2026 Harley-Davidson® Adventure Touring Motorcycles. Uncover the engineering and strategic details of the 2026 Pan America lineup, including the new ST model and the refined Special.
The 2026 model year represents a definitive inflection point for Harley-Davidson’s Adventure Touring (ADV) program. With the launch of the Pan America 1250 ST and the continued refinement of the Pan America 1250 Special, the Motor Company has moved beyond its initial foray into the segment to offer a mature, bifurcated lineup. This strategy directly addresses the two distinct psychologies of the modern adventure rider: the dirt-focused explorer and the high-speed sport-tourer.
Pricing remains aggressive, with both the Special and the ST starting at $19,999, a strategic move to undercut key European rivals like the BMW R 1300 GS and Ducati Multistrada V4. This guide provides a deep technical analysis of these machines, from the thermodynamics of the Revolution® Max 1250 engine to the physics of the ST’s new 17-inch wheel geometry, helping you decide which American-made ADV bike belongs in your garage.
Selecting the perfect adventure bike for your next journey depends on your riding style and preferences. Engineered to excel on various surfaces, from smooth tarmac to challenging off-road terrain. Adventure bikes feature high ground clearance to tackle off-road obstacles, advanced suspension systems for a smooth ride in any condition, comfortable seating for long-distance touring and rugged construction to withstand demanding environments
Our range of adventure touring motorcycles offers something for every rider, whether you’re planning weekend getaways or epic cross-continent expeditions. Each model can be easily customized with accessories from our online store, allowing you to create the ultimate adventure bike tailored to your needs.
At the core of both 2026 models is the Revolution® Max 1250 engine, a powerplant that breaks decisively from Harley-Davidson’s air-cooled tradition to deliver world-class performance metrics.
Design: A liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin. The 60-degree angle allows for a compact engine block that aids in mass centralization, critical for handling both on and off-road.
Output: 150 Horsepower @ 8,750 RPM and 94 ft-lbs of Torque @ 6,750 RPM.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT): This system adjusts the timing of the intake and exhaust valves in real-time. At low RPMs, it optimizes for torque and smooth delivery (crucial for technical off-roading). At high RPMs, it maximizes airflow for peak horsepower, giving the bike a dual personality.
The engine acts as a stressed member of the chassis. By bolting the frame components directly to the engine case, engineers eliminated the need for a heavy traditional frame cradle. This reduces overall weight (wet weights: 578 lbs for Special, 546 lbs for ST) and significantly increases torsional rigidity, translating to precise handling feedback for the rider.
The Special is the flagship “do-it-all” machine. It retains the geometry and hardware necessary for genuine off-road exploration while maintaining high-speed touring capability.
Suspension: Showa semi-active suspension with 7.5 inches (190mm) of travel front and rear. The system automatically adjusts damping based on terrain and rider behavior.
Wheelset: 19-inch front / 17-inch rear. This combination allows the front wheel to roll over obstacles like rocks and logs more easily than smaller wheels. Optional tubeless laced wheels are available for added durability in rocky terrain.
Adaptive Ride Height (ARH): A segment-defining feature. This system automatically lowers the suspension 1-2 inches when the bike comes to a stop, allowing riders with shorter inseams to flat-foot the bike. It then raises back to full ride height once moving to maintain ground clearance.
The new ST (Sport Touring) model acknowledges that many adventure riders never leave the pavement. It is optimized for canyon carving and high-velocity touring, directly targeting the “crossover” sport-touring market.
17-Inch Wheels: The ST swaps the 19-inch front for a 17-inch cast aluminum front wheel. This reduces gyroscopic mass, making the bike turn in much faster and with less effort. It also allows for the fitment of premium sport-touring rubber (Michelin Scorcher Sport).
Lowered Stance: With a laden seat height of 29.4 inches (thanks to shorter suspension travel and smaller wheels), the ST sits significantly lower than the Special. This lowers the center of gravity, improving high-speed stability and low-speed maneuverability.
Quickshifter: The ST comes standard with a Screamin’ Eagle Clutchless QuickShifter, allowing for seamless up and downshifts without using the clutch or closing the throttle—a feature that emphasizes its sporting intent.
Both models feature a robust suite of electronics accessed via a 6.8-inch TFT touchscreen.
