So here's the first German road test by Motorrad magazine:

https://www.motorradonline.de/enduro...klischees-auf/

Translated from the German by Google - so take it with a pinch of salt - but the reviewer sounds impressed.

Cleans up all clichés in terms of driving dynamics

The Harley-Davidson Pan America is more than just another adventure bike. It is a refreshingly bold statement from a manufacturer who had to move and does just that skillfully.

You can read the first driving report here. Johannes Müller April 9th, 2021

It's not just new territory that Harley-Davidson is breaking into here. It's a shark tank: nowhere is there such angry upgrading, nowhere is so much high-tech in it as in the travel enduro segment. Judging from this starting point, the visual appearance of the Pan America is only consistent: The absolute face in the crowd, a statement on wheels with the greatest possible recognition value: "Look, world, there I am. And I'm definitely not another GS!"

Less bulky than in photos

The Harley-Davidson Pan America looks much less powerful live and in color than in the photos. Sure, as usual in the genre, you're dealing with a full-blown thing. But it didn’t get out of hand, it seems almost manageable under you. For reference: the traveling author measures 1.73 meters and feels that he is in good hands. There is plenty of space and the seat height (two positions) is moderate.


Motor is a broadband all-rounder

Now a big moment: a new engine starts for the very first time. The twin measures 1,252 cubic meters, the cylinder angle is 60 degrees, the crank pin offset is 30 again, makes 90 tonally. Four valves per cylinder, DOHC, roller rocker arm, variable valve control on inlet and outlet cams - no, the "Revolution Max" is simply not a typical one "Character engine", not a swinging, relaxed soul-shaker. Instead, it is a completely modern, as will be shown, solidly high-performance, bottom line in the middle of the class of suitable broadband all-rounders. He finds the good compromise between pressure at the bottom, performance at the top, running smoothness and vehement revving. The variable valve control certainly helps to make the usable speed range quite wide, gas commands are implemented with motivation.

Criticism? The roughest treatment provokes a follow-up. Also subject to the reservation of the first impression: The 1250 will be somewhere between the BMW ShiftCam-Boxer, which is designed for extreme pulling, and the Ducati Granturismo V4, which is designed for extreme performance.

Let it sink in: The Revolution Max is at eye level and is by far the most powerful engine that Harley-Davidson has ever built. In terms of sound, the valve train is particularly present, and a pump hums somewhere. The transmission shifts with contemporary accuracy, the clutch does not require a paw and understands slippery-hopping.

Pan America well balanced

The semi-active chassis of the "Special" version of the Harley-Davidson Pan America driven here also works competitively from the start. In the first few meters, the lower frame stiffness (supporting the engine) and noticeable flex around the steering head characterize the driving experience. This is more noticeable in slow maneuvers, but in no way harms the driving behavior. The handling is not just flawless, but flawless. At the end of a day of driving characterized by numerous weather phenomena, the main impression that remains is how well-balanced the Harley-Davidson Pan America looks as a whole.

A cliché explodes in terms of driving dynamics

The overall center of gravity is good, the Harley-Davidson Pan America moves in a pleasing, articulated way. The steering behavior is neutral over wide areas, you find good basic stability, nothing locks, the lean angle is sufficient. In short, Harley-Davidson's travel enduro goes easily where it should go. Of course, others will have the last word on precision and feedback, but what is offered is more than enough. These positive basic attributes can be found in all driving modes, but they are colored differently: "Country road" means relaxed throttle response and good comfort. More than a side note: Showa's suspension elements work well even with a sub-100 kilo crew. "Sport" makes you deadly serious. The throttle response becomes snappy, the dampers very tight, movement is effectively suppressed. Anyone who can now stand still and trust the unimportant Michelin Scorcher Adventure tire will be rewarded with an amazing driving experience: If need be, the Harley-Davidson Pan America, which weighs around 260 kilos, can be extremely (!) Around the corner to bend. In terms of driving dynamics, this detonates a cliché. It's impressive.

6.8 inch touch display and cruise control

Less surprising is what the Americans get up to infotainment at the home game: The 6.8-inch touch display looks extremely elegant and can do everything you need, for example map navigation via app. And of course a lot more. The operating logic works, the buttons are okay, essentials such as cruise control, heated grips and TC-Off are directly assigned. Some of the minor ads are way too small.

Freeway with the Pan America

What else would be of concern and to be checked in a single day? Harley avoids the common mistake of installing too much windshield, the adjustment option while driving works with the pistol grip. We were able to test the wind protection on a fast stretch of the motorway, it is appropriate - but the non-braced Plexiglas flutters a lot from 160 km / h. When it comes to straight-line stability, the Harley-Davidson Pan America does not show any weaknesses, as well as in terms of brakes: Brembo above (radial pump) and Brembo below (four-piston fixed calipers), it decelerates strongly. What is striking is the extremely good modulatability of the system during a relaxed journey, with an unrelaxed journey you need a grip on the backside. Nevertheless: modern here too.

With the travel enduro to the quarry

Finally you get lost in a disused quarry. To play that joke that we would never dare with our own equipment and to misunderstand a travel enduro as an enduro. Judgment? With the right footwear you can do a lot, if not to say far more than necessary. The off-road driving aids (here two modes) are the only point where the Pan America does not quite reach the class standard. But also and especially on gravel, the motorcycle benefits from the overall well-balanced balance. It uses its 190 millimeters of suspension travel, accelerates gently but firmly, has grippy detents and, as a "special", steering damper and sturdy engine protection. Is the Pan America a real Harley? Judge each for himself. It has proven that it is a real travel enduro.

Harley-Davidson Pan America Price

The Harley-Davidson Pan America will be available in the standard version for just under 16,000 euros and the special version will cost a good 18,000 euros.