• Introduction

Can Harley-Davidson truly compete in the adventure segment? In ADVMoto Live! #26, host Carl Parker welcomes Kelly Quinn (Throttle Girl), Matt Swedlund (PR Lead), and Matt Paradise (Lead Engineer) to discuss the development, challenges, and excitement behind the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 — the Motor Company’s first major step into the world of global adventure touring. This milestone conversation explores how Harley reinvented its image and engineering for a whole new kind of rider.

• Episode Summary

For decades, American motorcycles rarely ventured off-road — until now. Harley-Davidson’s Pan America 1250 changes that with a purpose-built ADV platform that balances modern technology, power, and comfort with Harley heritage. Guests share stories from behind the scenes: how research, engineering innovation, and a touch of Harley boldness came together to create a world-class adventure motorcycle.

• Origins and Vision: The Pan America project was born from market research showing high rider interest in an American-made ADV bike. The name references the Pan-American Highway — the world’s longest motorable road.
• Engineering Evolution: The team leveraged lessons from the V-Rod’s Revolution engine to create the new Revolution Max 1250 — a liquid-cooled, high-performance powerplant built for versatility.
• Design Identity: Unlike the familiar “beaked” ADV silhouette, Harley emphasized a muscular, road-glide-inspired aesthetic that still feels unmistakably Harley-Davidson.
• Performance Goals: With 150 horsepower, electronic ride modes, and adaptive ride height technology, the Pan America hits hard across both paved and unpaved terrain while remaining approachable for riders of all sizes.
• Real Rider Impressions: “Throttle Girl” Kelly Quinn describes it as balanced, confidence-inspiring, and surprisingly dirt-capable for a 1250cc machine — calling it a true extension of the rider.
• Community Impact: The team hopes the Pan America will open adventure riding to a wider audience and inspire more Americans to explore off the beaten path.

As Lead Engineer Matt Paradise summarizes: “The key to this bike is balance — power, control, and adaptability without compromise.” That philosophy guided every decision, from its lightweight aluminum fuel tank to advanced calibration and suspension design.

• Highlighted Quotes

“We wanted to create a performance Harley that could stand with the best — without losing its American identity.” — Matt Paradise

“Adaptive ride height will be a game changer. It makes adventure riding more accessible for everyone.” — Kelly Quinn (Throttle Girl)

“Adventure touring is already part of Harley’s DNA. We just had to rediscover it.” — Matt Swedlund

• Support & Follow-Up

To learn more about the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250, visit Harley-Davidson.com for specs, dealer demos, and availability. For more adventure motorcycle stories, visit AdventureMotorcycle.com.

• About ADVMoto Live!

ADVMoto Live! is the original adventure and dual-sport podcast for riders who live and breathe the long way around. Hosted by Carl Parker, the show features explorers, builders, and dreamers whose stories inspire and define the adventure motorcycling community.

• Google SEO Tags & Keywords

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Harley Adventure Touring, Pan America Review, Harley Pan America Specs, American ADV Bike, Dual Sport Harley-Davidson, Adventure Bike Comparison, ADV Technology, Adventure Riding Community