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Rider Embarks on 12,000-Mile Journey with New Harley Davidson Model: Thrilled by ‘Brute Force’ Engine but Frustrated by ‘Gear Issue’

A MOTORCYCLE enthusiast who embarked on a 12,000-mile journey on a Harley Davidson praised its robust engine but pointed out a notable inconvenience.

The motorcycle’s engine delivered impressive power, ensuring seamless acceleration accompanied by an exhilarating roar.

A red and black Harley-Davidson Pan America motorcycle with luggage.

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The Pan America commanded attention with its striking appearance. Its bold fairing and posture evoked a vibe more akin to 60s muscle cars than the heftier adventure bikes of the 70s.Credit: Youtube/ MCN – Motorcyclenews.com
A motorcyclist riding a sport motorcycle on a mountain road.

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The motorcycle’s suspension excelled, managing diverse terrains from gravel trails in the Alps to sandy pathways in Suffolk, as well as a daily commute of 100 miles.Credit: Getty
Close-up of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle's engine and fuel tank.

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The 1250cc Revolution Max V-twin engine offered robust performance, allowing for smooth acceleration and a thrilling auditory experience.Credit: Youtube/ MCN – Motorcyclenews.com
Harley-Davidson CVO panniers.

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The omission of a standard 12V accessory point frustrated the rider, necessitating the use of an adapter or direct wiring to the battery for accessories.Credit: Youtube/ MCN – Motorcyclenews.com

The Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America exhibited rapid acceleration across the speed spectrum.

Additionally, its capacity to decelerate quickly made it easier to handle on uneven surfaces, as noted by Motor Cycle News.

The suspension was effective across various terrains, from rocky Alpine paths to sandy trails in Suffolk, and even for daily 100-mile rides, according to the rider.

Its seat provided remarkable comfort, facilitating long-distance journeys, including a 1,025-mile trip in under 24 hours.

The adjustable windscreen shielded the rider from the elements, though it fell short of the comfort offered by competitors like the BMW GS.

In terms of aesthetics, the Pan America is eye-catching, sporting an aggressive fairing and stance reminiscent of 1960s muscle cars rather than the bulkier adventure bikes of the 1970s.

However, the motorcycle was not devoid of its shortcomings.

The absence of a standard 12V accessory point was a source of annoyance for the rider, who found it necessary to employ an adapter or directly wire accessories to the battery.

Engaging the kickstand proved to be more challenging than anticipated, presenting a minor but irritating inconvenience.

Most concerning was the occasional dropout of the fourth gear during rapid acceleration.

Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Lineup: 7 New Bikes Unveiled

Although infrequent, this issue was enough to undermine the riders’ confidence.

Despite its flaws, the rider regarded the CVO Pan America as a dependable and exhilarating companion over an extensive journey.

Its formidable power, comfortable suspension, and all-day comfort solidified its reputation as an excellent option for both spontaneous weekend rides and grand adventures.

According to the rider, while occasional gear troubles were noted, the overall experience left a lasting positive impression.

Though the Pan America has its quirks, its commanding power and distinctive presence establish it as a notable vehicle in Harley’s offerings.

What are the new and refreshed Harley-Davidson motorcycles for 2025?

The all-new 2025 model lineup includes:

The Street Glide Ultra designed for extensive touring and the Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle.

Additionally, Harley-Davidson has refreshed six iconic Cruiser models for 2025: the Low Rider S; Low Rider ST; Breakout; Heritage Classic; Fat Boy; and Street Bob.

The Sportster S has also received updates.

A collection of limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles features four models: CVO Street Glide; CVO Road Glide; CVO Road Glide ST; and CVO Pan America.

The manufacturer states that these innovations complete the 2025 Harley-Davidson line-up of Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport, Adventure Touring, and Trike motorcycles.

Ultimately, the CVO Pan America fulfilled its promise of adventure, even if it was not immaculate.

2025 LINEUP

Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, recently introduced its all-new and refreshed motorcycles for the 2025 model lineup.

This lineup features the new Street Glide Ultra long-distance touring model and the Pan America 1250 ST adventure sport motorcycle, alongside six revitalized Cruiser models for 2025.

This year’s updates also include the powerful Sportster S model with improved suspension, as well as four limited-edition Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) bikes.

Harley is set to launch six updated Cruiser models, combining modern advancements with the brand’s traditional aesthetic.

Additional enhancements comprise improved suspension for the Sportster S, along with four unique Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models featuring exclusive finishes and premium attributes.

Pan America motorcycle in a desert landscape.

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Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, recently introduced its all-new and refreshed motorcycles for the 2025 model lineup.Credit: 2020 Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Usage: Unlimited Worldwide
Motorcyclist riding a motorcycle on a road.

