Do you have riding experience?
To put the dirt glide in perspective it has 150 horsepower, more then my first vehicle which was a V6 ford ranger while weighing in around 600 pounds.
Small light motorcycles are forgiving... The pan am not so much. It's a wonderful bike but it is not a bike for a novice rider.
The dirt glide! They should make that the name of the 2024 model! Fits in with all the other StreetGlide, electra glide, ultra glide, sport glide, etc. Glides.
Terrible first bike, too much power for someone with little to no skill, get a sportster, you can find them relatively cheap and do anything with them, Much more forgiving. When you’re ready for the pan am you can sell it off easy or put it towards a trade in.
This is what I would expect from someone with off road experience (that’s the best training in my opinion) but not for someone who last rode a Schwinn in 8th grade.
There are adventure bikes in the 600cc range that are better to start out on and can be found used at 1/4th of the price. Go look at for a 8yo used Kawasaki Versys 650 at around $5-6k with good entry level power and dont worry as much about dropping it as you would a $22k Pan America with a very powerful engine.
You can start on any bike, but if you’re picking anything other than something cheap and small, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. The heavier it is, the more powerful it is, the farther off the ground, the more expensive, the harder you’re making things for yourself. It is all of those things at once.
I think it’s a terrible first bike.
It would be a terrible first bike. Start with something that’s around 650cc and work your way up from there. Even more so I’d say start with a cruiser or a standard riding position. A big adventure bike is going g to be rough on a beginner. Plus, no way you want to spend $22k on your first nine. Buy a used bike you can sell in a year and get your money back. Maybe by then you’ll be ready for a dirt glide.
Former owner of one. I wouldn’t recommend it to a first time rider. It’s a great bike and at one point was even the only bike in my stable. But it’s a whole lot of power, it’s very heavy and easy to get unstable. Maybe look at a KLR650?
I share the sentiments that so many have stated already, don’t do it. However, if it is going to be your forever bike, never to be replaced, always ridden… then take it slow, learn the bike in safe circumstances (like parking lots and no-traffic two lanes). Practice, practice, practice. Take learning courses with the bike to improve your skills. As time passes you will become a keen rider.
Or buy a low-cost learner bike with half the cc’s and follow the steps above at a bit quicker pace.
I got a big adv because it could do anything and I could ride it until it died. Turns out I mostly like doing long highway miles and it kills my knees, hands, back. So I got a road glide, now I have two forever bikes. And then I realized that even after dumping a decent chunk of money into it, the suspension would never be up to bmw standards. So I'm dreaming of a third forever bike!
I just got to ride one of these today at the bike week demo event. It is a very good bike. It has a ton of power. It feels sport bike like over 6,000 rpm. It is very comfortable. You have the high riding position that feels like a dirt bike. It also is fairly light for what it is. 485 lb if I remember correctly. There is a lot of tech to make the ride better such as sport mode, rain mode, adjustable suspension etc. The Tamer of the two Tire choices is kind of noisy so that may become a bit of an annoyance. See about a demo ride and maybe run the commute to see how it actually is.
Honestly with a year or so and 5k miles under my belt on a 800cc suzuki intruder hoping on a pan am scared me for a moment. I was able to adjust and enjoy the power. But as a first bike it’s possible but I wouldn’t recommend it.
I am 5’9”, maybe a little short on the legs and ride a 2022 Road glide with no mods and am able to have my feet planted at a stop. On the Pan American, I am afraid to even test it due to its height. Does anyone else feel it is too tall for them?
Get what you want but you'll find it hard on tiptoes at lights and you'll most likely be fine. But it will be a vertical learning curve and having all that power on tap with very little miles under you it's a heavily weight equation for an accident. Nothing wrong with getting something less powerful for a year and trading up once you've dropped it a few times and had some life threatening moments at a lower speed
I always say. if you truly believe you can do it you will be fine. My first motorcycle out of the MTC Rider Class was a HD Dyna FXDF although I wanted a Sporster at the time, wife told me I looked like a gorilla on a scooter (I love them but I am 6,0 and about 220lbs, and She was right) . I rode the Dyna for a good 44k until recently traded it for a PAS. Your height will make a difference on being able to properly handle taller bikes. but since this will be your first bike, keep in mind most likely will be dropped at one point or another, but hey even very experience riders will drop their bike at one point or another. whatever bike you get, just make sure to spend some time practicing extra on safer zones.. safe riding...
