The HarleyDavidson Pan America Special is joining an adventure market that has grown to the point where manufacturers are mad to ignore it.
But is it a stretch for a manufacturer that hasn't ridden in the dirt for decades, to build a worthy adventure model from scratch and hope to compete against models with decades of development?

That's the Pan America's dilemma.
But, HarleyDavidson isn't pulling its punches.

We found a bike with a brilliant base but some niggling issues that can't be ignored. Not everything went to plan on this test, as you'll see, but from there on the bike was something of a revelation that should not be taken lightly in the adventure tourer category.

THE GEAR:
Pack with the best and you'll pack with no stress.
Giant Loop Siskiyou Panniers
Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag
Giant Loop Armadillo Fuel Bladder
https://www.whitesmoto.com.au/collect...

Having heated gloves in winter is life changing. Honestly, check them out ASAP.
Ixon IT Yate Heated Gloves
Ixon Airblock Buff
https://www.ixon.com/en/ityateevo

You only get one head put it in a seriously good lid.
Arai XD5 Helmet
https://www.araihelmets.net.au/au

The new Packtalk Edge is outstanding. Having owned a few different models I'm happy to call this the best yet.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
https://www.cardosystems.com/shop/pac...

Comfort, safety and durability that's the Fly Racing FR5 boot which I've now done tens of thousands of kilometres in.
Fly Racing FR5 Boots
https://www.mcleodaccessories.com.au/...

Stay connected and charged with the sweet billet and angle adjustable SP Connect phone mount.
SP Connect Charging Phone Mount
https://spconnect.com.au/products/wi...

Also a huge thanks for the support from:
https://www.whitesmoto.com.au/
  / cassonsaustraliamotorcycle  
https://www.mcleodaccessories.com.au/
https://www.harleydavidson.com/au/en...
https://frasermotorcycles.com.au/page...
https://victorylanemotorcycles.com.au/

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:24 The idea and what went wrong
01:22 Heading into the Valley
07:16 I don't really know Harley
08:28 Meet Chris Murphy and his Ultraglide
11:09 The gear that gets us there
12:04 Redemption in the dirt
13:56 The little things that let it down
16:38 Keen to see where this goes