TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES THE
HARLEY DAVIDSON ADVENTURE TOURING EXPERIENCE

Pan America 1250 Special with adaptive seat height and semi-active chassis

With the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special models, Harley-Davidson presents two brand new adventure touring bikes. The company has mobilized all its design resources to equip the new models with cutting-edge technology that enriches the driving experience.

Semi-active chassis

The Pan America 1250 Special is characterized by a semi-active chassis that is electronically adjustable at the front and rear. Based on the data stream from the vehicle sensors, this suspension automatically adjusts the damping to the ground conditions and driving activity. The semi-active chassis components come from Showa and the control software comes from Harley-Davidson itself.

• The suspension travel is 191 mm front and rear.
• The front fork is a Showaa BFF (Balance Free Forks) upside-down fork with a 47 millimeter standpipe diameter and semi-active damping control.
• The rear spring element is a Showa BFRC (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) central spring strut with electronically controlled preload and semi-active damping control. It supports the swingarm against the rear frame via a progressive lever system. This progressive system ensures a high level of directional stability and driving comfort on the road, as well as impressive off-road driving characteristics.
• The vehicle loading control system registers the weight of the driver, front passenger and luggage and automatically adjusts the spring preload of the rear shock absorber.
• The semi-active chassis reacts to the suspension compression, the road speed, the vertical acceleration of the motorcycle, the lean angle and the speed at which this changes, as well as the engine load and any braking forces specified by the rider on the throttle grip in order to maintain the preselected comfort level. The control takes place depending on the selected driving mode.
• The semi-active chassis has five pre-programmed profiles that are incorporated into each driving mode program:
• Comfort: maximizes driving comfort through softer damping and comfortably absorbs uneven road surfaces.
• Balanced: balanced ratio of comfort and stability for general driving tasks.
• Sport: the greatest possible directional stability with harder damping for a committed driving style.
• Off-Road Soft: Reduced damping at the beginning of the compression phase absorbs hard impacts even more efficiently and at the same time minimizes handlebar slap. Ideal for forest paths, washboard slopes and rocky terrain.
• Off-Road Firm: increased damping at the beginning of the compression phase for sporty driving or when more even cushioning is desired. Ideal for soft or clayey soils.
• The profile of the semi-active chassis cannot be changed within a pre-programmed driving mode. However, with the freely programmable custom driving modes, a preferred chassis profile can also be saved.

The automatic chassis lowering (Adaptive Ride Height, ARH) is optionally available for the Pan America 1250 Special. Harley-Davidson is the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to offer this new technology. The chassis is automatically lowered to stop and raised to the optimal position for driving after starting. The system thus allows the driver to comfortably climb onto the Pan America 1250 Special while stationary and to have safe contact with the ground. The lowering is 25 to 50 millimeters, depending on the automatically adjusted spring preload on the rear wheel.

• Suspension travel, lean angle, ground clearance and ride comfort remain unaffected while driving.
• The automatic chassis lowering offers four selectable modes:
• Auto mode: The system automatically sets the lowering speed based on the braking force in order to fully lower the seat height in time when stopping.
• Short Delay and Long Delay Modes: In these modes, lowering is delayed to keep the seat height up at low speeds, such as when driving slowly in a parking lot.
• Locked mode: The automatic lowering of the seat height is deactivated. This mode is intended, for example, for tall drivers who do not want the vehicle to be lowered when stationary, or for off-road driving at low speeds.

Driving assistance systems – RDRS Safety Enhancements

The Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special are equipped with a technology package to adapt acceleration and deceleration forces to the available tire grip. The RDRS Safety Enhancements support the driver both when driving straight ahead and when cornering. Not noticeable during normal driving, they prove to be particularly helpful in difficult road conditions and in dangerous situations. They are controlled electronically and are based on the most modern chassis, braking and drive control technology.

Some RDRS Safety Enhancements also work in an inclined position - a motorcycle-specific technology. Harley-Davidson motorcycles with RDRS Safety Enhancements have a sensor system (Inertial Measurement Unit, IMU) that records the angle of inclination of the two-wheeler when cornering and passes it on to the RDRS system. Since the size of the front and rear wheels is different on many motorcycles, the two wheels rotate at slightly different speeds when cornering. The contact area of ​​the tire also changes as soon as the motorcycle corners. The curve technology takes these factors into account and takes the inclination into account in its interventions.

