By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Adventure vs Sport Tourer
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 (RA1) vs Pan America 1250 ST (MY2025)
Swap the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST's sport rubber on street-size wheels, then aim at a fast sweeper. Mid-corner, the Pan America 1250 ST holds a tight arc and won't push wide under load. Your eyes find the apex, and it's already leaning in.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Pan America 1250 ST if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Easy call: Pan America 1250 ST
As a daily commuter, the Pan America 1250 ST gets the nod, and it isn't close. That comes from friendlier manners.
The Pan America 1250 ST has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Pan America 1250 ST
In the twisties, the Pan America 1250 ST asks a bit less of you to go quickly. The difference is stronger brakes. Call it a modest edge.
Comfortable long-distance riding
A touch ahead: Pan America 1250 ST
The Pan America 1250 ST is slightly easier to live with on a long day. Slightly.
What makes each one tick
2021 Pan America 1250
On the Pan America, the liquid-cooled V-twin runs the show, and its mechanical clatter doesn't win everyone over. Every crack of the throttle gets a hard shove back from the twin. It doesn't stop there. The tach needle sprints for the top end.
Pan America 1250 ST
Low suspension and small alloy rims lift the ST into another handling tier. It's at home on a racetrack. Deep in a bend, a light nudge at the bar tips the bike onto its line before you've finished asking. The twin's off-beat rumble thumps out low and deep.
Nils rode the Pan America 1250 ST in Hungary in 2025 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Pan America 1250 ST has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 35.2 in (895 mm).
- Electronic Suspension: option on the 2021 Pan America 1250, not offered on the Pan America 1250 ST.
- Quickshifter: standard on the Pan America 1250 ST, not offered on the 2021 Pan America 1250.
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both fall short
Neither of these is a sensible first motorcycle. Learn on something smaller and lighter, then come back.
On running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2021 Pan America 1250
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful Revolution Max engine
Pan America 1250 ST
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Steps Off Fresh After Miles
- Trustworthy Throttle Manners
- Sport Rubber On Street Wheels
- Sharp, Trustworthy Front Brakes
- Deep Electronics Package
Trade-offs
- No Theatrical Top-End Hit
- Ceiling Against True Sport-Tourers
- Geometry Limits Hang-Off
- Reach Isn't Adjustable
What they cost used
These prices compare a 1-year-old 2021 Pan America 1250 with a 1-year-old Pan America 1250 ST.
- 2021 Pan America 1250
- about $16,700
- Pan America 1250 ST
- about $17,200
At one year old, the 2021 Pan America 1250 sits around $16,700 while the Pan America 1250 ST lands near $17,200. That's no meaningful gap between the two. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1252 cc
- Engine
- 60° V-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 5.6 US gal (21.2 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Front brake
- 320 mm
Where the spec sheets split
| 2021 Pan America 1250 | Pan America 1250 ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 35.2 in (895 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 540 lb (245 kg) | 542 lb (246 kg) |
| 2021 Pan America 1250 | Pan America 1250 ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 148 hp (110 kW) | 150 hp (112 kW) |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft (127 Nm) | 91 lb-ft (123 Nm) |
| 2021 Pan America 1250 | Pan America 1250 ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 46 mpg (US) / 5.1 L/100 km | 42 mpg (US) / 5.6 L/100 km |
| 2021 Pan America 1250 | Pan America 1250 ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in (210 mm) | 6.9 in (175 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.5 in (190 mm) | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.5 in (190 mm) | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2021 Pan America 1250 | Pan America 1250 ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Suspension | Option | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Option | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Standard |
| Adjustable Windscreen | Standard | Not offered |
| Adjustable Seat Height | Standard | Not offered |
| Cornering Lights | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
