The 2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST is Milwaukee’s answer to sport-touring enthusiasts. The impressive engine is carried over from the Pan America Special, but it’s calibrated for the road, not for rocky paths. Subscribe to asphalt and curves.
Engine and performance
Beneath the fuel tank, which generously holds 5.6 gallons, or around 21.2 L, lies the Revolution Max 1250 block, a 1,252 cm³ liquid V-twin delivering up to 149 hp and 124 Nm of torque. It’s a big engine that loves to rev, yet offers appreciable torque from low revs, perfect for negotiating corners smoothly, or accelerating on the freeway.
Chassis and suspension
The ST adopts 17 ″ alloy wheels with Michelin Scorcher Sport tires, perfect for asphalt. The suspension is by Showa, equipped with electronic preload adjustment and manual compression and rebound settings.
The result: a ground clearance some 25 mm lower than that of the Pan America Special, a lower center of gravity, improved handling and significantly enhanced cornering stability.
Braking and electronics
No compromises when it comes to braking: four-piston radial Brembo Monoblock calipers on 320 mm discs at the front, and a 280 mm single-piston caliper at the rear, for a solid stop with no surprises.
The electronic package includes everything you’d expect from a modern racer:
- Cornering ABS, linked braking, traction control
- Traction control, DSCS, wheelie control, TPMS
- Bi-directional quickshifter (up/down) for rapid gear changes without declutching.
Comfort and ergonomics
The seat has been redesigned to lower the seat height by around 12 mm (0.5 in.), making it easier to come to a stop, further enhanced by the Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) system, which automatically lowers the bike when you stop. ARH is standard on the North American market.
The profile is uncluttered: mini front mudguards, non-adjustable smoked plexiglass, covered handrests, all in black, for a sharper look.
On-board technology
Technological equipment is up to date:
- 6.8″ color TFT touchscreen,
- GPS and Bluetooth/USB-C connectivity with controls for phone, music and navigation,
- Driving modes (Road, Sport, Rain + 2 customizable).
Transport and driving ergonomics
Visually, the ST is more compact and more academic, its muscular yet simple lines giving it a robust, functional presence. It conveys a warrior’s allure ready for turns without half-measures, but with refinement.
Pricing
Priced at around $24,999, it’s the same as the Pan America Special. By configuring the bike with a few accessories, the price climbs quite quickly, a bit like the rev counter that goes into overdrive.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Powerful, modern engine
- Improved handling, low center of gravity
- Comprehensive, intelligent electronics
- Comfort at standstill thanks to ARH
Points to watch
- High price, especially when fully equipped.
- Limited suspension compared to a true ADV
- Windshield not adjustable, causing turbulence
Conclusion
The 2025 Pan America 1250 ST is a serious sports-touring vehicle, armed to devour winding roads with virility but composure. It combines a sober, muscular design, a vigorous engine, suspensions tuned for control, and cutting-edge electronics that make all the difference. It promises a convincing road experience, with a nod to modern technology.
For the Quebec rider: this is a bike that lets you have fun from the Laurentians to Les Éboulements, without feeling like you’re on a cart. On the other hand, if you’re thinking about gravel roads or extreme riding, you’d better go for a Special, because the ST wants you to put your knee on the asphalt in the corners.
The American brand offers something other than old leather with bangs and pipes that sound like an orchestra in full delirium. The good old days that made the brand proud seem to be taking a new turn. It’s an innovative attempt that targets a younger clientele, and it plays up a touch of American-style arrogance that’s right up their alley.
2ᵉ opinion: it could go further in concept.
I was doubtful when I saw the Pan America ST hit the market this year.
Still, the “Pan Am” was designed as an adventurer with a singular, strong visual signature. Would reducing the wheel diameter, changing the suspension settings and a few aesthetic tricks like the little windscreen bubble be enough to make it a different machine?
After a 400 km test ride, it doesn’t look too different, and that’s just as well! The Pan America is a serious, well-born machine. But we’re pleased to see that it’s been honed for the pleasure of swallowing mileage in a very competent way. The verve of the 149-hp Revolution Max 1250 engine pushes hard but in a civilized way.
It’s a pleasure to feel the machine take the curves with ease, even when you’re pushing it.
It’s all done in comfort and with confidence.
There’s a lot of potential in this bike, and as I rode along with my helmet blowing in the wind, I found myself dreaming of a more serious sport touring version.
This machine could be irresistible with a full fairing and full rear luggage compartments. Honda and Kawasaki already offer the recipe with their respective NT1100 and Versys 1100 SE. Yes, really, I can’t wait to see what Harley-Davidson could concoct with the already well-mastered suspension dynamics and comfort, and a 40-horsepower advantage over competing models. It could really heat up the BMW 1250 RT.
Equipment worn during this test ride :
- Helmet: CKX Atlas
- Coat: Oxford Montréal 4.0
- Boots: Falco Falco Liberty 3
- Gloves: Leatt ADV Rally 5.5
Thanks to Harley Davidson Canada and Léo Harley Davidson for making this test possible.