• Reflex braking system with cornering-optimized electronic brake force distribution (Cornering Enhanced Electronically Linked Braking, C-ELB)

The Reflex braking system with corner-optimized electronic brake force distribution ensures balanced deceleration on the front and rear wheels at the same time during a variety of braking maneuvers. The system couples the front and rear wheel brakes more strongly the higher the braking force the driver applies. When braking lightly and at low speeds, the brakes work almost independently of each other. In combined operation, the system automatically applies braking force to the rear wheel when the handbrake lever is pressed. C-ELB takes the lean angle into account when controlling the braking force and modulates the braking force ratio with the aim of allowing the motorcycle to follow the line chosen by the rider with the greatest possible directional stability. The C-ELB is deactivated in the Off-Road Plus and Custom Off-Road Plus driving modes .

• Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking and helps the driver to maintain control during emergency braking while driving straight ahead. It controls the front and rear brakes independently of each other. The cornering anti-lock braking system (C-ABS) also includes the lean angle in this control. When cornering, not all of the traction is available to transmit the braking force. C-ABS automatically takes this into account.

The cornering ABS also includes a stoppie control (Rear-Wheel Lift Mitigation, RLM), which is based on the C-ABS sensors and a six-axis motion sensor system to counteract the lifting of the rear wheel during heavy braking and thus optimally use the deceleration forces to align with the driver's braking commands. The amount and duration of rear wheel lift permitted by RLM depends on the selected driving mode. The intervention is greatest in Rain mode and lowest in Off-Road mode. In Off-Road Plus and Custom Off-Road Plus driving modes, both RLM and rear wheel ABS are deactivated .

• Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

The TCS traction control prevents excessive slip on the rear wheel when accelerating and thus supports the driver, especially when tire grip is limited, such as in precipitation, suddenly changing road surfaces or on unpaved roads. The C-TCS cornering traction control takes the current lean angle into account and thus prevents excessive slip on the rear wheel when accelerating, even in corners. In each of the pre-programmed driving modes, the interventions of the traction control or cornering traction control are different. In the freely programmable driving modes, the driver can preselect the strength of the C-TCS interventions in three levels.

In addition, C-TCS can be deactivated in any driving mode when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running. When switching to Rain mode, C-TCS is automatically reactivated, but can then be deactivated again. C-TCS can be switched off by pressing a button on the right side of the handlebar.

TCS also includes wheelie control (Front-Wheel Lift Mitigation, FLM), which limits the height and duration of a front wheel lifting when accelerating (wheelie). The strength of this intervention also differs in the different driving modes, with Rain being the most restrictive mode and Sport/Off-Road having the weakest interventions. When traction control is deactivated, the FLM function is also deactivated.

In the Off-Road Plus and Custom Off-Road Plus driving modes, the traction control works without taking the lean angle into account. This allows the driver to accelerate powerfully out of ruts, banked curves and embankments. In the Off-Road Plus driving mode, TCS allows even more slip on the rear wheel, which can only be used sensibly in pure off-road driving. At the same time, the FLM function is deactivated so that advanced riders can use the throttle to lift the front wheel over obstacles.

• Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System ( C-DSCS)

If the cornering traction control system C-DSCS detects excessive slip on the rear wheel during coasting operation, it adjusts the peripheral speed of the wheel to the driving speed by regulating the engine torque. The system also takes the lean angle into account. Since the function is based on the ABS, it is naturally inactive in the Off-Road Plus and Custom Off-Road Plus driving modes. In addition, traction control may be impaired when traction control is deactivated.

• Vehicle Hold Assist (Hill Hold Control, HHC)

When activated, the HHC vehicle hold assistant holds the brakes for the driver to prevent the motorcycle from rolling on hills after the driver has released the brakes. This mainly involves stopping and waiting in traffic, for example uphill in front of a stop sign, downhill in slow-moving traffic or on a steep parking garage ramp. In traffic situations like this, confident starting is child's play thanks to HHC: the system automatically holds the motorcycle with the brakes until the driver accelerates and presses the clutch. HHC can also be activated horizontally if the driver wants to maintain the position without applying the brakes themselves.

After stopping, the driver activates HHC with a short braking pulse using the handbrake lever or the footbrake pedal. If he continues to maintain the brake pressure after braking hard until the vehicle comes to a standstill, HHC comes into action without an additional braking impulse. An HHC control LED informs the driver as soon as the system is active and the ABS continues to apply brake pressure independently after the brake is released. If the driver tries to activate the HHC when it is not available - for example with the side stand folded out - the indicator light flashes. To automatically deactivate the HHC function, the driver simply needs to start from a standstill or give another braking impulse.