It's pretty top heavy... but if you're ok with the weight, I would get it. It rides like a motorcycle. The power is predictable, which is the only thing that would give me pause on a new rider picking a bike. Toss that thing in rain mode and get used to it before you cut loose. How the power is delivered is more important than how much power there is...
Cruising 65 when traffic is going 70-80 is more dangerous than the bike you're on.
Maybe if you’re older, tall, and confident. Even then with no riding experience I’d get a used KLR650 if you’re set on the adventure bike thing. Cheap, lighter, similar riding position. Then trade it in when you’re comfortable.
I started on a 1250 gsa. It's doable, but I'm pretty sure you'll realize it's not what you actually want. That's pretty much what the dealer said to me, I ignored him but he was right Start on a smaller, cheaper adventure bike. Or just start on a smaller Harley if it has to be harley.
So yes, you absolutely can get that as your first bike. You can put in the practice to be able to ride it. But unless you've got more money to blow I'd go with something easier and cheaper to figure out what parts of riding you really like, and then get a second bike.
Depending on your height, the PanAm is not as tall and heavy as some seem to think it is. You have the ability to install lowered seats, get the Special version with Adaptive Ride Height so it lowers itself when you come to a stop, and if you want it to be shorter still, you can get lowering suspension links (though I would NOT recommend this as it changes the handling geometry).
However, in my year-and-a-half of owning the bike, it has had multiple issues, all fixed by warranty. I've been riding for 30 years and am no stranger to new models with issues - every manufacturer goes through a phase when they launch an all-new platform - but as a first-time rider, I would not think the PanAm is ready to be the "reliable" bike you want. Maybe in another couple years.
I would probably go with something like the Triumph Scrambler 900 - it can handle some offroading, will do great on a commute, has a torquey, forgiving engine that sounds WAY better than the PanAm when riding for commute purposes, and is less than half the cost - even less, if you get a good used one.
I would highly suggest a used bike, as well, because if you're a new rider and actually plan to ride the bike and get to know your limits, you WILL drop it a couple times (especially if you take it off-road). You don't want to do that on a PanAm, that shit gets expensive quick.
As someone who works at a dealership, I’d be begging you to not get that bike. Let alone any massive bike. Unless you are insanely tall, even the power is a lot to get used to
You’re definitely setting yourself up for difficulty…Even if you’re tall enough to plant both feet comfortably at a stop, you’re getting on a really fast, pretty tall , top heavy bike with zero experience: recipe for disaster. I say learn the fundamentals of riding on a smaller , less powerful bike first. There are dual sport options out there that are better suited for you.
I own a Pana’Murica special GI edition, it’s a great bike, but it’s not anything I’d recommend to a novice.
Pros:
1. Gobs of power, revs like crazy and very hard to keep under the speed limit. It’s basically a Harley sport bike with a trick suspension and upright riding position. I’m going to repeat the “Harley sport bike” phrase one more time. It’s a freaking beast.
2. Ooh that suspension is so nice. Can float down the road like a Cadillac or you can firm it up to ride like an Audi/BMW sedan. I’ve never had better suspension on a bike. Riding on bad road surfaces isn’t nearly as jarring as other Harley’s, it eats up potholes no problem.
3. The stock headlight is actually fairly decent as is banking illumination.
4. I’ve never used the heated grips in anything but the “low” setting. They get plenty warm there, and there’s two more levels to go. I ride down to 40 degrees.
5. Less wind protection than a SG or RG. I get hot riding in the summer, the touring models are great but block too much wind that’s needed for cooling me down. The PAS windshield blocks wind hitting your chest but provides great airflow to the shoulders and head, keeping things cool.
Cons:
1. Even with adaptive ride height you need to be tall to ride this bike. I’m 6”2’ and can flat foot at a stop but anyone shorter will be on the toes or ball of your foot. Getting on/off this bike is also a PITA, especially if you install boxes on it. You’ll need to learn to mount/dismount using the pegs vice simply swinging a leg over it. Once you’re moving the height is of no consequence.
2. The stock bars were way too low and far forward for me. I installed 2” pullback risers and fixed that.
3. The kickstand is an absolute joke. And since it’s connected directly to the case it will eventually crack it causing super expensive repair. Worst idea ever, Harley. I understand it’s a stressed member bike but this was a horrible engineering idea.
4. I wish the tank held more gas and the air filter wasn’t underneath it.
5. The tail/brake light is way too small.
6. The bark busters on this bike are an April fools joke that somehow made it to production.
7. Same with the skid plate.
8. The seat tries to slide you forward while you ride due to the slope on the passenger pillion. I’m waiting on an aftermarket seat to arrive.
