Pan America accessories!
Now comes the first information about the Pan America model year 2023!
Right at the market launch, Harley-Davidson its own Pan America accessories . The Pan America Adventure Bike from Harley-Davidson has been on the market since 2021. It's time to look around and see who among the manufacturers is interested in the well-off Harley-Davidson clientele and can shine with a good product range for the Pan America.
Before we refer to the providers of other accessories, a few general words about Pan America.
If you look back over the last 1 1/2 years, you can really say that Harley-Davidson has done a good job with the Pan America. I am still of the opinion that the target group lies less with the largest competitor, BMW.
I know a lot of Harley riders who have got the Pan America as an additional bike in their garage, and they are often older bikers, which is surprising at first. In the second moment you notice that some of them are very sporty guys who are just up for something like that.
Who are the customers for Pan America?
There are certainly some new customers from the Yamaha camp, because it doesn't look like Yamaha is placing a 1200 Supertenere in Germany at the moment and if you want displacement with plenty of power, the Pan America definitely on your shortlist.
In addition, many Harley-Davidson dealers, salespeople and employees are electrified and after Harley-Davidson delivered the Quickshifter (automatic shifter) for many other interested parties in the 2022 model year, it was initially hard to get. By September the situation will be back to normal and anyone who wants one now will almost certainly be able to get one from their authorized Harley dealer.
The Pan America was not spared from teething problems
When it comes to teething problems it was a bit strange, it's clear, there's always something and basically you'll find it with every manufacturer. The Pan America had software problems with some models, anyone who was affected really had a problem. If it had been a component, the matter is quickly clear, but with software it becomes complicated when it only affects individual models and they are all actually supplied with the same software.
One solution lies in the operation; when starting up the software or starting it from a cold start, you have to give it time until everything is loaded and only then start the engine. If you are too hectic, you may have to expect that the system will not be fully loaded and that a warning light will light up if it starts at all. I had this problem once when I was still in the learning phase, but it was quickly resolved with a restart. You have a 2-year manufacturer's warranty and a 2-year follow-up warranty.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 2023
According to current information, there will be no changes to the Pan America next year; according to Harleysite information, there is more likely to be a further price increase for the Pan America 2023.
In the spring I already reported on the leak about the Pan America 975 and 975S, which showed that these model names appeared in the online accessories catalog, where they have now disappeared again. In Germany, the 975 Revolution Max was already expected for the Pan America this year. According to current information heard on the radio, there will be no smaller engine variant on the German market in 2023 either.
This is particularly annoying for interested bikers with small driving licenses. They'll probably have to convert a Sportster Nightster into an Enduro.
The other Pan America accessories providers
It has to be said that some well-known companies have jumped on the Pan America bandwagon. Hepco & Becker has long been known for its luggage systems and also has some accessories for the Pan America in its range.
This includes a side stand plate made of aluminum, the enlarged standing area is particularly suitable for the terrain or soft ground. Also for tough use, there is a powder-coated handle guard made of solid tubular steel, which is mounted in front of the standard handle guard. A stainless steel heat shield and of course various pannier rack systems for the Pan America.
K&M Harleyworld has special holders for TomTom and Garmin
The Harley-Davidson authorized dealer Hämmerle in Allgäu , for example, is one of the Harley-Davidson authorized dealers who are fully involved in the Pan America matter. He had some parts developed for the models himself, including cases and special holders for TomTom Rider and the Garmin XT Zumo.
MRA Vario Touring Screen and Disc
MRA is particularly specialized in windows and spoilers . Upon request from MRA, development has already been completed and a production date is expected shortly - as of August 23, 2022. This is for the information of those who would like to use this manufacturer. Anyone who has already had good experiences with them when it comes to windows or spoilers will be happy to know that there is also something in the pipeline for the Pan America.
Lowering kit from MIZU
MIZU has a lowering for the Pan America with ABE in its program. This means you can lower the Pan America by 25mm to get a little closer to a secure position.
SW-MOTECH accessories for the Pan America
SW-MOTECH has listed an extensive range of accessories for the Pan America. The manufacturer of motorcycle accessories is a leader in the field of tank bags, bags, suitcases and other attachments that are intended to protect the Harley-Davidson adventure bike. SW-MOTECH is the official supplier for the large ALU cases with the Harley-Davidson brand, which can only be purchased through authorized Harley-Davidson dealers.
However, you have to look for something in the online shop, they don't really have it. “Pan America” in the search , I see 32 matching products, but that’s not really all of them. For example, you have a “ PRO Cross WP strap tank bag. 5.5 l, with strap holder and waterproof” in the program, it is not shown there. If I go directly to the item and do a bike check, the customer will see, as in the screenshot, that the item fits the Pan America.
So they have more on offer than you might think at first glance. You have to know what you want and then check the article to see whether it fits.
TOURATECH – professional for luggage systems
TOURATECH currently has around 27 parts for the Pan America in its accessories range if you use the direct search. Unfortunately, the Pan America has not yet made it onto the home page at TOURATECH, so you have to make the selection in the box a little less conveniently and select the “RA 1250 Pan America” in order to get to the ones you want Parts to come. That's a big minus!
The professional for case systems and many other detailed solutions has been in the motorcycle accessories business since 1990 and has made a good name for himself. It's worth taking a look at products such as the folding mirrors with extensions; you can adjust their length, which can play a role when you have a large load, for example, in order to continue to have a good view to the rear.
TOURATECH has many protectors on offer, for the front suspension struts, or protection for the brake fluid reservoir, which is actually very inconveniently installed on the Pan America along with the lines. In addition to the stainless steel manifold protection, the GPS mounting adapter is a good idea for installing an additional GPS system or roadbook above the instrument unit. All in all a very extensive offer, unfortunately as a Harley fan you have to search a little longer to get to your destination.
Wunderlich Adventure – recommendation!
A great Pan America website welcomes the customer
When you Wunderlich Adventure website, your heart immediately opens. Here the visitor immediately gets the feeling that they really take Pan America customers seriously. An absolutely perfect website, here you are taken directly to the respective model, you first make the choice between the Standard and the Special.
I would now like to be able to switch to the block view instead of the list view in the desktop view, but that is complaining at a high level.
The beginnings at Wunderlich were at the end of the 80s. Before my Harley days, I bought the first parts for my XT 600 from Wunderlich. At that time, Yamaha was still popular at Wunderlich, before they specialized in the BMW product range .
The Wunderlich Parts for the Pan America
The offer for Pan America is really well rounded and superior. The first thing I notice is the stabilization for the raised window, that really makes sense. The original disc and this well-thought-out construction are too flimsy for me. I generally see great potential for further expansions, where the system could be expanded modularly with a construction made of aluminum or coated stainless steel.
The bench seats also look well thought out, the original ones are good, but you would like more comfort on long journeys. Depending on your height, the handlebar risers are a good investment. If your hands fall asleep, they change the pressure point on your hands. As long as the problem doesn't come from the seat, the higher risers will help.
Wunderlich has an extensive program of very good images and when you see the entire presentation of Pan America accessories , it is clear that there is more to come from Wunderlich.
For the Pan America fan, this site is one of the favorites.
If you have any further tips about other providers in the Pan America area, please feel free to leave the information in the comments.
Now that Harley-Davidson can deliver again, there is naturally more movement in things. It's good if accessory manufacturers don't just leave this market to the manufacturer and remain committed to developing great parts. Let's hope for many more innovative ideas that will round off the Pan America Adventure even more.
Text: Harleysite August 25, 2022
Camping in Norway with the Pan America 1250 Special.