Going off road with a Harley-Davidson, as crazy as that may sound

Yes, you didn't read that wrongly. Off roading with a Harley-Davidson. Sounds almost contradictory, eh?

Harley has just launched the Pan-America, a completely new bike in a completely new segment that promises a completely new experience.

I got the chance to get a first go on the new Pan-America at a ride event hosted at the Sarimbun Scout Camp, and I really don't know what to expect.

New, new, new

From the get go, there's no denying a simple reality - this new Pan-America is just about as far removed from a 'normal' Harley as any bike will ever be.

The body type is new. This is an adventure tourer in the vein of the BMW GS (arguably the king of the segment). The Pan-America is a high-riding motorcycle that's been purposefully designed for the task of going off the beaten track.

The engine is new. Powering the Pan-America is a newly developed Revolution Max 1250 engine, a liquid-cooled 1,240cc V-Twin engine that has an entirely different charateristics compared to other Harley engines.

The technology is new, and ample. There's an industry-first Adaptive Ride Height, which automatically lowers the ride height when you come to a stop (great for shorter riders).

And, there's also plenty of on-board technology, including Hill Hold Control, Drag-Torque Slop Control System, Antilock Braking System and Traction Control System. There are also adjustable ride modes, including two customisable ones on the Special model. And, there's also a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen that can display all sorts of information. 

That's honestly a lot to wrap one's head around.

So, what's it like to ride?

Initially, riding the Pan-America is a little strange. This bike defies any expectation that you may have of what a Harley 'should' feel like. It feels lighter than its quoted 239kg weight and rides with an effortless agility that's honestly surprising. The bike is very flickable and easy to manoeuvre.

The engine is more 'typical' than you'd normally find in a Harley. Instead of ample low-end torque, it's got a much wider power band, providing smooth acceleration throughout the rev range.

However, the most striking thing about the Pan-America is just how easy it is to ride, and how accessible it feels.

When it comes to Harleys, I always imagine that there's some level of effort involved, whether it's dealing with the bikes size, weight, or just overall disposition. The Pan-America is nothing like that. It's really quite easy to hop on and ride, because the entire experience feels truly effortless. And, when you're cruising along at 80km/h, the refinement and quietness of the bike is remarkable, too. 

What about off-roading, then? Across gravel tracks, the bike is unflappable. The comfortable riding position, forgiving suspension and well-judged weight balance mean that you can confidently carry plenty of speed.

I had the chance to ride the Pan-America around the Sarimbun Scout Camp, through some grassy and muddy terrain, and I must say the bike fares well enough. Is it the consummate off-roader? I suspect not. The bike's centre of gravity isn't the lowest, and in really slippery terrain the bike doesn't feel as easy to maneouvre. But it's certainly capable enough, capable in way that you really don't (and in some ways cannot) expect from a Harley. The intructors also performed a number of jumps to prove the bikes off-roading capabilities (I'll have to take their word for it). 

All in all, I think there's a level of all-around accessibly that makes this a very sensibly usable everyday bike, which isn't something you can traditionally say about most Harley-Davidsons.

Who's this bike for?

The new Pan-America is a certainly an interesting proposition. As evidenced by the short ride I had both on and off tarmac, it's a bike that demonstrates plenty of capability truly unexpected of a Harley.

There's no doubt that this represents an important innovative step forward for the brand. On one hand, the new engine has been designed to reckon with stricter emissions standards (this new engine will make its way onto other Harley models in the future). On the other, the clear investment in modern features and technology bodes well for a brand that some might argue is somewhat lagging behind in that regard.

Will this new Pan-America appeal to die-hard Harley fans? I certainly doubt so. It's not meant to replace the core of the brand's traditional appeal. However, it certainly will appeal to a wider audience, which is something the brand is most certainly hoping to do. It gives the brand a fresh new audience, and no matter what your opinion on the brand, that's certainly a win.