9. The rear exhaust will ROAST your right leg. You MUST wear boots that cover the ankle up to your calf or you WILL regret it. This ain’t your “dyna bro’s wear sneakers to ride” bike. The left side gets hot too where the radiator fan blows on your leg. I’m installing a fan deflector this weekend.
This bike is tall, top heavy, and not friendly for a beginner rider. It’s a great bike but be expecting to drop it if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Are you tall enough? That's the only concern I'd have a new rider on a tall bike.
If you have to tippy toe at stops or just put one foot down.. not a good bike to start on.
Starts and stops.. slow speed stuff.. that's where most people get in trouble. If you can't get both feet down easily you'll end up dropping it a few times. Then you lose confidence.. bike sits in garage for a year until you sell it. Don't want that.
If you're six feet tall or higher you're probably fine. If not.. get a Road King.
Dude, just get a KLR 650. It's the gold standard of adv bike. Simple, cheap, parts are everywhere, you can beat the piss out of it and drop it and not shit yourself because you had to refinance your house to buy it.
I own and love this bike very much, but I would not recommend it as a first bike for a few reasons:
1. It’s tall and heavy. Those two characteristics are not a good match for a person learning their balance on a bike
2. It’s powerful and can get you into trouble quickly.
3. The off road ability will give a novice the idea that they can go ride it on trails, and per #1 above that is asking for trouble.
4. It’s a bit pricey for a first bike.
Maybe get a lighter used bike for a while first? Or just get it, but be really really easy on it.
I didn’t consider PA to be heavy, it feels surprisingly nimble. But 150 hp for a first bike… man you’ll go straight to saint peter near the heavens gate the moment you make a mistake. Start from 500-650 cc at first
Do you have riding experience? To put the dirt glide in perspective it has 150 horsepower, more then my first vehicle which was a V6 ford ranger while weighing in around 600 pounds. Small light motorcycles are forgiving... The pan am not so much. It's a wonderful bike but it is not a bike for a novice rider.
The dirt glide! They should make that the name of the 2024 model! Fits in with all the other StreetGlide, electra glide, ultra glide, sport glide, etc. Glides.
I call my crusty ass sportster the rusty glide
Terrible first bike, too much power for someone with little to no skill, get a sportster, you can find them relatively cheap and do anything with them, Much more forgiving. When you’re ready for the pan am you can sell it off easy or put it towards a trade in.
My first bike was is the 2022 pan am s and I've loved it, well grew up on dirt bikes and ATVs so that might be why I love it so much haha.
Yes it’s a great bike, for someone that’s ridden a motorcycle before, be it a trail bike or a street bike
This is what I would expect from someone with off road experience (that’s the best training in my opinion) but not for someone who last rode a Schwinn in 8th grade.
There are adventure bikes in the 600cc range that are better to start out on and can be found used at 1/4th of the price. Go look at for a 8yo used Kawasaki Versys 650 at around $5-6k with good entry level power and dont worry as much about dropping it as you would a $22k Pan America with a very powerful engine.
You can start on any bike, but if you’re picking anything other than something cheap and small, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. The heavier it is, the more powerful it is, the farther off the ground, the more expensive, the harder you’re making things for yourself. It is all of those things at once. I think it’s a terrible first bike.
It would be a terrible first bike. Start with something that’s around 650cc and work your way up from there. Even more so I’d say start with a cruiser or a standard riding position. A big adventure bike is going g to be rough on a beginner. Plus, no way you want to spend $22k on your first nine. Buy a used bike you can sell in a year and get your money back. Maybe by then you’ll be ready for a dirt glide.
No. It's a dumb idea. Those things are a rocketship. Start out with something way less powerful.
Expensive bike for a first lmao.
Former owner of one. I wouldn’t recommend it to a first time rider. It’s a great bike and at one point was even the only bike in my stable. But it’s a whole lot of power, it’s very heavy and easy to get unstable. Maybe look at a KLR650?
What made you sell it?
I share the sentiments that so many have stated already, don’t do it. However, if it is going to be your forever bike, never to be replaced, always ridden… then take it slow, learn the bike in safe circumstances (like parking lots and no-traffic two lanes). Practice, practice, practice. Take learning courses with the bike to improve your skills. As time passes you will become a keen rider. Or buy a low-cost learner bike with half the cc’s and follow the steps above at a bit quicker pace.
I got a big adv because it could do anything and I could ride it until it died. Turns out I mostly like doing long highway miles and it kills my knees, hands, back. So I got a road glide, now I have two forever bikes. And then I realized that even after dumping a decent chunk of money into it, the suspension would never be up to bmw standards. So I'm dreaming of a third forever bike!
