The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is the ultra-premium version of Harley’s adventure touring bike, venturing into the world of adventure touring motorcycles. Harley Davidson is known for its iconic cruisers and touring bikes, but in 2021, the company ventured into a new territory with the launch of the Pan America 1250, its first adventure motorcycle. The Pan America 1250 was well-received by critics and customers alike, thanks to its powerful engine, innovative features and versatile performance. For 2024, Harley Davidson has taken the Pan America 1250 to the next level by introducing the CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) version, which combines the ruggedness of the adventure bike with the high-quality finishes and accessories of the CVO lineup. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Harley Davidson Pan America CVO and see what makes it the ultimate adventure bike.
Brief History of Harley Davidson
Harley-Davidson is more than just a motorcycle brand; it’s an icon deeply woven into American culture. Let’s take a quick ride through their history:
Humble Beginnings (1903-1910s):
- 1903: William Harley and the Davidson brothers build their first motor-bicycle in a Milwaukee shed.
- 1904: First official sale to a friend for $200.
- 1907: Harley-Davidson Motor Company officially incorporated.
- 1909: The iconic V-twin engine debuts, boosting power and popularity.
Roaring Twenties & Beyond (1920s-1940s):
- 1920s: Boom years for Harley with racing successes and growing civilian demand.
- 1930s: Survive the Great Depression by focusing on police motorcycles and military contracts.
- WWII: Produce over 80,000 motorcycles for the US military, solidifying their reputation for reliability.
Post-War Evolution (1950s-1970s):
- 1950s: The “golden age” with iconic models like the Sportster and Electra Glide.
- 1960s & 70s: Counterculture movement adopts Harley as a symbol of rebellion and freedom.
- Increased competition: Japanese manufacturers enter the market, challenging Harley’s dominance.
Facing Challenges & Embracing Change (1980s-Present):
- 1980s & 90s: Financial struggles and quality issues threaten the company’s survival.
- Revitalization efforts: Focus on product innovation, marketing, and building a loyal community.
- Expansion: Introduce new models for broader appeal, including touring bikes and street models.
- Present: Remain an iconic brand facing competition from various segments, but still hold a strong position in the cruiser market.
Beyond the Bikes:
Harley-Davidson is more than just motorcycles. They cultivate a passionate community through:
- H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group): A social club fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.
- Merchandise & Apparel: Clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products build brand loyalty.
- Events & Rallies: Gatherings that celebrate the Harley-Davidson spirit and culture.
Looking Ahead:
Harley-Davidson continues to adapt, embracing electric motorcycles and technology alongside their traditional offerings. Their journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a commitment to the open road and the freedom it represents.
What is the Harley Davidson Pan America CVO?
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is a premium touring model based on the Pan America 1250 Special, which is the top-of-the-line variant of the Pan America 1250. The CVO Pan America features an exclusive paint scheme, a bidirectional quickshifter, a full luggage kit and protective accessories that make it ready for any road condition. The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO also retains the key features of the Pan America 1250 Special, such as the adaptive ride-height adjustment, tubeless spoke wheels, cornering-enhanced ABS and traction control, hill hold control, heated grips and cruise control.
Design and Build of Harley Davidson Pan America CVO
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO, unveiled for the 2024 model year, stands as a flagship adventure bike within Harley’s lineup.
How is the CVO Pan America designed?
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is designed to be a premium touring model that can handle any road condition with style and confidence. The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other adventure bikes in the market. Some of the design elements of the CVO Pan America are:
- An exclusive paint scheme: The CVO Pan America comes in a vibrant Legendary Orange color with black, white and silver accents that give it a striking appearance. The orange color extends to the crash guard and the sub-frame, while the engine cover and exhaust cover have a carbon fiber-like finish. The seat also has a fabric that mimics the design of a carbon fiber weave.
- Legendary Orange Livery: The CVO boasts a head-turning, exclusive paint scheme featuring a bold Legendary Orange base with Raven Metallic and Atlas Silver accents.
- A frame-mounted fairing: The CVO Pan America has a frame-mounted fairing that provides wind protection and houses a 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers navigation, music, phone and vehicle information. The fairing also has an adjustable windshield that can be raised or lowered by 1.8 inches to suit different riding preferences.
- A LED headlight: The CVO Pan America has a LED headlight that features four reflectors that provide high and low beam functions. The headlight also has a signature Daymaker running light that enhances visibility and adds to the bike’s character.
