Marina Yevoli said. “To be politically correct, they (Harley-Davidson) are condensing the market and independent dealers do not fit that mold. They are doing away with family-owned businesses.”

My thoughts are that Harley should be careful if they are in fact snuffing out independent dealerships and going more corporate.  I think that move could potentially hurt them in the long run.  You see, many long-time Harley customers, and newer customers for that matter, have built personal relationships with their independent dealerships and personnel and get treated in a personal way.  An independent owner takes great pride in their dealership for the most part.

It’s more of a family-friendly one-on-one experience that many Harley owners are accustomed to and it very well may be one of the reasons they stick with Harley-Davidson.  Don’t forget that many of these independent dealerships have become staples of their communities.  But, this seems to be the way many industries are going these days like Comoto Holdings, Inc., which owns Revzilla, J&P Cycles, Cycle Gear, and Rever.  I guess only time will tell.

New Bikes for 2023?

Pan America 975

Okay, now, let’s talk about the potential release of a new Pan America 975.  This is not surprising to me, since Harley’s first stabHarley-Davidson Pan America at the adventure market was the Pan America 1250, which quickly claimed the title of the #1 selling Adventure Motorcycle in North America, beating out other long-standing adventure motorcycles like the BMW 1250 GS Adventure.

Earlier this year, signs of the new Pan America 975 were mistakenly mentioned on Harley-Davidson’s website for an accessory locking fuel cap.  The fuel cap was listed as being compatible with the current Pan America 1250 models as well as two unannounced models; the RA975 and RA975S, which I assume to be new Pan America models which will be powered by the 975cc version of the Revolution Max engine, like the one in the new Nightster.

Now, the fact that the smaller Pan America was mentioned on the Harley website, would suggest that they likely planned to include the mid-sized Adventure bike this year but decided against launching them, perhaps due to supply chain constraints.  So, my prediction is that the new Pan America 975 will come out at some point in 2023.  I will note that Harley-Davidson is expected to announce the bulk of its 2023 models in January.

Bronx Streetfighter

Harley-Davidson Bronx StreetfighterFinally, let’s talk about the infamous Harley Bronx Streetfighter that never came to be.  Remember, this bike was supposed to come out in 2021 with the Revolution Max 975T motor but never did.  Now, Harley never confirmed they scrapped the Bronx Steegfighter, but they did come out with the Nightster in 2022, which has the Revolution Max 975T engine. 

Many thought that was the replacement for the Bronx, that it was dead, and would never make it past a concept bike.  However, new information has leaked that Harley reapplied for the trademarks for the Bronx Street Fighter name.  So, that begs the question, how much longer will Harley dangle that carrot in front of us?  Will we finally see a Bronx Steetfighter actually release and hit the streets in 2023?

HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker

🛒SHOP IN THE LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE 🛒

😎BECOME A MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS 😎

📹GET PREMIUM MOTORCYCLE TUTORIAL VIDEOS 📹

🎬WATCH OUR MOTORCYCLE DOCUMENTARY FILMS HERE🎬

💰LEAVE A FLAT DONATION 💰

🎙CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY PODCAST 🎙

ⓕ FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK ⓕ

🐦 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 🐦

📷 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM 📷s

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

LAB-316-Harley Davidson Icon El Diablo Low Rider ST And The All New Enthusiast Collection

By Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Icon and Enthusiast CollectionIn this episode, I'm joined by Lurch and we talk about the new Harley Davidson Icon release; the Low Rider ST El Diablo.  We also talk about the all-new Enthusiast Collection.  This particular collection celebrates those who have and continue to serve in the U.S. Military.  On top of these releases, we chat about the recent installation of Boss Audio saddle bag lid speakers on a 2017 Street Glide.  We've tested the Boss Audio saddle bag speaker kit and found it to be loud, crisp, and clean.  We used a decibel meter to measure the sound and it was in line with other available top-brand audio systems.  

The kit includes:

  • Pair of Full Range 6″ x 9″ 2-Way Speakers
  • 300 Watts MAX 150 Watts RMS Power Handling per Pair
  • 50 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response and 92dB Sensitivity
  • Poly Injection Woofer Cone and Rubber Surround
  • 1 Tweeter Per Speaker
  • Sold in Pairs

SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE

This Icon is an extraordinary series of Harley-Davidson motorcycles inspired by the most recognizable and sought-after models. Each Icon in the collection celebrates our signature colors, designs, and parts and merges them with the latest technology. These bikes are limited-edition numbered motorcycles produced only once. A new Icon will debut annually. Harley-Davidson Low Rider El Diablo

A modern expression of the iconic 1983 Harley-Davidson FXRT and representation of the custom movement it ignited that lives on to this day, the 2022 Low Rider El Diablo embodies the spirit of counterculture in Southern California in the ‘80s in a contemporary package that includes meticulously crafted custom paint and high-performance audio from Rockford Fosgate, each one individually serialized.

CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE!

The Enthusiast Collection is an ongoing collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles inspired by our community of passionate riders, the Enthusiast Collection celebrates the diversity of our community and the unique backgrounds and interests of the people within it. Launched annually, each series pays tribute to a subset of our broader community of riders, available in limited quantities across a selection of models.

The 2022 G.I. Enthusiast Collection honors Harley-Davidson’s longstanding community of riders who have and continue to serve in the US Armed Forces. These limited-edition motorcycles are draped in stunning Mineral Green Denim Deluxe paint with graphics exclusively featured on the Pan America 1250 Special and Tri Glide Ultra.

NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED:

Check out Episode 307 of the podcast where we discuss the installation and a full review of the Boss Audio BHD3F audio system in a 2017 Harley Street Glide.

This package fits 1998+ Electra, Road Glide, and Street Glide Motorcycles. It has a 4 Channel 600W High Output Amplifier with 6.5 Inch Full Range 300W Speakers

  • 300 Watt Max full range weatherproof 6.5” speakers
  • 600 Watt compact weatherproof 4 channel/class D amplifier with model-specific amplifier mounting plate
  • Speaker Grille Options – (2) 1998-2013 Electra, (2) 2014+ Street Glide, (2) 2015+ Road Glide
  • Impedance: 4 Ohms, Frequency: 100 Hz to 18 kHz, Sensitivity: 90 dB
  • 1” (25mm) dome tweeter
  • Loud and crisp speakers feature a rubber surround, poly injection cone, and a stamped steel basket
  • Professional re-flash of your factory radio is necessary after speaker installation in order to avoid speaker damage and obtain the correct/optimal sound quality and performance
  • Current price of $569.00

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

  • CLICK HERE!
  • Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
  • Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
  • Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

 

Sponsor-RickRak

  • CLICK HERE
  • The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
  • Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
  • Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

Sponsor-Butt Buffer

  • CLICK HERE
  • Want to ride longer?
  • Tired of a sore and achy ass?
  • Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion?

New Patrons:

  • Timo Sturtevant of Milford, New Hampshire
  • Terry Reeves of Lafayette, Louisiana
  • Aaron Ross of Tuolumne, California
  • Jeff Bacon of Thetford, United Kingdom
  • Roger Brown of Cornelius, Oregon
  • Ben Atchley of Charleston, Tennessee

Patreon Biker Motorcycle Podcast

If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Donate Biker Podcast Button

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

  • Charles Strong of Byron, Georgia
  • Gary Greenbaum Palm Springs, California
  • Peter Hando

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

LAB-278-My Harley Pan America Review & Adventure In Sturgis With Lurch!

By Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Harley Pan America

Ryan Urlacher-Black Hills South Dakota

Harley-Davidson recently flew me to Sturgis to test ride and review the Pan America, their first adventure motorcycle. It was a very quick 4-day trip, 2 of those days being travel days. Understand, Harley-Davidson paid for the flights, meals, and lodging. However, no contract was mentioned or signed and I was never told what I could or could not say, so I will give you an unbiased real-world biker review as always. It's worth noting that I regularly ride street and adventure, so I was excited to test this new motorcycle.

SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE

I took Lurch along as a production hand as we filmed the entire process and did a full review video on our YouTube Channel. You'll have to listen to this podcast episode and watch our official Harley Pan America review video to get all the details. Lurch and I give you an inside look at the intricate details of this trip and how it came all together. It's a true behind-the-scenes look. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be flown to Sturgis by Harley-Davidson and review a motorcycle then definitely listen to this podcast episode.

Harley Pan America

Filming Clearance/Protection on The Pan America

If you've ever ridden past those gravel and dirt roads and wondered where they went then you should consider the Pan America. Whether you are an experienced adventure motorcycle rider or new to riding off-road, I think this would be a great option. A newer off-road adventure rider could use the standard ride modes, instilling confidence & providing a level of safety while learning. Certainly, if a new rider wanted to progress from there they could enter more aggressive ride modes. 

CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE!

I truly believe Harley-Davidson has changed Sturgis forever. Prior to the Harley Pan America, the Sturgis Rally was mostly comprised of street Harley riders that were glued to riding mostly paved roads. However, there is a massive amount of gravel and dirt roads throughout the Black Hills in South Dakota that are begging to be explored by riders. I think as we move forward you'll see more Harley Pan America adventure riders at Sturgis and that will bring both worlds closer together. And, I think that's a good thing. At the end of the day, we all ride for the same reasons, both on and off-road…….to free our souls, become one with our machines, and just breathe!

New Free Video Mentioned: 

Sponsor-Ciro 3D

  • CLICK HERE!
  • Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing
  • Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products
  • Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation

 

Sponsor-RickRak

  • CLICK HERE
  • The Ultimate Motorcycle Luggage Rack Solution
  • Forget those messy straps and bungee cords
  • Go strapless with a RickRak quick attach luggage system & quality bag

New Patrons:

  • Patrick DiBenedetto of Windson, Colorado
  • Scott Kertes of Westbury, NY 
  • Dave Placek of Westminster, CO
  • Bobby Paul of Louisville , KY
  • Jackson Chartier of Libertyville, IL
  • Charles Clark of Wesson , MS 
  • Kevin McDaniel of Leesburg , FL
  • Jon Trapani of Cobb, California
  • John Labusky of Snohomish, WA
  • Tony Lort of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
  • Gib Morrissey
  • Tom Golec of Poland, Ohio

Patreon Biker Motorcycle Podcast

If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk.

Donate Biker Podcast Button

Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation:

  • Cory Kaiser of Jacksonville, FL 
  • Simeon Cumberbatch of Hackensack, New Jersey
  • Clinton Havens

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

My Harley-Davidson Pan America Adventure-Sturgis Has Changed Forever!

By Leave a Comment

Harley Pan AmericaHarley-Davidson recently flew me to Sturgis to test ride and review the Pan America, their first adventure motorcycle. It was a very quick 4-day trip, 2 of those days being travel days. Understand, Harley-Davidson paid for the flights, meals, and lodging. However, no contract was mentioned or signed and I was never told what I could or could not say, so I will give you an unbiased real-world biker review as always. It's worth noting that I regularly ride street and adventure, so I was excited to test this new motorcycle. (watch the video below for a full detailed ride & review)

  • Listen to Law Abiding Biker Podcast Episode #274 where we interviewed Paul James, Sr. Manager of Public Relations at Harley-Davidson, and Mike Case, Group Chief Engineer for Vehicle Platforms. They get into great detail about the creation of the Pan America!

Now, I have seen many other reviews in which they place photos of large-scale jumps and other glory shots. Yah, admittedly they are catchy and get internet click-throughs. However, this is a real-world biker review, and although the Pan America can jump within certain parameters, let's call this bike what it is; It's a larger adventure “touring” motorcycle, weighing in at around 560 lbs in running order, and it's a great bike in that category for sure. If you want to go ride mostly aggressive dirt and single track, then please go get a smaller mostly off-road adventure motorcycle that is a better fit for that sort of riding. The Harley Pan America is a great bike for riding pavement, forest service roads, fire roads, some jeep trails, and open off-road areas in general. 

SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE

Truth be told, when I first heard of the Harley Pan America, I was skeptical that it would compete in performance and price with the BMW 1250 GS Adventure, a main competitor. And, wow I was surprised when it not only beat the BMW in many specifications but it was priced very competitively…..Yeah, Harley released the Pan America with a big bang and I think that shocked many within the adventure touring market.

We stayed at a hotel in Deadwood City, SD, and on our first day, other YouTubers and I were driven to the Harley display in Sturgis to be assigned our Harley Pan America's that we'd be riding and reviewing for the next two days. I picked the baja orange and stonewashed white pearl model as I think it screams Harley-Davidson!

I got the Harley Pan America setup to ride for the day. It has a manually adjustable windshield, adjustable rear brake lever, 3 seat heights to choose from, each also has two height adjustments, and adjustable front brake and clutch levers. You can really dial this bike in to fit you. 

CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE!

We were then taken out for the day on an on and off-road guided tour by Harley representatives. We were on road about 30% of the day and off-road the remaining 70%. While off-road, we rode mostly gravel and wider dirt type roads.

My first impressions were that the new Revolution Max 1250 powerhouse of an engine does not like lower RPMs and really comes alive at around 5-6,000 RPM. That's clearly how this engine was designed for this type of riding. It revs high, has plenty of power, and delivers 150 HP and 94 ft. lbs. of torque. It feels and sounds nothing like a standard Harley V-Twin touring engine, so I won't even compare it.  I got just the right amount of feedback in the foot and hand controls while riding the Pan America and it has a comfortable upright riding position. 

The Harley Pan America Special model has a ton of technology and settings that I tested and go over in detail in the below video. The adaptive ride height (ARH) was amazing. This technology lowers the bike as you come to a stop and raises it when you start riding. At 5-08 with an inseam of 30″ this allowed me to be flat-footed whenHarley Pan America stopped, which is not the case on other adventure bikes I've been on. That alone will bring many to consider the Pan America. The ARH is seamless and you don't even know it's happening. It's worth mentioning that you can delay it or turn it off if you like. 