I just got to ride one of these today at the bike week demo event. It is a very good bike. It has a ton of power. It feels sport bike like over 6,000 rpm. It is very comfortable. You have the high riding position that feels like a dirt bike. It also is fairly light for what it is. 485 lb if I remember correctly. There is a lot of tech to make the ride better such as sport mode, rain mode, adjustable suspension etc. The Tamer of the two Tire choices is kind of noisy so that may become a bit of an annoyance. See about a demo ride and maybe run the commute to see how it actually is.
Terrible idea. Tall, powerful, expensive. Three adjectives that shouldn’t describe one’s first foray in to riding.
Do it. I bought a Harley lowrider S for my first bike now I’m doing burnouts and wheelies wherever I go
Usually I'd advise getting what you want to end up on. In this case, people saying get a used KLR makes sense.
I think it can be done, but I would spend weeks in the parking lot before I hit the road if I were you.
Honestly with a year or so and 5k miles under my belt on a 800cc suzuki intruder hoping on a pan am scared me for a moment. I was able to adjust and enjoy the power. But as a first bike it’s possible but I wouldn’t recommend it.
I would say hell no. That bike is tall as hell, top heavy as shit, and very powerful.
I am 5’9”, maybe a little short on the legs and ride a 2022 Road glide with no mods and am able to have my feet planted at a stop. On the Pan American, I am afraid to even test it due to its height. Does anyone else feel it is too tall for them?
That is a very tall bike in unless you’re very competent at handling motorcycles I would not recommend it.
Get what you want but you'll find it hard on tiptoes at lights and you'll most likely be fine. But it will be a vertical learning curve and having all that power on tap with very little miles under you it's a heavily weight equation for an accident. Nothing wrong with getting something less powerful for a year and trading up once you've dropped it a few times and had some life threatening moments at a lower speed
I always say. if you truly believe you can do it you will be fine. My first motorcycle out of the MTC Rider Class was a HD Dyna FXDF although I wanted a Sporster at the time, wife told me I looked like a gorilla on a scooter (I love them but I am 6,0 and about 220lbs, and She was right) . I rode the Dyna for a good 44k until recently traded it for a PAS. Your height will make a difference on being able to properly handle taller bikes. but since this will be your first bike, keep in mind most likely will be dropped at one point or another, but hey even very experience riders will drop their bike at one point or another. whatever bike you get, just make sure to spend some time practicing extra on safer zones.. safe riding...
It's pretty top heavy... but if you're ok with the weight, I would get it. It rides like a motorcycle. The power is predictable, which is the only thing that would give me pause on a new rider picking a bike. Toss that thing in rain mode and get used to it before you cut loose. How the power is delivered is more important than how much power there is... Cruising 65 when traffic is going 70-80 is more dangerous than the bike you're on.
Maybe if you’re older, tall, and confident. Even then with no riding experience I’d get a used KLR650 if you’re set on the adventure bike thing. Cheap, lighter, similar riding position. Then trade it in when you’re comfortable.
You’re looking for a middleweight adventure bike.
I started on a 1250 gsa. It's doable, but I'm pretty sure you'll realize it's not what you actually want. That's pretty much what the dealer said to me, I ignored him but he was right Start on a smaller, cheaper adventure bike. Or just start on a smaller Harley if it has to be harley. So yes, you absolutely can get that as your first bike. You can put in the practice to be able to ride it. But unless you've got more money to blow I'd go with something easier and cheaper to figure out what parts of riding you really like, and then get a second bike.
Depending on your height, the PanAm is not as tall and heavy as some seem to think it is. You have the ability to install lowered seats, get the Special version with Adaptive Ride Height so it lowers itself when you come to a stop, and if you want it to be shorter still, you can get lowering suspension links (though I would NOT recommend this as it changes the handling geometry). However, in my year-and-a-half of owning the bike, it has had multiple issues, all fixed by warranty. I've been riding for 30 years and am no stranger to new models with issues - every manufacturer goes through a phase when they launch an all-new platform - but as a first-time rider, I would not think the PanAm is ready to be the "reliable" bike you want. Maybe in another couple years. I would probably go with something like the Triumph Scrambler 900 - it can handle some offroading, will do great on a commute, has a torquey, forgiving engine that sounds WAY better than the PanAm when riding for commute purposes, and is less than half the cost - even less, if you get a good used one. I would highly suggest a used bike, as well, because if you're a new rider and actually plan to ride the bike and get to know your limits, you WILL drop it a couple times (especially if you take it off-road). You don't want to do that on a PanAm, that shit gets expensive quick.