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Harley is also set to launch six updated 2025 Cruiser models, blending current technology with the classic look of the brand.Credit: Getty
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Harley Davidson Bike Pics

1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead

1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead

Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorcycles. Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in beautiful Maggie Valley, NC, this All-American motorcycle museum houses over 300 of America’s rarest and most historic classic motorcycles. Currently, over 30 marques on display, including the likes of Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Crocker, Henderson, Flying Merkel, and many more. Western North Carolina’s premier museum and tourism attraction features dozens of motorcycle-related exhibits, ranging from board track racers, hillclimbing, and original paint machines to American Dirt Track racing, choppers and bobbers, and one-of-a-kind motorcycles.

Posted by Paul’s Captures (paul-mashburn.artistwebsites.com) on 2014-11-02 23:25:10

Tagged: , Maggie Valley , Wheels Through Time , motorcycle , motorcycle museum , Harley-Davidson , Vintage Harleys , motorcycles , Crocker Motorcycles , Go Go Gadget Motorcycle , Coca-Cola Motorcycle , Indian , Indian Motorcycles , vintage Indian motorcycles , Air Force Harley , Harley-Davidson gas tanks , 1936 MWA motorcycle , 1924 Ace Sport Solo , motorcycles Crocker , Motorcycles Go , Go , Gadget , Motorcycle Coca-Cola , Motorcycle Indian Indian , motorcycle vintage , motorcycles Air , Force , Harley Harley-Davidson vintage , gas , tanks 1936

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Harley Davidson News

Redneck Air Force Mobilizes Former Special Ops to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

“I believe they are likely dead.”

These were the sentiments expressed by former Green Beret Adam Smith to his fiancée on September 28 regarding his 3-year-old daughter Tove and her mother. Their home in North Carolina was situated merely 40 yards from a torrent of water, swollen beyond its banks due to Hurricane Helene. No communication had been established with them since Thursday night, and it had now turned to Saturday.

Despite the grim outlook, Smith felt compelled to attempt a rescue, teaming up with a friend of a friend who owned a helicopter. He was on board for the mission.

“When we landed, the greatest joy of my life unfolded before my eyes,” recounted Smith, founder and CEO of a tactical training company called Savage Freedoms. “My daughter came running around barefoot, skipping and twirling in a grassy field, and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

This rescue led Smith to an important realization: it wasn’t sufficient to save just Tove and her mother. There were numerous others in distress — and Smith had the expertise to assist. Thus, Savage Freedoms Relief Operations, known as Savage Ops, was established in the parking lot of a Harley Davidson shop in Swannanoa, dedicated to providing relief supplies, rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring vehicle access, offering logistical support, and instilling hope in hurricane-affected residents. By the tenth day of Savage Ops’ formation, around 120 individuals had joined him through word of mouth, most being former special operators.

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“Green Berets, Navy SEALs, pararescue, and MARSOC personnel from national strategic assets took the initiative — we had everyone,” Smith stated, estimating that his team logged nearly 29,000 man-hours in the initial two weeks. “By day 10, we had almost a million pounds of supplies delivered.”

Justin Neal, a former Army Ranger, is now part of what locals named “the redneck air force.” He and about 40 other former Rangers ventured into western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene struck, eager to lend a hand. After receiving a call regarding the operation at the Harley Davidson, he felt compelled to learn more.

“Ask for a guy named Adam,” his source advised. And he did; within five minutes, Neal committed to the effort.

“We don’t seek glory; we’re here solely to assist,” said Neal, a soldier from 2012-2017. “I planned to stay for three days, but ended up staying for 10. I just couldn’t walk away.”

Neal, Smith, and their peers encountered devastation on a scale that was hard to comprehend. Smith described it as “the worst destruction I’ve ever encountered, even more severe than a war zone.” Many people who spotted Savage Ops’ shirts didn’t even introduce themselves — they simply burst into tears and embraced the team members out of gratitude.

“We work from dawn till dusk every day,” Smith shared, indicating his intent to remain in western North Carolina for the foreseeable future. “The operations are ongoing with road and yard cleanups, mucking out homes, construction projects, sourcing hay and feed for livestock, and fundraising to pay contractors to help them resume their work.”

Green Beret Adam Smith

 

Their work garnered attention from former President Donald Trump, who met with Smith on October 21 at an auto repair shop in Swannanoa. However, the true significance lies in the sense of purpose and unity Savage Ops has provided its members, including Neal.

“I hadn’t felt this level of purpose since my time in Afghanistan,” he expressed. “I find more meaning in Savage Freedoms than I have in my whole life, including my military service.”

Currently, Smith emphasized, their mission is to restore North Carolina to its former state. Achieving this will require determination, effort, and funding — but Savage Ops is ready for the challenge.

“We cannot allow western North Carolina to be overlooked,” Smith affirmed. “And we won’t.”

Visit www.savagefreedoms.com/savageops to contribute to Savage Ops’ efforts in response to Hurricane Helene.