Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 Review

2021 Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 Review from a Short Female Rider's Perspective

I trained and test rode the Pan America for four days in the Mojave desert to see what it had to offer as Harley’s first dip into the adventure bikes market.

As a 5'4" rider, finding an adventure bike that caters to my shorter frame and inseam can be a challenge. While the 2021 Harley Davidson Pan America was definitely designed with a taller person in mind, it has proven to be a surprisingly accommodating option even for me. Having my first serious experience on the dirt and sand in the Mojave desert with the Pan America was definitely a learning curve. Lucky for me I had some great instructors from Harley Davidson helping me figure it out. In two days even a petite rider could get the hang of it. The confidence afterwards comes with continuing to ride and master it. Alas, the starting price is not so confidence inspiring: $19,999…but nobody is surprised.

Seat Height and Comfort

One of my initial concerns was the seat height. The Pan America has a seat height of 30.9 inches with the adaptive ride height, which is relatively accessible for someone of my stature. On tippy toes of course. Despite its tall stature, I found the seat comfortable with ample padding, allowing me to ride for extended periods without discomfort. The narrowness of the seat at the front enables easier foot placement, making the bike more manageable at stops and slow speeds. It was surprisingly comfortable to stand up on the foot pegs as well which I was grateful for in the sand.

On my tippy toes on the Pan America while we waited for the rest of our group to catch up.

Weight and Handling

Weighing in at about 559 pounds, the Pan America is certainly heavier than some other adventure bikes I have ridden, but the low center of gravity significantly helps when maneuvering. It feels stable at both low and high speeds. During my test rides in various conditions, including urban settings and winding roads, I appreciated the responsive handling. The bike’s design allows for a confidence-inspiring feel, making it less daunting for shorter riders.

Rider Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the Pan America CAN suit short riders. I’m 5’4 but any shorter than that and you might have a harder time if you are not used to balancing a bike on one foot only and scooting off the seat. The handlebars are positioned at a height that feels natural, allowing me to maintain a comfortable riding position without straining my back. The foot pegs are also adjustable, which I found to be a bonus. I could maneuver them to a position that felt comfortable for my legs, accommodating both sitting and standing positions.

Performance and Power

Equipped with a 1250cc V-twin engine, the performance of the Pan America is impressive. The power delivery is smooth and linear, which adds to the overall comfort while riding. With its ride modes, I could easily toggle between Sport, Road, and Rain settings, ensuring I had great control depending on the conditions. The bike's throttle response is intuitive, which helps me feel more in tune with its capabilities.

Given its adventure bike classification, I was curious about how it handled rough terrain. I took it on some unpaved roads and was pleasantly surprised by its capability. The suspension provides a plush ride, absorbing bumps and offering a sense of security when navigating more challenging paths.

Technology Features

The Pan America comes packed with an impressive array of advanced technology. The infotainment system is designed to be user-friendly, and I found the 6.8-inch full-color touchscreen to be remarkably easy to navigate, even while riding on challenging roads. Features such as built-in navigation, seamless Bluetooth connectivity, and various multimedia options significantly enhance the overall riding experience without being overly distracting or cumbersome.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the 2021 Harley Davidson Pan America is a versatile motorcycle that can cater to shorter riders like myself and it’s nice that Harley has put in the work with the adaptive ride height. Its combination of comfort, handling, and power makes it a strong contender in the adventure bike segment. While it does have a heftier weight, the intelligent design features make it manageable. Whether you are a seasoned rider or new to the world of adventure motorcycling, the Pan America could be worth considering if you have the $19,999 budget for it.