What Will Be/Is Sitting Next To Your FTR As A Stablemate.

K9F

Well-known member
I’m genuinely interested to know, have you considered the new Harley Pan America and if not, why not?

Hi Staedtler,

Excuse me for chipping in here but I am a Harley rider too.

With the multitude of 'oil sumping' issues with the first generation of the latest Harley-Davidson M8 engines and the cam chain tensioner shoe issues on the predecessor of the M8 the twin cam engines prior to 2006 I would be giving the widest berth possible to another first generation H-D. Much better to buy a well proven platform for reliability methinks. H-D do not have a good track record when introducing new platforms and take too long to recognize, admit and rectify the issues.

Gene may have other reasons but his decision is a very wise one to steer clear in my book.
 

Gene Hunt

New member
What K9F said. I'm test riding a Pan America next Saturday for completeness, but just go and watch Kevin Baxter's videos on YouTube for an insight into their engine issues. Sometimes Harley fix issues, but sometimes they just change things like max allowable crank runout to minimise warranty claims.

Don't get me wrong both BMW and KTM have had their fair share of issues, but their current designs are well proven, and in my experience BMW's customer service is second to none. The only thing putting me off buying another BMW is that the paint used on their engines is really fragile, and whilst they will change parts out under warranty, I just wish they would switch paint to solve the issue.
 

Staedtler

Active member
What K9F said. I'm test riding a Pan America next Saturday for completeness, but just go and watch Kevin Baxter's videos on YouTube for an insight into their engine issues. Sometimes Harley fix issues, but sometimes they just change things like max allowable crank runout to minimise warranty claims.

Don't get me wrong both BMW and KTM have had their fair share of issues, but their current designs are well proven, and in my experience BMW's customer service is second to none. The only thing putting me off buying another BMW is that the paint used on their engines is really fragile, and whilst they will change parts out under warranty, I just wish they would switch paint to solve the issue.
I understand, there is a load of new tech on that engine that Harley have not had much experience with before, so it will be interesting to see how it develops..
 

ferraiolo1

2021-2024 IMR Ambassador
Staff member
Hi Staedtler,

Excuse me for chipping in here but I am a Harley rider too.

With the multitude of 'oil sumping' issues with the first generation of the latest Harley-Davidson M8 engines and the cam chain tensioner shoe issues on the predecessor of the M8 the twin cam engines prior to 2006 I would be giving the widest berth possible to another first generation H-D. Much better to buy a well proven platform for reliability methinks. H-D do not have a good track record when introducing new platforms and take too long to recognize, admit and rectify the issues.

Gene may have other reasons but his decision is a very wise one to steer clear in my book.
The pan American engine is loosely based off the vrod engine, which was a proven design, they even went so far as to install valves in it that never have to be adjusted. I went and messed around with one the other week, they are surprisingly very well put together and fast, which is surprising coming from HD. The automatic ride height adjustment is very nifty as well.
 

K9F

Well-known member
Lowrider S are a great looking bike. My mate who has one and whom I parked my Breakout next to at a bike meet was astounded when I lowered my Shotgun Air Ride system to discover my Breakout seat sat 4" lower than his Lowrider S.
 

Gene Hunt

New member
The pan American engine is loosely based off the vrod engine, which was a proven design, they even went so far as to install valves in it that never have to be adjusted. I went and messed around with one the other week, they are surprisingly very well put together and fast, which is surprising coming from HD. The automatic ride height adjustment is very nifty as well.

The one thing I am yet to find out about the automatic ride height is what happens when it stalls? Does the bike drop down to the lower ride height or are you suddenly left on a very tall bike? Best thing is just to learn how to ride taller bikes as it always amuses me how Americans put both feet down when they come to a stop which is something you don't do over here in the UK.
 

Max Kool

Well-known member
Not a Harley rider at_all, but the new PanAm is really interesting imho.

How about a nekkid street model with the same engine?
 

ferraiolo1

2021-2024 IMR Ambassador
Staff member
The one thing I am yet to find out about the automatic ride height is what happens when it stalls? Does the bike drop down to the lower ride height or are you suddenly left on a very tall bike? Best thing is just to learn how to ride taller bikes as it always amuses me how Americans put both feet down when they come to a stop which is something you don't do over here in the UK.
It’s based on the speed. And even at the full lowered position I still can’t flat foot. So it’s not that low. But the bike without the automatic ride height sits higher than my ktm 300xc.

now go update your fm tuner thread ;)
 

JDP

Active member
These are a few sitting next to my FTR
 

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