Tag: Ride

The newly released 2025 Pan America 1250 ST ticks numerous boxes, even if you stay strictly on paved roads.

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Harley’s largest motorcycle manufacturer recently unveiled its 2025 bike lineup, unveiling a high-octane array including six newly updated Cruisers, the latest Street Glide Ultra, new Sportster S and four new CVOs.

However, the release I’m most thrilled about is somewhat unconventional.

Indeed, this city dweller can’t seem to stop fantasizing about a bike that’s firmly planted in the “adventure sport” arena: the 2025 Pan America 1250 ST.

Considering all aspects, I envision this motorcycle as a fantastic daily ride, even for those who may not venture off-road.

Unexpected appeal

Frequently, products tailored for a specific purpose prove to be excellent for a different one, a common occurrence with vehicles designed for urban and suburban life yet evident in diverse settings.

The most prominent example is muscular four-wheel-drive SUVs, which predominantly remain on paved paths, though this also extends to two-wheeled vehicles. Take gravel bikes, for instance, which are excellent for traversing pothole-ridden or rain-slick city streets.

The liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250 engine delivers 149 horsepower and 91ft-lbs of torque at its peak. This power is more than sufficient to escape a gridlock and make your way to the open road where only high speeds will quench your thirst.

Harley is well aware of this phenomenon, promoting the ST (short for sport touring) as “a practical daily ride, an exhilarating back-road performer, and a versatile weekend touring option.”

Indeed, this latest Pan America, which impressively retains its initial pricing from when I test rode the original four years past, features numerous enticing qualities for the less adventurous. Here are four stand-out attributes.

1. Ample power

Harley invested years into developing an engine tailored for adventure motorcycles, and this one is a powerhouse.

The liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250 showcases a wide power band with 149 horsepower and 91ft-lbs of torque peaking. That provides more than enough energy to escape traffic and cruise to areas where only higher speeds satisfy the need.

Interestingly, this engine integrates into the ST chassis as a load-bearing component, a feature that reduces weight while enhancing rigidity, ultimately crafting a more responsive ride.

2. Aesthetically pleasing and comfortable

Newer and shorter riders often find adventure bikes intimidating due to their higher seat heights. However, they are essential for providing sufficient ground clearance needed to traverse uneven terrains.

That said, the ST’s seat is quite approachable by comparison. The contoured, streamlined design is 0.5 inches lower than that on the Pan America 1250 Special.

With adaptive ride height technology (suspension mechanism that automatically lowers the bike when stopped), the seat can drop as low as 31.7 inches, a full inch lower than the Special model.

3. Capable on multiple surfaces

While the more accessible seat height sacrifices some suspension capabilities compared to the Special model, you still get 6.75 inches of travel and 6.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road conditions.

Additionally, robust Brembo brakes, an intuitive Quickshifter, and a lower center of gravity ensure both safety and high-speed enjoyment on paved surfaces.

Should you decide to depart from the pavement, it’s advisable to replace the default Michelin Scorcher Sport tires with something more suited, like Michelin Scorcher Adventure tires.

4. Classic good looks

While personal taste in appearance is subjective, I have always found the Pan America to have a cooler, less technical appearance than average adventure (or sport, or touring) bikes, despite die-hard fans lamenting its non-traditional Harley design.

I recall attending the launch/test ride event in the Mojave Desert back in 2021, where Harley-Davidson’s designers clarified one significant design principle was “no beaks.” They have adhered to this guideline, with contours and color schemes improving each year.

I, for one, would love to admire the new ST from my window, primed to explore the city and beyond. How do you feel?

Pricing and availability

The 2025 Pan America 1250 ST is now available at authorized Harley-Davidson dealers worldwide. The base price for the motorcycle is $19,999, with additional options like the Vivid Black color increasing that amount.

2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST