The Harley-Davidson Pan America, like all Harleys, looks supersized and imposing. You can call the design either functional or revolting, but we'd love one of these in our post-apocalyptic garage.
The headlamp cowl reminds us of the Harley Road Glide Special. Like all new Harley-Davidsons, this one too gets an all-LED headlamp and a separate pilot lamp on top.
The Pan America gets a three-piece windscreen with the large adjustable top screen being adjustable for height.
Mirrors look surprisingly small in contrast to the knuckle guards that get integrated turn indicators.
Expect a large fuel tank as an adventure tourer is expected to have a long range. Expect the tank and panels to be made of plastic to keep weight in check.
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The flat and wide seats should be comfortable for both rider and pillion over long distances.
The large bash plate covers the entire bottom part of the powertrain and should be able to survive hardcore off-road use.
A radiator guard is in place and again aims to project the Pan America as a hardcore off-roader.
The Pan America is expected to get two engine options: a 975cc V-twin from the upcoming Streetfighter and a 1250cc V-twin from the upcoming Flat Track Custom. This move will help it take on the Ducati Multistrada 950 and Multistrada 1260, the Honda Africa Twin as well as the Triumph Tiger 800 and Tiger 1200.
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One of the highlights of the inhouse-developed motor is liquid cooling. This will be the third Harley motor after the V-Rod and Street 750 series to be liquid-cooled. We expect the new motor to have performance characteristics like the Revolution X motor from the Street 750. Basically, expect good refinement and flexibility.
The bikes will be Euro-6 compliant considering that they are scheduled for launch post the year 2020.
We expect the front upside down forks and rear monoshock to have adjustable suspension with longer travel for proper off-road usage. Suspension might come from Showa considering that they have been supplying components for all of Harley's recent performance bikes.
While the Pan America will share its frame with the Streetfighter and Flat Tracker Custom, the subframe is different, designed for off-road use.
The 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels can carry tubeless tyres. Tyres are offroad-oriented Michelin Anakee Wild units, same as the ones on the BMW R 1200 GSA Pro. Braking is via Brembo, the front getting twin discs with radially mounted calipers.
Harley-Davidson plans to launch the Pan America series in various international markets by 2020 or 2021. We expect it to come to India in the second half of 2021. Expect the Pan America to be priced close to the Ducati Multistrada 950 and 1260, which retails between Rs 14 lakh to Rs 16 lakh (approx. ex-showroom). This is one bike we can't wait to get our hands on.
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Source: zigwheels.com
