Hi All,

Been away for several years due to health issues and now looking to get back into riding. Its felt like a big part of my life was missing. Last bike was a Road King, and before that a Heritage. Getting that itch. Have seen the 24 RG and was impressed, but chronic back issues has me looking for upright seating ergonomics, and im thinking less weight would be better as well.

Been looking at several models including: Ducati Multistrada V4S, BMW GS1300 and R1250RT, and a few of the Japanese models (Tracer, Versys, etc.)

Was out looking at bikes yesterday and decided to stop by the local HD dealer. Looked and sat on all the usual suspects. I've always walked past the Pan America because I never equated HD with that type of bike, but yesterday I thought let me just throw a leg over it and see how it feels. It felt almost perfect. The seat felt great and the ergonomics were spot on. I think with risers it would be exactly what I was looking for. To his credit, the sales person told me 22 and 23s had some electrical issues. They had a couple 23s and a couple 24s.

Im assuming they would offer a decent deal on a 23. Do you think its worth the risk of having potential issues on the 23, or would it be worth the extra $ to go with a 24?

Thanks in advance.

 

I've had no issues with my '23.
I did install Rox risers to raise the bars up and back a bit, big improvement.

 

Welcome back to riding. I do not know of any major difference between the 23 and 24 models.

I will say having ridden this bike a few times now that I really like it. I cannot compare it to the other models you mentioned, but it is very comfortable, handles and ride well and is very stable.

I would be proud to own one.

Good luck shopping.

 

There are differences. The 2024 has a new charging system with more power and a larger battery. I am not sure to what extent those changes were necessary. Other than that I don't believe there were any changes to eliminate specific electrical 'issues' with the 2023. The biggest change to the 2024 is the paint job.

Welcome back and yes, lighter helps for sure!

 

Dceggert is right, thats the main difference in the '24s.. but honestly, any PA manufactured in late 2022 or later is usually good. I'd say get the best deal you can for any new PA!

 

I too have been looking at the PanAm but thought the charging issue was addressed on the 2023 models with new stator and larger battery. Upgrading stator on previous years is about $4000.00.

 

I have had a 21 and a 24 Pan America and i would definitely go for a 24 over an earlier bike. For what it's worth I also have a Tracer 900GT, which I like but I take the PA over the Tracer almost every time. I will give you a smoking deal on the Yamaha if you want one.

 

So what's considered a good deal?

 

IMO

Multistrada - Been there done that. Thrilling motor, high tech, expensive to buy, expensive to maintain, gas guzzler, no shop manual, would not trust one to ride the Alaska Highway.

GS1300 - Standard GS is best of class. The just released GSA is one tall, heavy, ugly bike. No shop manual.

Japanese - Low cost, reliable, slightly boring, easy to maintain. Rode my V-STROM 1050XT from NC to Alaska and back. Interstates, gravel, dirt. Flawless performance.

Stelvio - Beautiful, shaft drive, unproven, few dealers.

Tiger 1200 - Worth looking at.

KTM SA - Thrilling, unreliable, few dealers.

PA - A very good option.

If I had only one bike, it would be a big ADV. Good luck.

 

I have a 22 PAS and a 24 CVO PAS. My 22 PAS had only a couple of issues: 1) had to replace radiator hose (new one is moved away from exhaust pipe so all good) and 2) i had a couple of times when i stalled the bike generating “check engine light” which went away after a couple of starts. I still have original battery and really no starting issues (ride all year in Northeast) and bike has 13K miles (so no fuel pump issues) . The 24 has some improvements regarding radiator hose, larger battery, improved stator, and some other refinements. I would recommend unless you get a great deal on a 23 (at least 3K savings), i would go for 24 year model. Either way, the bike is a joy to ride and that is from someone who loved his 2011 roadking, 2018 heritage, 2019 road glide, and 2020 low rider s (yes i have had multiple bikes in my garage).