2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America Preview

In July of 2018 Harley-Davidson shocked the motorcycle world by teasing an all-new Pan America adventure-tourer based on a liquid-cooled V-twin motor. Half of those who saw it congratulated The Motor Company for attempting to build something in direct competition with the top European and Japanese brands while the other half, well, you know the drill by now. Either way, few thought it would actually get past the rendering phase.

In a bold move at Europe's biggest motorcycle industry exposition, EICMA, Harley-Davidson put an end to the rumors by announcing that its all-new Pan America adventure-tourer would be launched in late 2020 as a 2021 model. The Pan America shares a platform with the also-announced Bronx streetfighter-style motorcycle, both of which use the all-new Revolution Max liquid-cooled V-twin. The Pan America uses the larger of the two engines at 1,250cc, which will produce more than 145 hp and 90 pound-feet of torque in its production version. The Bronx, at 975cc, pulls 115 hp and 70 pound-feet of torque.

The Revolution Max is a 60-degree, liquid-cooled motor that uses dual downdraft throttle bodies, a concept previously used by The Motor Company in its V-Rod family and the Sportster XR1200. Dual-sporters and city-navigators alike will appreciate the narrow engine design that sits light and low as a stressed member of the frame. An internal counterbalance will keep vibrations to a minimum. Harley claims a broad powerband on the Revolution Max motor, but notes a “surge of high-rpm power.”

Helping to harness the specific needs of a Harley adventure-tourer, The MoCo turned to longtime partners Brembo and Michelin to develop an all-new brake and tire package. The Pan America will be using a radial Monoblock four-piston caliper with a modern design and Michelin on-/off-road tires.

No other specs, or a price, have been offered as of now, but detailed prototype photos give lots of clues as to what to expect when the Pan America launches in the US toward the end of 2020. Just don’t make the mistake of calling it Harley’s “first” adventure bike, as that title goes to the MT-500 sold to the public in 1999 and 2000.