Of course, here is a full article about the Harley-Davidson Pan America Special, written in the requested style and format.
The 2021–2024 Harley-Davidson Adventure Revolution Max 1250 (RA1250S Pan America Special) represents a significant and ambitious entry by the American motorcycle manufacturer into the competitive adventure touring segment. Marking a stark departure from the company’s traditional cruiser lineup, the Pan America was developed to compete directly with established European and Japanese rivals. The motorcycle is built around an entirely new powertrain, the Revolution Max 1250, and incorporates a suite of modern technologies aimed at both on-road performance and off-road capability.
The Pan America is offered in two variants: the standard RA1250 and the premium RA1250S “Special.” While both models share the same fundamental engine and frame, the Special is equipped with a host of electronic and hardware upgrades that position it as the flagship model. The most significant difference is the inclusion of a semi-active suspension system, which electronically adjusts damping in real-time based on the selected ride mode and terrain. This contrasts with the standard model’s manually adjustable suspension, providing a more dynamic and responsive riding experience on the RA1250S.
Development and Design
The Pan America was engineered from the ground up to serve a new purpose for the Harley-Davidson brand. Central to its design is the use of the Revolution Max 1250 engine as a stressed member of the chassis. This design choice eliminates the need for a traditional perimeter frame, which helps reduce overall weight while enhancing chassis rigidity. The frame itself is a three-part assembly, consisting of a front frame, a mid-frame, and the tail section, all bolted directly to the powertrain.
Aesthetically, the motorcycle features a distinctive, utilitarian design characterized by a horizontal “Daymaker” LED headlamp, a tall adjustable windscreen, and rugged bodywork. The ergonomics are tailored for long-distance touring and off-road control, with a neutral, upright riding position, wide handlebars, and centrally mounted footpegs.
The Revolution Max 1250 Powertrain
At the heart of the Pan America is the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin Revolution Max 1250 engine. This advanced powerplant is a major technological leap for Harley-Davidson, incorporating features such as dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and variable valve timing (VVT) on both the intake and exhaust cams. The VVT system broadens the powerband, delivering strong low-end torque for technical off-road riding while also providing a surge of high-RPM power for on-road acceleration.
The engine produces a claimed 150 horsepower and 94 ft-lb of torque, delivered through a six-speed transmission and a chain final drive. To mitigate vibrations, the engine is equipped with internal balancers, ensuring a smoother ride over long distances compared to many of the company’s more traditional air-cooled engines.
Key Features of the 2021–2024 Harley-Davidson Adventure Revolution Max 1250 (RA1250S Pan America Special)
The RA1250S Special model is distinguished by its advanced electronic rider aids and premium features.
Semi-Active Suspension: The Showa suspension system is electronically controlled and integrated with the bike’s Ride Mode system. It continuously adjusts damping parameters to suit conditions, providing optimal handling and comfort across various surfaces. The system also features Vehicle Loading Control, which senses the weight of the rider, passenger, and luggage to set the optimal suspension sag automatically.
Adaptive Ride Height (ARH): An industry-first innovation, ARH is an optional but highly sought-after feature on the Special. It automatically lowers the seat height by 1 to 2 inches when the motorcycle comes to a complete stop. This makes the tall adventure bike more manageable for a wider range of riders by allowing them to place their feet more firmly on the ground. The system raises the bike to its optimal ride height once it is moving.
Ride Modes: The Special comes equipped with five standard ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road, Off-Road Plus), along with customizable modes. These modes adjust the bike’s power delivery, throttle response, cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, and semi-active suspension settings.
* Premium Hardware:** In addition to its electronic suite, the RA1250S includes standard equipment such as a center stand, an aluminum skid plate, engine brush guards, heated grips, a steering damper, and tubeless spoked wheels, all of which are optional or unavailable on the standard model.
Specifications
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Pan America Special |
| Model Class | RA1250S |
| Model Year | 2021–2024 |
| Type | Adventure Touring |
| Maximum mass (GVWR) | 1,008 lb. (457 kg) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | 150 Hp (112 Kw) / 9000 RPM |
| Max. torque | 94 ft-lb (127 N•m) / 6750 RPM |
| Min. turn diameter | Approx. 18.5 ft (5.6 m) |
| Top designed speed | Approx. 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 89.4 in. (2270 mm) |
| Width | 38.6 in. (981 mm) |
| Height | 58.9 in. (1495 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 62.2 in. (1580 mm) |
| Seat height | 32.0 in. (813 mm) low / 33.0 in. (838 mm) high (with ARH) |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in. (210 mm) |
| Curb weight | 569 lb. (258 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Revolution® Max 1250, 60° V-Twin, Four Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC |
| Displacement | 1252 cc (76.4 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 4.134 in. × 2.854 in. (105 mm × 72.5 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Ignition control system | ECU Ignition |
| Lubricating system | Dry sump |
| Oil capacity | 4.75 qt (4.5 L) |
| Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 Screamin’ Eagle SYN3 Full Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant |
| Coolant capacity | 2.32 qt (2.2 L) |
| Coolant type | Harley-Davidson Pre-mixed Extended Life Antifreeze and Coolant |
| Idle speed | 1100 RPM ± 50 RPM |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 6-speed, manual gear shift |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc, manual, assist & slipper |
| Driving system | Chain drive |
| Primary reduction ratio | 49/89 |
| Final reduction ratio | 19/48 |
| Gear ratio | 1st: 13.11; 2nd: 9.687; 3rd: 7.509; 4th: 6.057; 5th: 5.08; 6th: 4.436 |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: 120/70R19 60V; Rear: 170/60R17 72V |
| Rim size | Front: 19 in. x 3 in.; Rear: 17 in. x 4.5 in. (Tubeless Laced Wheels) |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 5.6 gal (21.2 L) |
| Fuel consumption | Approx. 46 MPG (5.1 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V / 12 Ah, 225 CCA, AGM |
| Headlight | Daymaker® Signature LED Headlamp |
| Position Light | LED |
| Turning light | LED |
| Tail light | LED |
| Front fog light | Not applicable (Accessory) |
| Shock Absorbers | |
| Front travel | 7.5 in (191 mm) |
| Front rebound damping | Electronically controlled semi-active |
| Front compression damping | Electronically controlled semi-active |
| Rear travel | 7.5 in (191 mm) |
| Rear rebound damping | Electronically controlled semi-active |
| Rear compression damping | Electronically controlled semi-active |
| Rear spring preload | Electronically controlled with Vehicle Load Control |
