Regardless of road or traffic conditions I arrive with a smile on the Harley-Davidson Pan America

I’ve spent the summer putting the Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America through all sorts of off-road abuse, from gravel tracks and muddy ruts to sandy trails and overgrown green lanes, and it has barely broken a sweat – unlike its intrepid pilot who has discovered more than a few new muscles as a result of beasting such a big bike about. It really has performed magnificently though and left me looking like I’ve just finished the Dakar after every off-road ride – a key aspect of adventure bike ownership!

Read more

• Update one: First impressions and running in
• Update two: Racking up miles on a European tour
• Update three: Green laning on a £24k, 280kg Harley-Davidson

Despite all that off-piste fun, the majority of miles to date have been on the commute, a punishing 100-mile round trip that takes in everything from bumpy tarmac tracks across the Fens to busy A-roads and fast flowing dual carriageways. This has really given me a chance to explore the Harley-Davidson’s multi-faceted personality through its different riding modes.

‘Road’ is the default setting, which if you had nothing else, wouldn’t leave you wanting. It’s the Pan Am’s measured, experienced head, the advanced rider who likes to make smooth steady progress.

• Related: MCN’s favourite adventure bike kit tried and tested

Slip it into ‘Sport’ and it instantly becomes boisterous, surging eagerly off the gas with a playful bark and the pent up enthusiasm of a border collie slipping its lead. The semi-active suspension tightens up to suit, providing a stable platform for the aggressive throttle and brake inputs which are all too addictive when given full access to the 1250cc V-twin’s not insignificant oomph. 

There’s been more than enough weather to put ‘Rain’ to the test lately, but rather than acting like a strict parental control that cuts out all the fun, it’s more of an attentive personal assistant who helps you stay the right side of trouble. Power delivery is tamed, rather than muted, and the traction control introduces itself in a reassuringly progressive manner. 

When it comes to traffic, road presence isn’t something that the CVO Pan America lacks, as it’s hard to miss, even at standstill. Add to that the impressive Daymaker headlamp and auxiliary lights and from the front you’ve got a display to rival Close Encounters. 

Despite all that electronic trickery, the outstanding feature of living with the Harley Pan America day in, day out, is that regardless of road or traffic conditions I unerringly arrive at my destination with a smile. It always feels good to ride, and isn’t that ultimately the thing that matters most?