- Rugged Adventure Look: The bike exudes a purposeful and robust appearance, reflecting its off-road capabilities.
- A TFT instrument cluster: The CVO Pan America has a TFT instrument cluster that displays essential information such as speed, rpm, fuel level, gear position, ride mode, odometer, trip meter, clock and ambient temperature. The instrument cluster also has a customizable display that can show additional information such as tire pressure, battery voltage, engine temperature and oil pressure.
How is the CVO Pan America built?
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is built to be a durable and reliable adventure bike that can withstand the rigor of hardcore riding. The CVO Pan America has a strong and lightweight chassis that provides stability and agility on any terrain. Some of the build components of the CVO Pan America are:
- A Revolution Max 1250 engine: The CVO Pan America is powered by the same liquid-cooled, 1252cc, V-Twin engine that produces 152 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. This engine is called the Revolution Max 1250, and it is one of the most advanced engines ever developed by Harley Davidson. The Revolution Max 1250 features self-adjusting hydraulic lifters, variable intake and exhaust valves, dual spark plugs, oil-cooled pistons and a counter-balancer that reduces vibrations. The engine also has five selectable ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus) that adjust the throttle response, engine braking, ABS and traction control settings according to the riding conditions. The CVO Pan America also has two customizable ride modes that allow riders to fine-tune their preferences.
- A bidirectional quickshifter: The CVO Pan America is the first road-going Harley Davidson model to come with a bidirectional quickshifter, which allows riders to shift gears without using the clutch or releasing the throttle. This enhances the riding experience and reduces fatigue on long journeys.
- A six-speed transmission: The CVO Pan America has a six-speed transmission that delivers smooth and precise shifting. The transmission also has a slipper clutch that prevents rear wheel lock-up during aggressive downshifting.
- A chain final drive: The CVO Pan America has a chain final drive that provides efficient power transfer and reduces maintenance costs compared to a belt or shaft drive.
- A Showa suspension: The CVO Pan America has a Showa suspension that offers excellent handling and comfort on any surface. The front suspension consists of an inverted fork with semi-active damping control that adjusts automatically to different road conditions. The rear suspension consists of a monoshock with semi-active damping control and adaptive ride height adjustment that lowers or raises the seat height by up to two inches depending on the speed and load.
- A Brembo braking system: The CVO Pan America has a Brembo braking system that provides powerful and consistent stopping power on any terrain. The front brake consists of dual 320mm discs with four-piston radial calipers, while the rear brake consists of a single 280mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper. The braking system also features cornering-enhanced ABS that modulates the brake pressure according to the lean angle and traction control that prevents wheel spin during acceleration or deceleration.
- A tubeless spoke wheels: The CVO Pan America has tubeless spoke wheels that combine the strength and durability of spoke wheels with the convenience and safety of tubeless tires. The wheels have a 19-inch diameter at the front and a 17-inch diameter at the rear, and they are fitted with Michelin Scorcher Adventure tires that offer excellent grip and performance on any terrain.
Engine and Performance
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO boasts a powerful and capable engine and suspension system, designed for both on-road cruising and off-road exploration.
What is the engine of the CVO Pan America?
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is powered by the same liquid-cooled, 1252cc, V-Twin engine that produces 152 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. This engine is called the Revolution Max 1250, and it is one of the most advanced engines ever developed by Harley Davidson. The Revolution Max 1250 features self-adjusting hydraulic lifters, variable intake and exhaust valves, dual spark plugs, oil-cooled pistons and a counter-balancer that reduces vibrations. The engine also has five selectable ride modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus) that adjust the throttle response, engine braking, ABS and traction control settings according to the riding conditions. The CVO Pan America also has two customizable ride modes that allow riders to fine-tune their preferences.
Engine:
- REVOLUTION® MAX 1250: This liquid-cooled, dohc (double overhead camshaft) V-twin engine delivers 152 horsepower at 8750 RPM and 95 lb-ft of torque at 6750 RPM. It’s tuned for smooth power delivery and maximum control, providing ample muscle for tackling any terrain.
- Variable Valve Timing (VVT): This technology optimizes engine performance across the rev range, ensuring strong low-end torque and exhilarating power at higher RPMs.
- Smooth and Refined: Unlike traditional Harley engines, the Revolution Max is known for its smooth operation and refined feel, reducing vibrations and enhancing rider comfort.
