Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST 2026 — Specifications

Harley-Davidson has always wanted a “sporty” motorcycle in its lineup, and the American manufacturer likely feels complex about the European and Japanese armada that satisfies a portion of America… We remember for the older among us the VR 1000, the XR saga, but also the partnership with Buell to offer the large American V2 in a sporty suit, ready to lean into corners, which is quite difficult with a Softail… It is in this spirit that Harley Davidson’s press release begins: “Designed to lean, born to move.” A tempting program!

When you take an adventure bike and replace the large wheels (especially at the front) with a 17-inch format, you get a supermoto! Granted, the designation here is a bit stretched due to the size and weight of the machine. But the idea of having a more agile, sportier motorcycle for use exclusively on asphalt cannot be denied.

Therefore, the 19-inch front wheel is eliminated for a 17-inch dimension. The rear already having this size, Harley Davidson then focused with Michelin to properly equip this ST version. We therefore find Michelin Scorcher Sport tires (front 120/70ZR17, rear 180/55R17). The tire has a very sporty profile and is undoubtedly very performant on dry pavement; wet conditions will be less of its concern, but the essential thing for Harley Davidson was to have a tire that matches the image of the machine. Another affront that must sting from Milwaukie is Ducati’s Pikes Peak range after its victories in the most famous hillclimb race in the United States. The Multistrada having also seduced many American customers, Harley-Davidson sees this as a pool of potential sales if the ST proves successful.

If we find the steel trellis frame (aluminum swingarm), the Showa-supplied suspensions, which have a fork with a 147 mm stroke, lose 20 mm of travel, going from 190 to 170 mm. This lowers the center of gravity of a motorcycle that no longer has an off-road objective. The suspensions are adjustable for compression, preload, and rebound but are no longer semi-active. The seat height is also less restrictive for taller riders, being reduced to 825 mm (less travel in the suspensions and redesigned shape).

Braking is still entrusted to Brembo with 4-piston radial-mount calipers at the front, clamping 320 mm discs. A 280 mm disc with a single-piston caliper is found at the rear. A serious setup to stop the 246 kg of the beast in running order and full throttle! 12 kg lighter than the Special. It is also worth noting that this weight is not so outrageous compared to its main Italian competitor, as the Multistrada V4 weighs 229 kg dry.

The Pan America 1250 ST model is equipped like the adventure bike with the Revolution Max 1250 engine, a 1,250 cm3 liquid-cooled V2 engine designed to deliver interesting performance with 150 hp at 9,000 rpm and 127 Nm at 6,750 rpm. A performant and punchy engine, much closer in behavior to a European engine than to American mechanics. The recent test of the Special version had given us beautiful sensations.

This positioning of the Pan America ST gives it some arguments to seduce in its own market, eager for large V2 engines. To reinforce the sportiness of its motorcycle, Harley Davidson has also reworked the exhaust by eliminating the intermediate chamber to reduce weight and improve sound quality. Finally, the new Screamin' Eagle Quickshifter allows gear changes without a clutch.

Regarding electronic aids, the ST borrows from the normal version. The owner will have five riding modes: Road, Sport, Rain, and two Custom modes. These modes can be selected even while riding, a good point.

Thanks to the embedded IMU, the Pan America ST also benefits from an impressive range of controls:

The Pan America ST is still recognizable at first glance with this cyclops refrigerator look. Compared to the adventure bike version, this ST differs with a shorter and smoked bubble (non-adjustable) ensuring sporty style. The front fender has also been redesigned following the change in wheel format. The seat becomes a single piece. The center stand is removed. Finally, the bodywork is stripped back a bit around the radiator with the crash bars disappearing.

The mechanical components (engine and casings) are dressed in black (instead of gray) to give the motorcycle a more sinister look. The cockpit is still composed of a 6.8-inch color TFT (thin-film transistor) touchscreen. The screen supports your Bluetooth devices such as your smartphone for everything related to infotainment. Navigation is provided by the Harley-Davidson app for iOS or Android, which must be downloaded to your phone. Sport side cases and a removable Sport top case are available as options.

The Pan America 1250 ST is delivered as standard in Billiard Gray color; you will need to add 450 more bills to afford the Vivid Black and Brilliant Red colors… Harley is not the only manufacturer to practice such paint options, but for a motorcycle already priced at a base price of 19,990 euros, it is a bit stingy not to have the choice of color!

This Harley-Davidson is atypical in its looks, but its qualities are undeniable. The addition of a 17-inch front wheel is sure to appeal to those looking for a motorcycle for exclusive road use and full of character! Trying it is risking adopting it, but what do you have to lose? Not much… if your wish is also to stand out.

Vincent Beaucousin - Photos constructeur