Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Limited Review

Technically, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Limited matches the 1250 Special, but it comes fully equipped right from the factory. No retrofitting, no extra installation costs—just get on the road and accumulate the miles.

The full package includes a robust lightweight aluminum top case and side cases providing a total of 120 liters of storage, a Screamin Eagle Quickshifter for clutchless shifting, an exhaust guard, a lightweight aluminum skid plate, a radiator guard, and adjustable footbrake and gear levers tailored for standing rides.

Additionally, it features a semi-active suspension system, Adaptive Ride Height, Daymaker Signature LED headlamps with adaptive cornering lights, nine riding modes including offroad programs, a 6.8-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and USB-C, heated grips, tire pressure monitoring system, cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, electronic brake distribution, drag-torque slip control, and hill hold control.

In collaboration with SW-Motech, developed aluminum cases provide 120 liters of lockable storage, with the top case accommodating a full-face helmet. Sturdy, well-balanced, and weather-resistant, these cases are ideal for long tours under a variety of conditions.

Tubeless aluminum spoked wheels combine classic adventure aesthetics with modern practicality. Flat repairs on the road are simplified, without sacrificing that distinctive offroad look.

Standard auxiliary lights provide a broad, uniform illumination of the road ahead. When leaning, the adaptive Daymaker Signature lighting activates additional LEDs, enhancing corner illumination and allowing obstacles to be detected earlier. This increases safety during twilight and on dark forest paths.

New high-gloss paint finishes, updated graphics, and stylish emblems emphasize the premium character of the Limited. The black-coated engine and powder-coated protective elements complement the design harmoniously, creating a cohesive, practical overall appearance that clearly distinguishes it from the standard version.

We don't have individual prices for the installed components, so we can't determine if the approximately 6,000 Euro premium is justified from a cost perspective. However, the fact is that all parts are perfectly integrated and factory installed, and the Limited also receives a superior quality paint finish.

For those who want to customize, the significantly cheaper Pan America 1250 Special could be an alternative, allowing you to retrofit only the components you actually need.

While riding, the seat height is around 840 millimeters, providing full ground clearance as well as the optimal geometry for stability and lean angle freedom. Once the motorcycle comes to a stop, the Adaptive Ride Height system automatically lowers the bike by about 25 millimeters to around 815 millimeters, allowing the rider to reach the ground more securely with both feet. Upon setting off again, the suspension automatically raises back to the higher ride position and adjusts to the appropriate suspension setup.

This ensures that even shorter riders can safely reach the ground without compromising ground clearance or suspension geometry while riding. Particularly with a pillion or heavy luggage, this automatic adjustment offers a noticeable increase in stability when stopping.

A minor drawback becomes apparent when parking: deploying the side stand requires some finesse and practice, as it can easily snag on uneven or sloped surfaces, necessitating a deliberate lean of the bike to the right.

The seat is firmly padded but offers enough freedom of movement for an active riding style. The knee angle is comfortably suited for long distances, yet sporty enough for dynamic stages. Both the clutch and brake levers, as well as the gear and footbrake levers, can be individually adjusted.

The Pan America 1250 Limited is powered by the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250 V2 engine with a displacement of 1,252 cc. It delivers 152 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 129 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm.

This twin offers brutal power right from low revs, builds up nicely in the mid-range, and impresses with strong pull. Its character is raw and direct. Shifting is handled by a six-speed gearbox with chain drive. The standard quickshifter works precisely, although it is somewhat abrupt during upshifts, requiring higher revs. Still, you wouldn’t want to do without it in sporty use.

With a fuel consumption of around 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers, the 21.2-liter tank provides a theoretical range of about 375 kilometers.

Up front, a 47-millimeter upside-down fork with electronic, semi-active damping is at work. At the rear, an electronically controlled central shock with automatic preload adjustment is employed.

On straightaways, the Pan America rides as if on rails, maintaining poise and predictability through the twisties. The electronic suspension is finely tuned and operates harmoniously. The Michelin Scorcher Adventure tires provide solid grip and a lot of stability, although wet sections during the test demanded respect.

Despite a ready-to-ride weight of nearly 300 kilograms, the Pan America inspires a lot of confidence; however, the heft is noticeably felt during maneuvering—such honesty is necessary.

Nine riding modes are available. The differences between Rain, Road, and Sport are clearly noticeable. Offroad programs are included, though they were not used in the test.

The 6.8-inch TFT display is very easy to read and intuitive to operate. The assistance systems work discreetly in the background, providing support without being intrusive.

At idle, the V2 is discreet. Under load and acceleration, it develops a robust sound profile with a pronounced intake noise—modern, assertive, and fitting the bike's character.

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Limited is available in Germany starting at 26,900 Euros, in Austria starting at 31,900 Euros, and in Switzerland starting at 25,700 CHF, offered in Olive Steel Metallic, White Onyx Pearl, and Dark Billiard Gray.