The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST is a game-changer in the adventure touring segment. Known for its powerful engine, innovative technology, and off-road capabilities, this motorcycle is Harley-Davidson’s bold entry into a space dominated by brands like BMW, KTM, and Ducati. But does it truly offer the perfect blend of power and off-road capability? Let’s find out.
Engine & Performance: Raw Power at Your Fingertips
At the heart of the Pan America 1250 ST lies the Revolution® Max 1250 V-Twin engine, designed for both high-speed touring and rugged off-road adventures.
Key Performance Specs:
✔️ Engine: 1,252cc Liquid-Cooled V-Twin
✔️ Power Output: 150 HP @ 8,750 RPM
✔️ Torque: 127 Nm @ 6,750 RPM
✔️ Transmission: 6-Speed with Assist & Slipper Clutch
✔️ Top Speed: 220 km/h
How It Compares to Rivals:
- The Ducati Multistrada V4 (170 HP) offers more power, but the Pan America excels in low-end torque, making it ideal for off-road riding.
- The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R (160 HP) provides a more aggressive ride, while Harley’s engine delivers smooth and consistent performance.
- The BMW R 1250 GS (136 HP) has legendary reliability, but the Pan America offers a more thrilling ride.
🔹 Verdict: The Pan America 1250 ST delivers an excellent mix of power, torque, and rideability, making it a serious contender in the adventure bike category.
Off-Road Capability: Built for the Wild
One of the biggest surprises about the Pan America 1250 ST is how well it performs off-road. Harley-Davidson has engineered it with rugged terrain in mind, offering features that make it stand out.
Top Off-Road Features:
✔️ Adaptive Ride Height (ARH): First-in-class feature that adjusts seat height automatically.
✔️ Long-Travel Suspension: 210mm front and 200mm rear for tackling rough trails.
✔️ Spoked Wheels & 19-inch Front Tire: Ensures stability and control.
✔️ Multiple Riding Modes: Includes Off-Road and Off-Road Plus for different terrains.
✔️ Cornering ABS & Traction Control: Provides enhanced grip and stability on loose surfaces.
How It Stands Against Rivals:
| Feature | Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST | BMW R 1250 GS | Ducati Multistrada V4 | KTM 1290 Super Adventure R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Travel (Front/Rear) | 210mm / 200mm | 190mm / 200mm | 170mm / 180mm | 220mm / 220mm |
| Wheel Size | 19” front / 17” rear | 19” front / 17” rear | 19” front / 17” rear | 21” front / 18” rear |
| Weight | 258 kg | 249 kg | 240 kg | 221 kg |
🔹 Verdict: The Pan America 1250 ST is one of the best off-road Harleys ever made, and its Adaptive Ride Height gives it a unique advantage over its competitors.
Technology & Features: A High-Tech Adventure Machine
Harley-Davidson has equipped the Pan America 1250 ST with a suite of high-tech features that enhance both safety and convenience.
Key Tech Features:
✔️ 6.8-inch Touchscreen TFT Display with Bluetooth & Navigation
✔️ Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) – Automatically lowers seat height at stops
✔️ Cruise Control & Traction Control for smooth highway rides
✔️ Cornering ABS & Hill Hold Control for added stability
✔️ LED Lighting with Cornering Lights for better night visibility
How It Compares to Rivals:
| Feature | Pan America 1250 ST | BMW R 1250 GS | Ducati Multistrada V4 | KTM 1290 Super Adventure R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8” TFT Touchscreen | 6.5” TFT | 6.5” TFT | 7” TFT |
| Adaptive Ride Height | Yes (ARH) | No | No | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cornering ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
🔹 Verdict: The Pan America 1250 ST’s ARH system is a game-changer, giving it a unique edge in terms of rider accessibility and comfort.
Pricing & Value: Is It Worth It?
The Pan America 1250 ST is competitively priced compared to its rivals, making it an attractive choice for adventure riders.
| Model | Price (USA) | Price (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST | $19,999 | ₹24.99 lakh |
| BMW R 1250 GS | $17,995 | ₹20.45 lakh |
| Ducati Multistrada V4 | $24,095 | ₹23.95 lakh |
| KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | $20,299 | ₹22.50 lakh |
🔹 Verdict: The Pan America 1250 ST offers great value for money, sitting between the BMW R 1250 GS and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in pricing.
Final Verdict: A True Adventure Touring Machine
The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST is a serious contender in the adventure bike segment. It blends Harley’s legendary power with cutting-edge technology and genuine off-road capability.
✅ Strengths:
✔️ Powerful 150 HP engine with smooth torque delivery
✔️ Revolutionary Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) for easy handling
✔️ Off-road ready with long-travel suspension & multiple ride modes
✔️ Advanced technology with TFT display & rider aids
✔️ Competitive pricing compared to high-end adventure bikes
❌ Weaknesses:
❌ Heavier than some competitors like KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
❌ Not as refined for highway cruising as the BMW R 1250 GS
❌ Lacks radar-assisted tech like Ducati Multistrada V4
Final Thoughts:
The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST is one of the most innovative adventure bikes on the market today. With its powerful engine, rugged off-road capability, and industry-first Adaptive Ride Height (ARH), it proves that Harley-Davidson is ready to compete with the best in the ADV world.
🏍️ Would you take the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST on your next adventure? Let us know in the comments! 🌍🔥
