Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST (2025 – ) review

The Pan America 1250 has received a mixed reception since its launch in 2021, this less down to the bike’s actual abilities than preconceptions about Harley-Davidson moving beyond its comfort zone and into a field more dominated by European brands. Put simply, its 152 horsepower V-twin, electronics, equipment and chassis are just dandy, though. This new ST (short for Sports Tourer) version might help move the needle, though. It’s inspired by Harley’s success in US Super Hooligan racing where a modified Pan America won the series this year, and is intended as sportier street-focused iteration. To those ends it gets shorter travel suspension, new 17-inch street wheels, chopped down screen, a one-piece saddle and revised styling. The result looks sharper, is more manageable, handles better, makes a great real world street bike and is even pretty good value. Maybe the PanAm has finally found its mojo!

Although the upright adventure stance is familiar from the regular Pan America the smaller 17-inch wheels and 21mm reduction in suspension travel drop the bike down, the new sculpted seat now a more manageable 825mm against the 850mm of the standard bike. The smaller front wheel also makes it more nose down and the screen is lower, too. The result is a more aggressive adventure sport vibe but still with decent comfort (for two) and versatility. If there is any criticism it would be the new lower screen left your 6’ 3” tester somewhat exposed to the elements.

Adventure sport machines, which is to say street-dedicated versions of normally dual-purpose adventure bikes like the Ducati Multistrada V4, Triumph Tiger 1200 GT and the S version of KTM 1290 Adventure, may sound oxymoronic but make great all-round machines. As long as you don’t need any off-road prowess, of course. The new Pan Am ST has the same appeal as the standard bike but takes it even further, with the upright comfort and versatility of an adventure bike but in a sportier and more manageable package. It’s also a decent tourer, great around town and has a sharper, more striking style as well. With that in mind along with the more reasonable price it’s probably the most appealing Pan Am yet.

The all-new Revolution Max 1,250cc V-twin was already one of the highlights of the original Pan America and is unchanged in this ST guise. No bad thing! It’s responsive, has just the right blend of mid-range flexibility and top end power with 152 horsepower at 8,750rpm and 127 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. Supporting it are four easily accessed riding modes plus switchable traction control, a quickshifter and hill hold control as part of an impressive electronics package adding up to a riding experience equal parts practical, versatile and fun. No complaints when it comes to braking, either, with Brembo calipers biting down on twin 320mm discs up front and backed up with lean-sensitive ABS.

Another step up over the regular Pan America, accepting that you trade some off-road performance in the process. But if you’re not intending to leave surfaced roads that’s fine, the more on-the-nose balance meaning the ST feels both more secure and sporty. The new wheels are also wider and wear stickier Michelin Scorcher Sports rubber while the recalibrated suspension feels more controlled and precise. It’s also a bit lighter, the ST coming in at 246kg against the 258kg of the regular Pan America. These changes also give the ST slightly sportier steering geometry, too. Wheelbase is reduced from 1,585mm to 1,570mm, trail is down from 108 to 95mm and the end result is noticeably sharper, sportier, grippier and more controlled without sacrificing anything in terms of stability and practicality.

Although a premium machine the ST should still be reasonably economical to run thanks to its relatively modest power, purchase price and Harley-Davidson’s traditionally strong residual values. Even if these aren’t quite as solid as the brand’s regular bikes. While the power output shouldn’t put too much strain on consumable components it does use a conventional chain, where rivals like the Tiger 1200 and GS are shaft-driven. Wear on the rest of the components will very much depend on how often and how hard it’s ridden!

Although a new model the ST is essentially a variant of a bike that’s now been around since 2021, with no major problems. It’s also from a premium manufacturer with an excellent record for both quality and reliability, while cycle parts from respected suppliers like Brembo is further reassurance.

The Pan America 1250 ST comes with a standard Harley-Davidson warranty covering you for two years. After the initial 500-mile check servicing is annual or every 5,000 miles, which is on the low side for a bike built to rack up big distances and could see you visiting the dealer more often to keep up with the recommended schedule if you do a couple of big tours.

The ST is not just a premium Harley, it’s also probably its sportiest bike yet, so you’d expect equipment levels to be high – and they are. There’s a big touch-screen TFT dash with full Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, the electronics package includes the aforementioned rider modes, cornering traction control and ABS and there’s the quickshifter you’d be expecting at this level. Beyond that there are tons of options, ranging from heated grips to luggage and cosmetic dress-up bits. The sporty aspirations do mean it’s not quite as plush and refined as some, though, and we found the low screen to be one such compromise impacting its all-round usability.

If you like adventure bike stature and practicality but want a sportier riding style the Pan America ST has a lot going for it. It’s fast, fine-handling, comfortable, manageable, decently equipped, versatile and has one of the most premium badges in motorcycling, even if it’s not one usually associated with this style of bike and the looks are unusual. That does at least make it stand out, and all things relative it’s decent value as well. All of which makes it a convincing and distinctive alternative to the more predictable choices in this popular premium adventure sports sector.