HHC is not intended as a parking brake and therefore releases the brakes automatically when the side stand is folded out or the engine is switched off. In most situations, the indicator light will begin flashing after five minutes and HHC will automatically release the brakes shortly thereafter if no further input from the driver is made. HHC is not a replacement for a parking brake in any situation.

If desired, the driver can switch the HHC function off and on again via the display.

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The tire air pressure monitoring system TPMS shows the tire pressures on the color display and warns the driver if the tire pressure is too low. It is standard on the Pan America 1250 Special and can be retrofitted on the Pan America 1250 in a specialist workshop upon request.

Driving modes

Various selectable driving modes electronically regulate the driving dynamics of the machine and specify the intensity of the electronic interventions. There are five modes available for the basic model, four of which are pre-programmed and one can be customized. In addition, the Pan America 1250 Special has two additional modes that can also be freely defined by the driver.

The driving modes pre-programmed for both models are Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus. Each mode affects power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS). On the Pan America Special, the modes also influence the function of the semi-active chassis.

The driver can select the driving mode using the mode button on the right of the handlebar, with some exceptions both when stationary and while driving. The selected mode is indicated by a separate symbol on the color display.

With the exception of Road mode, the driver can deactivate the driving modes in the Settings menu of the touchscreen display. The freely configurable modes can only be selected during operation using the mode button once they have been activated in the Settings menu.

Overview of the available driving modes

mode	ABS on the rear wheel	Pan America 1250	Pan America 1250 Special
Rain	active	✓	✓
Road	active	✓	✓
Sports	active	✓	✓
off-road	active	✓	✓
-> Off-Road Plus	inactive	✓	✓
Custom off-road	active		✓
-> Custom Off-Road Plus	inactive		✓
Custom A	active	✓	✓
Custom B	active		✓

• Sport mode: Sport mode offers the most unfiltered interaction between driver and machine. The rider experiences the full performance potential of the motorcycle directly and with the highest precision, with unlimited peak performance and full revving pleasure. The C-TCS works at the lowest level that is still sensible for road use and with increased engine braking effect when coasting. On the Pan America 1250 Special, Sport mode increases the damping and provides more feedback when driving with commitment.

• Road mode: The balanced Road mode is intended for everyday use and commuting. The engine offers a less sharp power delivery than in Sport mode, C-ABS and C-TCS intervene earlier. On the Pan America 1250 Special, a more comfortable chassis setting is activated in Road mode.

• Rain Mode: This mode is designed for rain or otherwise limited traction. This makes Rain mode ideal for riders who are still getting familiar with the motorcycle. Revving speed and power are significantly reduced in favor of manageable acceleration, as is the engine braking effect, while C-ABS and C-TCS work at the highest level. On the Pan America 1250 Special, the cushioning is also trimmed for maximum comfort in Rain mode.

• Off-Road mode: This mode is intended for unpaved roads and moderate off-road use. The power output is limited to a medium level and the torque characteristics are optimized for off-road use with less torque and power in the upper speed range. The C-ABS works in off-road mode on both wheels, but with characteristics specifically tailored to gravel and the like. The C-TCS is active at the same level as in Sport mode. On the Pan America 1250 Special, the semi-active chassis is set for light off-road operation in Off-Road mode.

• Off-Road Plus mode: This mode supports experienced off-road pilots in difficult terrain, ideally using off-road sports tires from the Harley-Davidson accessory range. The aim is to give the driver the best possible control over the drive and brakes on smooth surfaces and obstacles, so that he can, for example, lock the rear wheel with the brake for controlled slides or lift the front wheel over obstacles with the throttle. The engine characteristics are the same as in Off-Road mode. The rear wheel ABS, the combination brake function and the DSCS traction control system are deactivated, and the traction control intervenes as little as possible. The FLM and RLM functions are also deactivated, as is the lean angle-dependent control of traction control and ABS, so that these systems always work at a consistent level regardless of the current lean angle. On the Pan America 1250 Special, the semi-active chassis is programmed in Off-Road Plus mode to initially reduce damping during compression in order to more effectively absorb hard impacts, such as bumps, obstacles or landing after jumps.

Note: Off-Road Plus mode can only be selected from Off-Road mode when stationary with the engine running. To do this, the driver must press the Mode button and hold it briefly. The Off-Road Plus mode can be ended at any time by pressing the mode button. This activates the Off-Road mode again, from which the driver can then select any other driving mode as usual using the mode button.

• Custom Mode: Freely programmable, this mode allows the driver to configure characteristics specifically tailored to their personal preferences or specific events such as race training. Within certain limits, the driver can set the engine characteristics, braking effect and revving speed as desired, as well as the intensity of the C-TCS and C-ABS interventions, and in the Pan America 1250 Special model with semi-active chassis they can also set the damping. On the Pan America 1250 Special with the optional automatic chassis lowering, the driver can set the time delay until lowering begins or deactivate the function. A freely programmable custom mode is available on the Pan America 1250, and up to three different ones on the Pan America 1250 Special (Custom A, Custom B and Custom Off-Road) (see table above).

• Custom Off-Road and Custom Off-Road Plus* modes: Just like the Off-Road Plus mode, the Custom Off-Road Plus mode of the Pan America 1250 Special is intended for experienced pilots and the most demanding terrain, ideally in conjunction with coarse Harley-Davidsons -All-terrain tires available through the Original Accessories program. In this mode, the drive works with the same performance characteristics that the driver selected for the Custom Off-Road mode and combines them with the remaining settings of the Off-Road Plus mode.

Note: The Custom Off-Road Plus mode can only be selected from Custom Off-Road mode when stationary with the engine running. To do this, the driver must press the mode button and hold it briefly. The Custom Off-Road Plus mode can be ended at any time by pressing the mode button. This activates the Custom Off-Road mode again, from where the driver can then select any other driving mode as usual using the mode button.

Setting options for freely programmable custom driving modes

Touchscreen display

The Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special are equipped with a TFT display with touchscreen function and a 6.8-inch screen diagonal for display and infotainment functions.

• The tilt of the display can be adjusted to provide every driver with an optimal viewing angle.
• The touchscreen function is deactivated while driving, but numerous menu options can be operated comfortably and safely using buttons on the handlebars.
• Thanks to an anti-glare coating, the low-reflection display is very easy to read in most driving situations. Harley-Davidson has specifically optimized the colors and design for the greatest possible reading comfort.
• The touchscreen display is well protected in a robust housing that is sealed against dust and moisture and is specifically designed for off-road use.
• The touchscreen function can also be operated with gloves, but does not react to raindrops or similar influences.

Standard display:

• The large speed display in the middle is framed by a circular tachometer display.
• Turn signals and warning lights appear at the top.
• Pop-up displays for incoming calls and warnings are displayed below the speed display, such as “Low Fuel”, “Side Stand Down” and “Low Temperature” (engine not yet at operating temperature).

Widgets: The driver can individually expand the standard display to include additional information using widgets, with the speed and rpm display remaining in the center of the display at all times.

• Turn-by-turn information from a navigation system
• Infotainment information (artists, song titles and the like)
• Motorcycle status information (oil pressure, battery voltage and similar information)
• Distance-based information (trip meter, remaining range and similar)

Display bike status

With this display, the driver can view the status information large on the screen, while a smaller speed display appears in the upper area. The status information includes tire pressures, engine temperature and oil pressure, battery voltage and engine management diagnostic codes.

infotainment

The display of the Pan America 1250 and Pan America 1250 Special can show infotainment information that is output from the driver's Bluetooth-compatible mobile device. The motorcycle itself is not equipped with an infotainment system or speakers. Most infotainment features require a Bluetooth headset with speakers inside the helmet.

• Music: The system can be used to play both stored music files and streamed music from a mobile device via a headset. The artist name and song title appear on the display. The driver can scroll and adjust the volume using buttons on the handlebars, and can also use the touchscreen when stationary.

• Hands-free function: The driver can control the telephone functions of his mobile device using voice guidance via the headset. Caller data for incoming connections can be shown on the display.

• Navigation: This can be done using the free Harley-Davidson app for iOS and Android, which must first be installed on the mobile device. If the navigation function is activated, the driver can view an automatically moving road map or turn-by-turn information, supplemented by audio instructions via the headset.

• Harley-Davidson is now offering a navigation function with a moving road map for the first time.
• In road map mode, speed, indicator lights and the like are displayed above the map.
• The map can be moved and zoomed using the buttons on the handlebars or via the touchscreen.
• Turning information can also be displayed via widget, so that the driver can switch between the navigation view and the standard display without interruption.
• The Harley-Davidson app's range of functions also includes route recommendations, tour planning and recording functions, riding challenges and point-of-interest databases with Harley-Davidson dealers, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, motorcycle events and numerous others Attractions.
• A cellular connection is required for the navigation function; the motorcycle itself is not equipped with a GPS receiver. However, if necessary, the driver can download the entire route in advance and save it locally.
• Software updates are performed automatically by the Harley-Davidson app.