Harley-Davidson's Pan America 1250 Special: A Thrilling Journey into Off-Road Territory by Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special: A Versatile Adventure-Touring Motorcycle
The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is an advanced adventure-touring motorcycle that offers a unique blend of versatility, performance, and rider confidence both on and off-road.
Powered by a liquid-cooled, high-revving 1,252cc Revolution Max V-twin engine, the Pan America 1250 Special delivers 150 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 95 lb-ft torque at 6,750 rpm. This engine provides strong low-end torque and smooth high-rev performance suitable for highway cruising and off-road riding.
One of the standout features of the Pan America 1250 Special is the semi-active suspension with Adaptive Ride Height. This system automatically lowers the bike when stopped to reduce the effective seat height from about 850mm (33.5 inches) to a more manageable level, improving confidence for shorter riders and in stop-and-go traffic. It then raises the bike back up when moving.
The Pan America 1250 Special comes equipped with a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen display for ride mode selection, turn-by-turn navigation via app integration, and customizable widgets. Safety and control systems include cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, semi-active Showa suspension, cruise control, hill-hold, tyre pressure monitoring, and multiple rider safety enhancements like Electronic Linked Braking (ELB), Cornering Enhanced ABS (C-ABS), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), Drag-torque Slip Control (DSCS), and more.
The bike features radially mounted monoblock 4-piston front calipers with dual 320mm rotors and a floating single-piston rear caliper with a 280mm disc, supporting strong and reliable stopping power. Showa semi-active suspension adapts dynamically to riding conditions.
The Pan America 1250 Special rides on aluminum cast wheels with Michelin Scorcher Adventure radial tires (front 120/70R19, rear 170/60R17), balancing off-road capability and on-road grip. The bike weighs about 534 lbs dry and 569 lbs running order and has a lean angle of 42 degrees.
The Pan America 1250 Special's seat height is adjustable to two positions to accommodate different rider sizes. The design blends long-distance touring comfort with off-road agility, making it suitable for highways, backroads, and rough trails. The bike’s electronics and adaptable ergonomics provide a premium, modern riding experience without sacrificing Harley-Davidson’s character.
However, the Pan America 1250 Special's 6-speed gearbox is reported to be clunky, and the bike's engine heats up significantly during operation. At sustained high speeds, some wind buffeting can be experienced. Additionally, the bike does not have a quickshifter.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pan America 1250 Special offers a unique, polarizing design that is sure to turn heads. The bike's cruise control allows for comfortable long-distance riding, and it is equipped with heated grips, a sturdy center stand, hand guards, engine guards, and a bash plate. At highway speeds, the bike offers rock-solid stability. The bike's fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters provides a solid touring range.
In summary, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special offers a confident and versatile tourer capable of spirited on-road riding and serious off-road exploration. With its powerful and flexible V-twin engine, cutting-edge rider aids, adaptive suspension technology, and adventure-ready chassis, it is an ideal choice for riders seeking a blend of style, performance, and versatility.
In the realm of lifestyle, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special offers a unique blend of adventure, technology, and modern amenities, appropriate for home-and-garden enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals alike. Equipped with a 6.8-inch touchscreen, the bike provides seamless integration with various apps, including navigation, making it an ideal companion for both short commutes and long journeys.
Embracing the sporty side, the Pan America 1250 Special boasts impressive performance capabilities that cater to adrenaline enthusiasts, with its powerful engine and state-of-the-art safety features ensuring a thrilling ride on both highways and off-road terrains.