Suspension:
- Semi-Active Suspension: This electronically adjustable system automatically adjusts damping based on various factors like road conditions, rider input, and selected riding mode. It ensures optimal handling and comfort on any terrain.
- Adaptive Ride Height: This feature automatically adjusts the rear suspension to maintain a constant ride height, even with changes in load or terrain. This improves stability and control, especially when riding off-road.
- Long Travel: The Pan America CVO features long-travel suspension with ample ground clearance, allowing you to confidently navigate rough roads and trails.
Overall Performance:
- Balanced: The Pan America CVO strikes a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. The engine provides ample power for highway cruising, while the suspension system ensures a smooth and controlled ride on rough terrain.
- Technology-Packed: The bike comes equipped with various ride modes, traction control, ABS, and other electronic aids that enhance performance and safety in different conditions.
- Customization: The CVO model offers additional features and premium finishes compared to the standard Pan America, making it a truly unique and personalized adventure machine.
What are the features of the CVO Pan America?
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is a high-performance, limited-edition adventure touring motorcycle from Harley-Davidson. It is based on the Pan America 1250 Special, but adds a number of premium features and upgrades, making it the most luxurious and capable Pan America model in the lineup.
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO has a number of features that make it stand out from other adventure bikes in the market. Some of these features are:
- An exclusive paint scheme: The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO comes in a vibrant Legendary Orange color with black, white and silver accents that give it a striking appearance. The orange color extends to the crash guard and the sub-frame, while the engine cover and exhaust cover have a carbon fiber-like finish. The seat also has a fabric that mimics the design of a carbon fiber weave.
- Semi-active suspension: The CVO Pan America features electronically adjustable Showa® Balance Free® Suspension with semi-active damping. This system automatically adjusts the suspension settings based on road conditions and riding mode, providing a comfortable and controlled ride in all situations.
- A bidirectional quickshifter: The CVO Pan America is the first road-going Harley Davidson model to come with a bidirectional quickshifter, which allows riders to shift gears without using the clutch or releasing the throttle. This enhances the riding experience and reduces fatigue on long journeys.
- A full luggage kit: The CVO Pan America comes with a full luggage kit that includes two aluminum side cases and a top case that are designed in collaboration with SW-MOTECH®, a leading manufacturer of motorcycle accessories. The luggage kit is rugged, spacious and lockable, and it can be easily mounted or removed from the bike.
- Heated grips and seats: The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO comes standard with heated grips and seats, which can be a lifesaver on cold rides.
- Daymaker® Adaptive Headlight: This headlight automatically adjusts the beam pattern to provide optimal lighting for the road ahead.
- Tubeless spoke wheels: The CVO Pan America comes with tubeless spoke wheels, which are lighter and more durable than traditional spoked wheels. They also make it easier to change tires on the trail.
- Protective accessories: The CVO Pan America also comes with protective accessories that include an aluminum bash plate that protects the engine from rocks and debris, auxiliary lights that improve visibility in low-light conditions, hand guards that shield the hands from wind and rain, and engine guards that prevent damage in case of a fall.
- A liquid-cooled, 1,252cc, V-Twin engine that produces 150 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque
- A six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and a chain final drive
- A tubular steel frame with an aluminum swingarm
- A 47 mm Showa inverted fork with semi-active damping and 190 mm of travel
- A Showa monoshock with semi-active damping, hydraulic preload adjustment and 191 mm of travel
- A 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel with tubeless spokes
- Brembo brakes with dual 320 mm discs and four-piston calipers at the front and a single 280 mm disc and a single-piston caliper at the rear
- A Bosch cornering ABS system that can be switched off
- A traction control system with seven modes: Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road, Off-Road Plus, Custom Off-Road Plus and Custom Road
- A hill hold control system that prevents the bike from rolling backwards on slopes
- A cruise control system that can be adjusted on the fly
- A tire pressure monitoring system that displays the pressure of both tires on the instrument cluster
- An adaptive ride height system that lowers the seat height by up to 50 mm when the bike comes to a stop and raises it back up when it starts moving again
- A 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen display that shows various information such as speed, rpm, fuel level, gear position, odometer, trip meter, clock, ambient temperature, battery voltage, engine temperature and service reminder
- A Bluetooth connectivity system that allows pairing with smartphones and headsets for navigation, music streaming, phone calls and voice commands
- A four-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system that delivers crisp sound quality even at high speeds
The CVO Pan America adds to these features with some exclusive upgrades that make it even more desirable. Some of these upgrades are:
- A distinctive paint scheme that combines a deep black base with vibrant orange and white highlights. This vivid color combination not only enhances the bike’s aesthetics but also emphasizes its adventurous spirit. The orange details flow seamlessly across the bike, highlighting areas from the crash guard to the sub-frame, while the engine and exhaust covers feature a sophisticated plain weave carbon-fiber-like finish. Complementing this is the seat, which is adorned with a fabric that replicates a carbon-fiber weave, adding to the bike’s premium feel.
