A real-world demo ride report from the Ohio Valley, with quick impressions of three very different Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
The Harley-Davidson demo fleet recently rolled into our local dealership, Mothman Harley-Davidson, giving riders a chance to test 17 different motorcycles over two days. I missed the Friday rides because I was out of town, but after our monthly HOG meeting on Saturday, I volunteered to help escort demo rides.
That turned into a great motorcycle morning. I helped guide three rides, logged a little over 45 demo miles, and got seat time on three very different Harley-Davidson motorcycles: the Pan America adventure bike, the Breakout cruiser, and the new Street Glide Limited touring bike.
Demo route: backroads, four-lane, and interstate
Our demo loop was a little over 15 miles and gave each bike a fair mix of riding conditions. The route included two-lane backroads, a limited-access four-lane, and a stretch of interstate. That made it a good short test for low-speed comfort, roll-on power, wind protection, and highway manners.
Harley-Davidson Pan America: the biggest surprise of the day
The first motorcycle I rode was the Harley-Davidson Pan America. Before this demo, I assumed my inseam would keep me away from Harley’s adventure bike. I was wrong. The demo lead had me sit on it, and because the motorcycle lowers itself, I could flat-foot it at a stop.
That alone surprised me. The power surprised me even more. The Pan America pulled hard across the tach, and when I rolled onto the interstate ramp and hit the throttle, the front wheel came up before I expected it. I did not mean to do that, officer. The bike did it by itself.
For riders who have written off the Pan America because they think an adventure motorcycle will be too tall, this is one worth trying in person. I left the ride thinking about the Harley-Davidson Pan America very differently than I did before the demo.
Harley-Davidson Breakout: cool cruiser, but bring your chest muscles
The next demo bike was the Harley-Davidson Breakout. It is a neat motorcycle, and it absolutely has that long, low, custom-cruiser look. On the backroads and restricted highway, I was comfortable and enjoyed the ride.
Then we hit the interstate. At 70-plus miles per hour, the wind on my chest was heavy enough to remind me why I love windshields and fairings. The Breakout is a good-looking cruiser, but I am pretty sure I am past my bar-hopping motorcycle life.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited: smooth, comfortable, and familiar
The last motorcycle I rode was the new Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited. I was curious about this one because I have owned a few Ultra models in the past and currently ride a Road Glide.
The Street Glide Limited was smooth, comfortable, and easy to settle into. It felt smoother than my previous Ultras and even smoother than my current Road Glide. If I were shopping for a new Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle, the Street Glide Limited would be near the top of my list.
Which Harley-Davidson demo bike impressed me most?
All three motorcycles had a clear personality. The Pan America was the biggest surprise because it was more approachable and more powerful than I expected. The Breakout looked great and delivered the cruiser feel, but the wind reminded me that touring comfort matters to me. The Street Glide Limited felt like the bike I could ride all day.
If I had to rank the three for my own garage, I would put the Street Glide Limited first, the Pan America second because it changed my mind, and the Breakout third because my riding style has moved toward comfort and touring.
Leave a Reply