I have a few miles on the "Stage 1" bike (S/E muffler and Extreme air filter).

The bike sounds better, but it's still quiet - which is exactly what I want. Get the tach above 5,000rpm, and there's a bit more of a pleasing roar, but it's never overbearing. At highway speeds with earplugs and a C3 Pro, I only hear the wind. There does seem to be a bit more punch starting around 4,500 or so. Nothing massive, but it seems to rev quicker and the hit as it comes on the cam(s) feels stronger.

 

I was offered extended warranty of various periods of time and turned it down. One was cost. Another was my thought that HD has spent a lot of time and money developing the PA. We older customers who made up a large part of HD's market aren't buying as we used to, so HD needs to bring the younger crowd in. Therefore, the PA. HD has a lot, A LOT, riding on this bike being a success, so I think they've put in major time and effort to present a quality product. Will there be some problems? Sure. Every mass produced product has flaws here and there. Despite that, based on cost and the effort I think HD put into the PA to make a quality product, I turned down the extended warranty.

 

I made a point of getting it because it was new. Went through Jim Palmer, got 5 years with wheel & tire for half what the dealer was quoting.

Well worth it, I think. I've come out way ahead on every ESP I've had (on a Harley).

 

what/who is Jim Palmer?

 

https://www.motorcycleagent.com/contact

Jim's a forum member who's been doing ESPs for years. Used to work for Boardtracker H-D, out on his own now. Top-notch service, and pricing that can't be beat.

 

We've partnered with multiple Extended Service Plan Companies to allow Direct to Consumer enrollments vs at the time of bike purchase at a dealership. The reason I need to have multiple companies--every plan has pros/cons. Quoting & Enrollment is 100% Online.
👉 https://www.motorcycleagent.com/

Compass Platinum: Stock Bikes looking for longest terms (6 additional years of coverage) with a $0 Deductible and unlimited mileage.

Autrella: Stock Bikes or Bikes with aftermarket components that don't need coverage. If H-D flags your VIN for aftermarket components, we can use this plan INSIDE the factory warranty. (Bridge Coverage) $50 Deductible and also unlimited mileage.

Eagle Guardian: Bikes customized with aftermarket / upgraded components AND need coverage. (Tuners, Cams, Big Bore Kits, ect) Terms are shorter--up to 5-years from the contract purchase. $0 or $50 deductible and up to 60,000 additional miles from enrollment

 

I finally took my first test ride on a new Pan America Special on 13-Jul-2021. My bike was delivered 10-Jul and I had an appointment set up for 4 PM on the demo unit the dealer had. When I arrived I found out that the demo unit was sold 12-Jul so I was able to go on a test ride on my bike! Here are some of my first impressions but I caution you that there are references to my 2006 K1200GT that I had ridden for 10 years. In short the 2021 PA Special and the 2006 K1200GT are very similar in power and ergonomics with some notable differences. Why is that important? That K1200GT lit the industry on fire in 2006 as the 'touring' version of the record setting K1200S released in 2005. But enough of that nonsense and on with it....

Notes from the first ride:

• There is plenty of clearance between the exhaust pipe and the lower radiator hose on this bike. No apparent danger of touching and burning through.
• Initial impression is that this bike is tall. To get on it I stood on the left peg and then swung my right leg over the back.
• I rode away in road mode and the bike's torque profile felt a lot like the K1200GT as far as off idle torque and smoothness.
• Acceleration out onto Gratiot in Road Mode was fine; again, much like the K1200GT.
• I could feel the ARH lowering the bike at the lights and stops.
• I had the windscreen in the second notch from the top and riding on Gratiot at 50-55 MPH I could ride with my shield up with no issues. The wind did not seem to bother the sun visor on my helmet either. None of the turbulent shaking of my helmet like on the Limited. Note: with the windscreen in the highest position the top edge is not even near the line of sight forward. No issue seeing over the screen.
• Shifting is very smooth and non-clunky with a very short throw on the shifter.
• The mechanical engine noises are far quieter in person than they are on the videos.
• The seat was in the low position and I could easily flat foot at stops, The knee bend did not seem to be an issue as it is much more open than the K1200GT. I will try the seat in the high position at a later time. I was also able to stop with only my left foot down as the bike is very easy to balance while stopped.
• Riding slow is also very easy. I was able to do stop and go's (complete stops!) without putting my foot down pretty easily right out of the chute.
• Sport mode is like giving the bike a shot of adrenalin! Faster than the old K1200GT for sure.
• Once on I-94 South (at 23 Mile Rd.) the ambient traffic was flowing at about 77 MPH and the bike was able to keep up with ease with no evidence of any chassis squirm. Handling is very good on the highway at these speeds. Wind was not bad at all with the wind screen still in the second notch from full up. At 65 MPH I was able to open the shield on my helmet without any issues. Cruise control is easy to engage and works very well. Rolling forward with the throttle disengages it as well as using either of the brakes. The bike did seem to be making a high frequency 'hop' like the spoked wheels are out of round or something. I will need to explore this further. Note: it turns out the tires are substantially over inflated.
• At faster than about 10 MPH the steering damper can be felt when attempting to do a quick slalom or fast transitions from side to side. It seems to stiffen the steering and provide resistance to making the transition quickly.
• Launching from a stop is easy and the friction zone is very wide compared to the Limited. The clutch actuation is also very light.
• On the way back I exited off of I-94 onto North River Road and I took the road next to Selfridge up to Joy Road. Joy Road is the roughest road I know in the area of this test ride. I rode down Joy at 50 MPH right on the seam between the lanes where the concrete is continuously disintegrated and has deep pot holes for about an entire mile stretch. The bike handled this situation easily. The suspension is very well tuned. That road always felt like it was going to tear my Limited apart while NOT riding in the really bad spots like I was doing with the PA. This is going to be great on Metro Detroit roads. Who needs offroad when we have roads like this!

After the test ride I bought it!

 

Well, the PanAm Special that I ordered back in late February is still on the boat and probably one month away from getting to the dealership.

But - the dealership called me up today and said they had just been allocated another bike that they weren't even aware of. It will be with them next week and did I want it?

It's Vivid Black rather than Gauntlet Grey, but is the same spec as the bike I ordered with laced wheels and ARH.

Hell yeah - I want it.

Went to the dealership this afternoon the finalise the deal. All the accessories I ordered are already there and waiting (side case frames, alu side cases, reduced reach seat, big skid plate, rad guard, short smoked screen, tank pads, SE pipe and K&N air filter). I swapped the side case order from clear to black to go with the black bike. In stock as well :-)

20% off on the accessory package. I am just sorting out having the bike ceramic coated before I pick it up.

I am off on a bike trip to Wales next weekend, so hopefully the bike will be ready for delivery when I get back from the trip.

I can't wait....

 

Get them to do the flash so it works charging while riding and the battery drain

I actually ordered the deadwood green but ended up with the black, kinda glad now cause the black is awesome on this bike especially with the black aluminum cases

Your gonna have a GREAT time in Wales, I'm jealous.

Have fun and make sure to let us know how it goes.

 

I'm excited for ya!