Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

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Overview - Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023 are both impressive motorcycles from the renowned manufacturer. While they share some similarities in terms of engine type, bore, stroke, fuel system, and starter, they differ significantly in various aspects.

Starting with the engine, the Pan America 1250 Special boasts a more powerful engine with 151.98 HP compared to the Sportster S RH1250S's 122 HP. The Pan America also offers higher torque at 128 Nm compared to the Sportster S's 125 Nm. This makes the Pan America more suitable for off-road adventures and provides a thrilling riding experience.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. However, the Pan America has a larger front suspension diameter of 47 mm compared to the Sportster S's 43 mm. The Pan America also offers a longer travel distance for both front and rear suspension, providing better off-road capabilities.

The chassis of the Pan America is made of aluminum, while the Sportster S features a steel frame. The aluminum frame of the Pan America offers better strength-to-weight ratio and contributes to its overall lighter weight. On the other hand, the steel frame of the Sportster S provides a sturdy and robust structure.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles feature double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 320 mm. However, the Pan America utilizes a four-piston radial monoblock technology, which enhances braking performance and control. The Sportster S also features a single disk brake at the rear.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer advanced features such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. These systems enhance safety and provide a customizable riding experience.

The dimensions and weights of the motorcycles differ significantly. The Pan America has a larger wheelbase of 1585 mm compared to the Sportster S's 1520 mm. The Pan America also has a higher seat height of 850 mm, making it more suitable for taller riders. Additionally, the Pan America has a larger fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters, offering a longer range of 432 km compared to the Sportster S's 11.8 liters and 245 km range.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and TFT displays. However, the Pan America also features heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, and an adjustable windscreen, providing added convenience and safety.

In terms of strengths, the Pan America excels with its sporty power unit, comfortable seating position, comprehensive electronics, distinctive look, and standard cornering ABS and TC. It also offers an optional seat lowering feature when stationary. On the other hand, the Sportster S stands out with its powerful and refined engine, unique looks, full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control, low-maintenance belt drive, and unrivaled style.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Pan America's workmanship and haptics are sometimes below average, and the quickshifter is an additional cost and not perfect. The windshield on the Pan America is also considered too high for off-road use. The Sportster S, on the other hand, has a chassis that is quite hard, resulting in a less comfortable ride. The turn-in behavior is somewhat unwilling due to the wide front tire, and the small tank capacity may require more frequent refueling.

In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023 are both impressive motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Pan America excels in off-road capabilities and sporty performance, while the Sportster S offers a stylish and refined riding experience.

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023
Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeV
BoreBore105 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke72 mmStroke72.3 mm
Engine powerEngine power151.98 HPEngine power122 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque128 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13 Compression Ratio12
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionBelt
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,252 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter47 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel191 mmTravel92 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel191 mmTravel51 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake65 degreeRake60 degree
TrailTrail157 mmTrail148 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter280 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width160 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,270 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth965 mmWidth843 mm
HeightHeight1,510 mmHeight1,089 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,585 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height765 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)242 kgDry Weight (with ABS)221 kg
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)258 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)228 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21.2 lFuel Tank Capacity11.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange432 kmRange245 km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.1 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

The Pan America 1250 is Harley-Davidson's first attempt in the large touring enduro segment - and it's a thoroughly successful effort! Apart from a few, actually negligible flaws, the Pan America 1250 Special is an all-round good adventure bike. On paved roads, it shows its thoroughly sporty character and ranks pretty well in the league of the usual suspects in this class. With innovative features like the Adaptive Ride Height System, the Americans could even manage to acquire a larger number of new customers for whom the usual suspects are all too high. Combined with the low seat height, it is attractive for short-legged pilots.

Sporty power unit

comfortable seating position

comprehensive electronics

distinctive look

cornering ABS standard, cornering TC standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

Workmanship and haptics partly below average

Quickshifter at extra cost and not perfect

Windshield too high for off-road use

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

The Sportster S returns to the tradition of this model series - yes, it really used to be about sport! That's why the latest American creation, with its 122 hp and 125 Nm of torque, doesn't want to be a cruiser, but instead is almost classless in its pursuit of customers. What is on offer is a wonderful poser bike that is surprisingly easy to ride after a little familiarisation. The single-disc brake at the front has a lot of work to do and the fat 160 front tyre does not steer in quite naturally. In addition, the rider has to cope with a hard suspension and a seating position that is energy-sapping on long stages - which of course doesn't matter at all in front of the ice cream parlour. Electronics and safety are top-notch, which mitigates the tidy price for true fans.

Powerful, refined engine

unique looks

full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control

low-maintenance belt drive

unrivalled

Chassis really hard

turn-in behaviour somewhat unwilling because of the wide front tyre

small tank capacity.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special vs Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S

There are a few key differences between a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 and a Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 is about 3% higher. Compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023 there are less Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 7 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special with 11 days compared to 97 days for a Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special and 7 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S since model year 2021. The first review for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special was published on 22/02/2021 and now has more than 61,800 views. This compares to more than 78,300 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S published on 13/07/2021.

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S

Model year
Current average market prices

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