152 hp liquid-cooled V-twin with driving mode
The Pan America 1250/Special, Harley-Davidson's first adventure tourer, is a brand new model developed based on Harley's new vision of aggressively entering a segment that is expected to grow in the future.
The newly developed liquid-cooled V-twin 1,250cc engine, called the "Revolution Max 1250", is equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) and delivers a maximum output of 152ps and a wide range of torque and high-revving power. The engine is mounted directly on the new lightweight and rigid chassis, which has been designed for mass concentration and a low center of gravity.
In addition, the 6.8-inch TFT touch panel display allows the selection of various riding modes (Road/Sport/Rain/Off-Road/Off-Road+/Custom, etc.) and an advanced safety system for cornering. It was born as a new concept model that was different from the previous Harley models.
Innovative system for automatic seat height adjustment
"The Pan America 1250 is available in two versions, STD and Special. The STD and Special share the same basic engine and bodywork, but one major difference is the Special's electronically controlled semi-active suspension, based on the latest system from SHOWA, which automatically controls the damping force according to the road surface and driving conditions.
An adaptive ride height (ARH) function, which automatically adjusts the seat height, comes as standard equipment and lowers the vehicle's height when the vehicle is stopped to provide a comfortable footing.
In addition, adaptive headlamps, heated grips, handguards, engine guards and other protectors, steering damper, and spoked wheels (standard equipment on the Japanese version) make it more off-road-oriented and well-equipped.
Distinctively different from traditional adventures
The Pan America stands out from the crowd of huge adventure machines with its size (258 kg, 1580 mm wheelbase) and power, and has a wild tool-like feel similar to the four-wheeled JEEP.
However, when you try to handle it, it feels surprisingly light. Mass concentration and a low center of gravity, such as placing the battery on the underside of the engine, make this vehicle feel more nimble and stable than it looks.
The design is fresh and different from conventional adventure machines, with no beak, a horizontal headlight like a four-wheeled motorcycle, and a long aluminum tank. It's a glimpse of Harley's pride and confidence.
The handlebars are pulled slightly forward and the seat is cushioned for a comfortable ride, giving the motorcycle a cruiser-like feel.
Outstanding footing, comfortable and sporty.
The first thing that surprised me when I test drove the Special was how well it felt on my feet. The height of the vehicle changes depending on the driving mode, but when the vehicle is stopped, it is said to be lowered by up to 5 cm. The preload is automatically adjusted according to the weight of the rider and luggage, and the suspension damping force is optimized for each driving mode.
Just before coming to a stop, a sensor detects the ride height and lowers it, but the movement is so smooth that you don't even notice it. The seat is also height-adjustable, and when it's set to the low position, it lowers even further, making it much more comfortable than other adventure models.
The engine's response to the throttle is gentle and easy to handle, and although the power output is basically low to mid-range, it is smooth and powerful all the way up to 8,000 rpm, unlike the conventional V-twin feel.
On the winding roads, we tried driving in the "Sport" mode, and the engine response became sharper, and the huge body accelerated quickly with thick torque. The front and rear suspensions have been optimized for a sporty feel with effective dampers, and the handling is excellent as well, with the stability of the motorcycle absorbing the road surface while cornering and tracing the exact line you want.
This model has the merits of both a long tourer and a sport pike.
Hats off to the off-road performance that exceeded my expectations!
Even on a dirt course, the V-twin's road-gripping engine characteristics, well-balanced chassis and supple suspension made for a pleasant off-road ride.
In "off-road" mode, the front and rear suspensions have more stroke to better handle the unevenness of the road surface, while the ABS and TRACON have been optimized for off-road use with less intervention, and the amount of slide is moderately adjusted even when the throttle is opened all the way.
As long as you don't lean the motorcycle too far, the rear wheel can glide gently as you turn the motorcycle around, allowing you to take advantage of gaps for light jumps and hill climbs.
In the advanced Off-Road+ mode, the rear wheel ABS is turned off and the level of traction control is reduced to a minimum, allowing the driver to go over bumps with the front up. The standard Michelin Scorcher Adventure tires also provide more grip than they look, and we were able to enjoy riding on loose dirt roads with peace of mind.
The Pan America is an all-around adventure tourer born to travel the vast American continent. As the name "Pan America" implies, this is a full-fledged, all-around adventure tourer that was born to travel the United States. It will be interesting to see how far Harley's brand power and ARH advantage can take it in the face of its powerful rivals.
The adaptive ride height is the most important feature. This revolutionary system, based on the semi-active front and rear suspension with height flex developed by SHOWA, lowers the seat height for better legroom when the vehicle is stationary and automatically adjusts to the optimum ride height when the vehicle is in motion.
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