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Pan America takes on Africa: Harley-Davidson team up with ex-Dakar racer for 6000km rally

Published: 01 December 2023 Updated: 04 December 2023
Joan Pedrero rides a Harley-Davidson Pan America off road
Joan Pedrero rides a Harley-Davidson Pan America off road
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Harley-Davidson have teamed up with ex-Dakar racer Joan Pedrero to compete in the 6000km Africa Eco Race using a specially-prepared version of their Pan America 1250.

Now in its 15th year, the race starts in Monaco on Saturday, December 30 before concluding in Dakar on Saturday, January 14.

It’s not the first time Pedrero has ridden the Pan America in anger. The 45-year-old Spanish racer has been collaborating with Harley on the bike’s development since its launch in 2021 and taken part in events including the Baja Aragón España.

Joan Pedrero with his race-prepped Harley-Davidson

“Adventure and performance are the heart of our brand, and we can think of no better way to showcase the versatility of the Pan America than entering the Africa Eco Race,” Regional Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Kolja Rebstock said.

By Dan Sutherland

News Editor - I joined the MCN team straight from studying at the University of Sheffield, starting out as Acting Consumer Editor, before becoming the Senior Online Reporter, Senior Writer and more recently the News Editor. Although my first love will always be performance bikes and racing, I have a passion for all things two-wheeled. I did my Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) on my 16th birthday and passed my full test around a year later. I now cover around 20,000 road miles a year on motorcycles of all genres and in all weathers. I have also experienced elements of advanced rider training, tackled countless UK and international short circuits and achieved an ACU race licence to begin a fledgling competition career.