The special model also has 5 preset ride modes, 2 custom ride modes, suspension settings, a 6.8″ touchscreen infotainment system, ABS brakes, 6 axis IMU, cornering enhanced braking, front and rear wheel lift mitigation, drag torque slip control, and more! In the off-road plus ride mode and using the traction control button you can literally turn off every safety feature and take full manual control of the motorcycle for more aggressive and technical type riding. You'll need to be in this mode to wheelie the bike over obstacles. You can change into any riding mode while riding except adventure plus and you'll need to be stopped first for that. You also have to be stopped to turn off traction control. 

LISTEN TO THE LAW ABIDING BIKER PODCAST! 

The Harley Pan America handled very well, both on and off-road in all ride modes and I did not have time to set and test any custom modes. While off-road and in a ride mode such as regular off-road, the motorcycle literally mitigates everything for you and instills confidence. As you come around a gravel corner you can hit the throttle and feel the tire start to slide, however, it quickly corrects and straightens the bike out. I am used to manually doing this and it took me some time for me to trust it. It was truly amazing how it makes many adjustments in real-time. Having front and rear ABS on dirt and gravel is also amazing!

The suspension on this motorcycle handled well and I hit some nastier terrain and rocks way faster than I'd be willing to on other adventure bikes. It just took the abuse and the suspension did not bottom out. I even did some smaller jumps and had both tires off the ground and the bike had a nice cushy landing! There is no need to set suspension sag on the Pan America Special as it's all electronic. The bike is literally adjusting for 30% suspension sag at all times. Yeah, throw luggage on or a passenger and it adjusts all on its own!

The touchscreen infotainment system has a 6.8″ TFT display. Via Bluetooth, you can pair your smartphone with it along with a wireless headset. The system does not have built-in GPS but you can use the Harley-Davidson app and Harley Ride Planner to navigate once your smartphone is paired. The system displays ride modes along with a plethora of information that can be customized to your liking. 

Final Thoughts: 

If you've ever ridden past those gravel and dirt roads and wondered where they went then you should consider the Pan America.  Whether you are an experienced adventure motorcycle rider or new to riding off-road, I think this would be a great option. A newer off-road adventure rider could use the standard ride modes, instilling confidence & providing a level of safety while learning. Certainly, if a new rider wanted to progress from there they could enter more aggressive ride modes. 

I truly believe Harley-Davidson has changed Sturgis forever. Prior to the Harley Pan America, the Sturgis Rally was mostly comprised of street Harley riders that were glued to riding mostly paved roads. However, there is a massive amount of gravel and dirt roads throughout the Black Hills in South Dakota that are begging to be explored by riders. I think as we move forward you'll see more Harley Pan America adventure riders at Sturgis and that will bring both worlds closer together. And, I think that's a good thing. At the end of the day, we all ride for the same reasons, both on and off-road…….to free our souls, become one with our machines, and just breathe!

Please, watch the video below for a much more detailed ride and review of the Harley Pan America!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO

😎BECOME A MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS 😎

👉 BIKER GRIPPER MOTORCYCLE CELL PHONE MOUNT

👉 BUTT BUFFER MOTORCYCLE SEAT CUSHION

👉 HARLEY RIDE PLANNER TUTORIAL VIDEO

👉 HARLEY BOOM BOX INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM TUTORIAL VIDEOS

👉 LAW-ABIDING BIKER PODCAST EPISODE #274
Title: The Harley Pan America-Guests Mike Case & Paul James of Harley-Davidson

ADVENTURE RIDING GEAR I USED DURING THIS VIDEO
If you appreciate all the free content we put out, please consider supporting us by using our affiliate links below. No additional cost to you and if you do click through and make a purchase we do get a small commission. Thanks in advance.

👉 HELMET
J&P Cycles: bit.ly/3plyrah
 
👉 GLOVES
J&P Cycles: bit.ly/46r6luN
 
👉 JACKET
J&P Cycles: N/A
 
👉  PANTS
J&P Cycles: N/A
 
👉   BOOTS
Revzilla: bit.ly/3NrwocC
J&P Cycles: N/A
 
👉 BASE LAYER SHIRT
J&P Cycles: N/A
 
👉 BASE LAYER PANTS
J&P Cycles: N/A

HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker

🛒SHOP IN THE LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE 🛒

😎BECOME A MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS 😎

📹GET PREMIUM MOTORCYCLE TUTORIAL VIDEOS 📹

🎬WATCH OUR MOTORCYCLE DOCUMENTARY FILMS HERE🎬

💰LEAVE A FLAT DONATION 💰

🎙CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY PODCAST 🎙

ⓕ FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK ⓕ

🐦 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 🐦

📷 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM 📷

Join the Free Email Club!

If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!

Helping and connecting as many bikers as we can worldwide!

Ryan Urlacher | Owner/Founder

Biker, Podcaster, Filmmaker, Blogger, & Entrepreneur.

Get Connected!

Sponsorship & Affiliate