Rider Safety Enhancements (RDRS): Includes Cornering Enhanced ABS (C-ABS), Cornering Traction Control (C-TCS), and Drag-Torque Slip Control (C-DSCS). These systems use a 6-axis IMU to adjust intervention levels based on the bike’s lean angle.
Daymaker® Adaptive Headlamp: Utilizes the IMU to activate additional LED banks when cornering, illuminating into the turn rather than just straight ahead.
Connectivity: Full Bluetooth integration for navigation (via the H-D App), music, and calls.
| Feature | Pan America 1250 Special | Pan America 1250 ST |
| Front Wheel | 19-inch Cast (Spoked Optional) | 17-inch Cast |
| Rear Wheel | 17-inch Cast (Spoked Optional) | 17-inch Cast |
| Seat Height (Laden) | 31.1 in (Low Position) | 29.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 6.7 in |
| Weight (Wet) | 578 lbs | 546 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.6 gal | 5.6 gal |
| Suspension | Showa Semi-Active (Long Travel) | Showa Semi-Active (Street Tuned) |
| Feature | Pan America 1250 Special | Pan America 1250 ST |
| Front Wheel | 19-inch Cast (Spoked Optional) | 17-inch Cast |
| Rear Wheel | 17-inch Cast (Spoked Optional) | 17-inch Cast |
| Seat Height (Laden) | 31.1 in (Low Position) | 29.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 6.7 in |
| Weight (Wet) | 578 lbs | 546 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.6 gal | 5.6 gal |
| Suspension | Showa Semi-Active (Long Travel) | Showa Semi-Active (Street Tuned) |
| Feature | Pan America 1250 Special | Pan America 1250 ST |
| Base Price (MSRP) | $19,999 | $19,999 |
| Adaptive Ride Height | Optional ($1,000) | Standard |
| Windshield | Tall / Adjustable | Low / Smoked (Sport) |
| Crash Protection | Skid Plate / Brush Guards | Minimal / Street |
| Colors | Vivid Black, Blood Orange, Billiard Gray | Vivid Black, Aurora Blue Denim, Billiard Gray |
(Note: Prices listed are starting MSRP and exclude freight, setup, and taxes. See Colonial H-D for final pricing.)
Buying an adventure bike is just the start. Colonial Harley-Davidson offers the support system needed for high-mileage ownership.
Express Lane Service: Critical for travelers. Get oil changes, tires, and brake pads done in about an hour with no appointment necessary.
Chain Maintenance: The Pan America uses a chain drive. Colonial H-D technicians can perform the necessary cleaning, adjustment, and lubrication at every service interval (or via Express Lane) for riders who prefer not to DIY.
Tire Inventory: Colonial stocks the specific Michelin Scorcher Adventure and Sport tires required for these machines, ensuring you aren’t waiting on shipping for a replacement.
While capable of handling gravel roads, the ST is optimized for pavement. Its 17-inch front wheel and street tires make it less stable over large obstacles compared to the Special’s 19-inch wheel and adventure tires.
Adaptive Ride Height (ARH) is standard on the 2026 Pan America 1250 ST. It remains an optional upgrade on the Pan America 1250 Special.
Interestingly, both the 2026 Pan America 1250 Special and the 2026 Pan America 1250 ST have the same starting MSRP of $19,999. The choice comes down to your riding style (dirt vs. street) rather than budget.
No. The tubeless laced (spoked) wheels are an option exclusive to the Pan America 1250 Special. The ST is designed around cast aluminum wheels for rigidity and handling precision on the street.
The Special is an off-road focused adventure bike with a 19-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension, and crash protection. The ST is a street-focused sport-tourer with 17-inch wheels, lowered suspension, street tires, and a quickshifter. Both share the same 150HP engine and $19,999 price point.
Yes, the 2026 Pan America 1250 ST comes standard with a Screamin’ Eagle Clutchless Quickshifter. It is available as an accessory upgrade for the Pan America 1250 Special.
Whether you’re chasing the horizon on asphalt or gravel, the 2026 Pan America lineup is ready. Visit Colonial Harley-Davidson in Prince George, VA, to test ride both the Special and the ST and decide which version of adventure fits your life. Visit Us: 1701 Temple Parkway, Prince George, VA 23875 Sales & Service: 804.861.4700