- A bidirectional quick-shifter that allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts, enhancing the bike’s performance capabilities. This feature is not available on any other Harley Davidson model and is a first for the CVO lineup.
- A comprehensive set of accessories designed for the adventurous rider, including:
- An aluminum bash plate that protects the engine and the exhaust from rocks and debris
- A pair of auxiliary lights that improve visibility in low-light conditions
- A pair of hand guards that shield the hands from wind and rain
- A pair of heated grips that keep the hands warm in cold weather
- A pair of engine guards that prevent damage to the engine in case of a fall
- A pair of radiator guards that prevent damage to the radiator from stones and bugs
- A pair of aluminum panniers that provide ample storage space for luggage
- A top case that can accommodate a full-face helmet or other items
- A tank bag that can store small items such as a phone, a wallet or a camera
How does the CVO Pan America compare with other adventure bikes?
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is a unique adventure bike that offers a different experience from other adventure bikes in the market. However, it is not the only option for riders who want to explore beyond limits. There are other adventure bikes that have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they may suit different riders’ preferences and budgets better. Here are some of the main competitors of the CVO Pan America and how they compare with it:
- BMW R 1250 GS Adventure: The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is one of the most popular and successful adventure bikes in the world. It has a liquid-cooled, 1254cc, Boxer engine that produces 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. It has a shaft final drive that reduces maintenance costs and a telelever front suspension that reduces dive under braking. It also has a range of features such as dynamic electronic suspension adjustment, hill start control, dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control and riding modes pro. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a starting price of $20,345 in the US, which is $8,054 less than the CVO Pan America. However, it also has a wet weight of 268 kg (591 lbs), which is only 2 kg (4 lbs) less than the CVO Pan America. It also has a less distinctive design and a less refined engine than the CVO Pan America.
- Ducati Multistrada V4 S: The Ducati Multistrada V4 S is one of the most advanced and sophisticated adventure bikes in the world. It has a liquid-cooled, 1158cc, V4 engine that produces 170 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. It has a chain final drive that provides efficient power transfer and a skyhook suspension that adapts to different road conditions. It also has a range of features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, cornering ABS, cornering lights, wheelie control and vehicle hold control. The Ducati Multistrada V4 S has a starting price of $24,095 in the US, which is $4,304 less than the CVO Pan America. However, it also has a wet weight of 240 kg (529 lbs), which is 30 kg (66 lbs) less than the CVO Pan America. It also has a more sporty design and a more aggressive engine than the CVO Pan America.
- Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition: The Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition is one of the most versatile and comfortable adventure bikes in the world. It has a liquid-cooled, 1215cc, Triple engine that produces 141 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. It has a shaft final drive that reduces maintenance costs and an electronically adjustable WP suspension that offers four settings: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Off-Road. It also has a range of features such as cornering ABS, cornering traction control, hill hold control, cruise control and heated grips. The Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition has a starting price of $18,500 in the US, which is $9,899 less than the CVO Pan America.
Is Harley Davidson Pan America CVO for You?
Embarking on the decision to invest in a Harley Davidson Pan America CVO requires careful consideration. If you seek a powerful, stylish, and customizable adventure touring bike, the CVO is tailored for enthusiasts who demand the best.
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Conclusion
In short, the Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is a game-changer in the world of adventure touring motorcycles. With its powerful performance, iconic design, and the Harley Davidson legacy, it’s not just a bike; it’s an experience. If you’re ready to elevate your riding adventures, the Pan America CVO awaits.
The Harley Davidson Pan America CVO is a unique bike that offers a blend of adventure, performance and luxury. It is a bike for riders who want to explore new horizons without compromising on comfort and style. It is a bike for riders who appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into creating a CVO model. It is a bike for riders who are willing to pay a premium for an exclusive and exceptional bike.
If you are looking for such a bike, then the Harley Davidson Pan America CVO might be the perfect choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more affordable, lighter or more fuel-efficient adventure motorcycle, then you might want to consider other options in the market.
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