Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 are both powerful and capable adventure motorcycles. They have similar engine types, with V-twin configurations, but differ in displacement and power output. The Pan America has a 1252cc engine producing 150 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque, while the Super Adventure S has a larger 1301cc engine producing 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature inverted telescopic forks at the front and swingarm suspension at the rear. The Pan America has a fork diameter of 47mm and offers 191mm of travel, while the Super Adventure S has a slightly larger 48mm fork diameter and offers 200mm of travel. Both bikes have adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the suspension.

The chassis of the Pan America is made of aluminum, while the Super Adventure S features a chromium-molybdenum frame. Both bikes have a rake angle of around 65 degrees, providing stability and agility. The braking systems on both motorcycles consist of dual disc brakes at the front, with Brembo being the chosen brand.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer a range of features. The Pan America comes with ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Super Adventure S also offers electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, cruise control, and traction control. However, the Super Adventure S also includes adaptive cruise control (ACC), which is not available on the Pan America.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The Pan America has a wider rear tire at 170mm compared to the Super Adventure S's 170mm. The Pan America has a longer wheelbase at 1585mm compared to the Super Adventure S's 1560mm. The seat height is similar, with the Pan America at 850mm and the Super Adventure S at 849mm. The dry weight of the Pan America is 242kg with ABS, while the Super Adventure S weighs slightly less at 220kg with ABS.

In terms of fuel capacity, the Pan America has a 21.2-liter tank, providing a range of 432km. The Super Adventure S has a larger 23-liter tank, but a slightly shorter range of 416km. The Pan America has a combined fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km, while the Super Adventure S has a higher consumption of 5.7l/100km.

Both motorcycles come equipped with features such as LED headlights, adjustable windshields, and TFT displays. The Pan America also offers Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, and an original HD saddlebag system. The Super Adventure S features curve lights and a large 7-inch TFT display.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022

In terms of strengths, the Pan America offers a sporty engine, comfortable seating position, good passenger capability, extensive electronics, original HD saddlebag system, wind protection, ABS and traction control for curves, optional seat lowering when stopped, and good off-road characteristics. The Super Adventure S has a very sporty yet refined V-twin powertrain, extremely playful behavior despite its high weight, comfortable seating position, good brakes including cornering ABS, comprehensive electronic package, adaptive cruise control, clear and well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

As for weaknesses, the Pan America tends to heat up in city riding conditions and does not have an available gear shift lever. The Super Adventure S has an additional cost for the gear shift assistant, an idiosyncratic appearance, and a tight seat.

In conclusion, both the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2022 are competitive adventure motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Pan America excels in its off-road capabilities and passenger comfort, while the Super Adventure S offers a more powerful engine and additional features such as adaptive cruise control. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.