The Harley Davidson Pan America ST: a concept that lives up to its promises?

The new Harley Davidson Pan America ST is making a lot of noise. Designed to appeal to customers in search of speed, comfort, and performance on the road, this motorcycle marks a turning point in the legacy of the American brand. With adapted suspensions, smaller wheels, and revised technical features, the ST fits into a lineage of high-performance adventure motorcycles. The transformation of this trail bike into a machine more focused on road performance is bold, but is it relevant? What elements strengthen this competitor against European GTs? In this article, we will explore this other facet of the motorcycle world that the Harley Davidson Pan America ST offers.

Technical features of the Pan America ST

The Harley Davidson Pan America ST is designed to provide real comfort on the road while enhancing performance. This motorcycle stands out due to several technical specifications that differentiate it from its counterparts, starting with its suspension. Indeed, the ST is equipped with a 47 mm Showa upside-down fork, but with a travel reduced to 170 mm. This choice directly influences the motorcycle's on-road behavior, allowing for better maneuverability in turns, which is greatly appreciated on asphalt.

The tires also play a crucial role: the Pan America ST integrates Michelin Scorcher Sport tires, with varying dimensions of 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear. This configuration promotes performance and grip, especially on dry or slightly wet roads. The 17-inch wheels, much smaller than those of the previous version, help reduce weight and improve the motorcycle’s aerodynamics.

It is also interesting to note the design of the seat, which is now a monoblock, offering a height of 825 mm. While this may seem restrictive for some, it facilitates ground access and rider comfort while maintaining a degree of ergonomics for the passenger. Regarding ergonomics, the Pan America ST drops several accessories present on the Special version, such as handguards and the center stand, in order to reduce its total weight, which remains at 246 kg.

Technological innovations in service of performance

This model is part of a tradition of innovation at Harley Davidson, particularly regarding electronic systems. The Pan America ST does not deviate from this rule with its advanced design. The cruise control, customizable riding modes, and an inertial measurement unit are just a few of the onboard technologies that ensure safe and adaptable riding in various road conditions.

Among the riding modes, there is the Sport mode, which maximizes performance, while the Rain mode, as its name suggests, allows for optimized power management in adverse weather conditions. However, unlike some previous versions, Harley has chosen to remove certain specific options dedicated to off-road riding, which highlights the more on-road orientation of this model. This leads to the question of whether the Pan America ST is still capable of tackling trails or if it should confine itself to paved roads.

The design of the dashboard also reflects this modernity: it uses a color TFT screen, which provides various information ranging from navigation to management of motorcycle settings. These elements showcase a Harley Davidson that is modernizing and adapting to the needs of contemporary riders.

Comparison with previous models

A fundamental aspect of evaluating the Pan America ST is to put it in perspective with its predecessors. The price difference represents a concern: with a starting price of €19,990, the ST is €800 more expensive than the Pan America Standard but €760 less expensive than the Special version. Of course, this pricing raises several questions regarding the price/value ratio for potential buyers.

Technically, the modifications are subtle. In addition to the change in wheel size, the internal settings of the suspensions have been adjusted, which is also an important factor in ride management. It is in the steering column angle, fixed at 25°, that a favorable continuity with previous versions lies, despite a reduction in ground clearance, which drops to 95 mm.

Some features, such as the monoblock seat or the non-adjustable mini windscreen, can be seen as wise design choices. However, other functionalities have been removed in favor of lightness, such as simpler footpegs or the absence of a steering damper. This weight reduction, while significant for maneuverability, leads to some frustration for those seeking premium equipment.

Assessment of comfort and ergonomics

If we take the time to assess the comfort of the Pan America ST, it is fundamental to consider all the ergonomic elements that contribute to a pleasant riding experience. First and foremost, the weight of the motorcycle becomes a topic of debate. Although the ST is slightly heavier than the Standard, its agility and dynamic qualities are supposed to compensate for this slight excess. For riders, the feeling of lightness while riding remains essential for prolonged journeys.

The seat, with its new format, allows for better adjustment for the rider, even though the removal of the adjustment option may be seen as a limitation for some. Width and padding play a dominant role here. In fact, the Harley Davidson Pan America ST has the potential to offer a pleasant riding experience even during long rides, thanks to its key improvements.

The target audience and marketing strategy

In the vast world of motorcycles, understanding who the Pan America ST is really aimed at is essential. The target audience mainly consists of riders eager to explore diverse landscapes without giving up comfort and performance on the road. The adventures on motorcycles are often synonymous with thrills, but Harley Davidson's determination to create a more road-oriented machine targets users in search of versatility.

Not just a product for purists, the Pan America ST also aims to attract a younger and more adventurous clientele, echoing an increasingly prominent trend in the motorcycle world. Many potential buyers today seek motorcycles that can perform well on highways as well as on some rugged paths. Hence, Harley's marketing strategy is based on the idea that the brand's identity can be reinvented while preserving the company's heritage.

In this sense, the communication around the Pan America ST has emphasized innovation and modernity. Promotional campaigns highlighting its performance and technological features tend to position the brand as a key player in the adventure motorcycle universe.

Source: www.caradisiac.com