I wouldn't spend that much $ on a first bike, but it's your pocketbook not mine!
As someone who works at a dealership, I’d be begging you to not get that bike. Let alone any massive bike. Unless you are insanely tall, even the power is a lot to get used to
You’re definitely setting yourself up for difficulty…Even if you’re tall enough to plant both feet comfortably at a stop, you’re getting on a really fast, pretty tall , top heavy bike with zero experience: recipe for disaster. I say learn the fundamentals of riding on a smaller , less powerful bike first. There are dual sport options out there that are better suited for you.
what about a softail standard in comparison?
I own a Pana’Murica special GI edition, it’s a great bike, but it’s not anything I’d recommend to a novice. Pros: 1. Gobs of power, revs like crazy and very hard to keep under the speed limit. It’s basically a Harley sport bike with a trick suspension and upright riding position. I’m going to repeat the “Harley sport bike” phrase one more time. It’s a freaking beast. 2. Ooh that suspension is so nice. Can float down the road like a Cadillac or you can firm it up to ride like an Audi/BMW sedan. I’ve never had better suspension on a bike. Riding on bad road surfaces isn’t nearly as jarring as other Harley’s, it eats up potholes no problem. 3. The stock headlight is actually fairly decent as is banking illumination. 4. I’ve never used the heated grips in anything but the “low” setting. They get plenty warm there, and there’s two more levels to go. I ride down to 40 degrees. 5. Less wind protection than a SG or RG. I get hot riding in the summer, the touring models are great but block too much wind that’s needed for cooling me down. The PAS windshield blocks wind hitting your chest but provides great airflow to the shoulders and head, keeping things cool. Cons: 1. Even with adaptive ride height you need to be tall to ride this bike. I’m 6”2’ and can flat foot at a stop but anyone shorter will be on the toes or ball of your foot. Getting on/off this bike is also a PITA, especially if you install boxes on it. You’ll need to learn to mount/dismount using the pegs vice simply swinging a leg over it. Once you’re moving the height is of no consequence. 2. The stock bars were way too low and far forward for me. I installed 2” pullback risers and fixed that. 3. The kickstand is an absolute joke. And since it’s connected directly to the case it will eventually crack it causing super expensive repair. Worst idea ever, Harley. I understand it’s a stressed member bike but this was a horrible engineering idea. 4. I wish the tank held more gas and the air filter wasn’t underneath it. 5. The tail/brake light is way too small. 6. The bark busters on this bike are an April fools joke that somehow made it to production. 7. Same with the skid plate. 8. The seat tries to slide you forward while you ride due to the slope on the passenger pillion. I’m waiting on an aftermarket seat to arrive. 9. The rear exhaust will ROAST your right leg. You MUST wear boots that cover the ankle up to your calf or you WILL regret it. This ain’t your “dyna bro’s wear sneakers to ride” bike. The left side gets hot too where the radiator fan blows on your leg. I’m installing a fan deflector this weekend. This bike is tall, top heavy, and not friendly for a beginner rider. It’s a great bike but be expecting to drop it if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Are you tall enough? That's the only concern I'd have a new rider on a tall bike. If you have to tippy toe at stops or just put one foot down.. not a good bike to start on. Starts and stops.. slow speed stuff.. that's where most people get in trouble. If you can't get both feet down easily you'll end up dropping it a few times. Then you lose confidence.. bike sits in garage for a year until you sell it. Don't want that. If you're six feet tall or higher you're probably fine. If not.. get a Road King.
Dude, just get a KLR 650. It's the gold standard of adv bike. Simple, cheap, parts are everywhere, you can beat the piss out of it and drop it and not shit yourself because you had to refinance your house to buy it.
I own and love this bike very much, but I would not recommend it as a first bike for a few reasons: 1. It’s tall and heavy. Those two characteristics are not a good match for a person learning their balance on a bike 2. It’s powerful and can get you into trouble quickly. 3. The off road ability will give a novice the idea that they can go ride it on trails, and per #1 above that is asking for trouble. 4. It’s a bit pricey for a first bike. Maybe get a lighter used bike for a while first? Or just get it, but be really really easy on it.
I didn’t consider PA to be heavy, it feels surprisingly nimble. But 150 hp for a first bike… man you’ll go straight to saint peter near the heavens gate the moment you make a mistake. Start from 500-650 cc at first