Harley-Davidson breaks new ground with the 2020 Pan-America, announced at EICMA

Andy HHarley-Davidson, New Models Leave a Comment

This is the one that we’ve been waiting for, anticipating its announcement with the main 2020 model news, but better late than never.

Stand ready for the assertions that it’s a busy market that is owned by (insert your off-road bike brand of preference here), but I’ve got two words for you: Range Rover. No market is full and no market should be excluded as The Motor Company broadens its horizons.

Whether it succeeds will come down to its engine, transmission and suspension – and whether the typically conservative (with a small ‘c’) motorcycle market will beyond the bar and shield logo for long enough to realise that this is a wholly new concept with no baggage. And, of course, whether traditional Harley riders who have a BMW GS or a KTM in their garage as well, switch.

What is in no doubt, however, is that there is another brand working hard to pull new riders into adventure motorcycling, just as (insert your off-road car brand of preference here) has done in Range Rover’s market.


Pan America 1250

The Harley-Davidson Pan America is an all-new advanced adventure touring motorcycle of equal parts campfire, wanderlust, and grit. The Pan America 1250 is a two-wheel multi-tool built to endure, designed to explore, and engineered for the unknown.

Powering the new Pan America 1250 model is the new liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine. Created to power a range of new Harley-Davidson models, the Revolution Max is designed to offer flexible performance with a broad powerband that builds to a surge of high-RPM power. Minimising weight and maximising performance, the Revolution Max provides a narrow powertrain profile that is integrated into the motorcycle as the central member of the frame to enhance mass centralisation and handling. The lightweight powertrain has an internal balancer that cancels primary engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. Its design is bold and contoured, classic and contemporary, strong and svelte – a representation of Harley-Davidson’s next great marriage of performance with style.

Revolution Max 1250 Engine Performance Targets

Displacement 1250cc.
More than 145 horsepower.
More than 90ft.lbs. peak torque.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Partners in Development – Braking and Tyre

To enhance the performance of the new Pan America and Bronx models, Harley-Davidson tapped into the expertise of key suppliers to deliver bespoke solutions for braking and tyre performance. For braking, Harley-Davidson collaborated with Brembo to create a new radial monobloc four-piston caliper that combines sharp edges with softer curves designed to create a style that complements the personality of the bike and delivers a new braking feel and capability. For tyres, Michelin and Harley-Davidson have worked closely to develop co-branded tyres for each motorcycle model that optimise performance, feel and grip in all conditions.

Leave a Reply