As if it weren’t enough that Ducati’s just come out with their heckin’ big DesertX and MV Agusta’s new teeny-bopper ADV is now spruced up in the form of a Lucky-Explorer 5.5 and 9.5 duo, Harley-Davidson’s now sitting hard on the (very recent, very new) release of their Pan America.
How you ask?
By launching an off-road adventure school next year.
And they’re partnering with seven-time Dakar Rally competitor Mick Extance to make it happen.
Let’s talk about it.
Source: 1000dps
In a recent report from MCN, we’re told that the adventure school will not only be held in Extance’s playground of choice (the Berwyn Mountains, near Llangynog, where the legend has his other enduro events) but that it’s set to kick off very soon, in 2022.
And it makes sense that H-D chose Extance, too, since he played a huge role in the unfurling of the Pan America back in 2020. MCN’s report tells us that he not only “facilitate[d] the press launch back in May 2020,” but also “[rode] the bike for demonstrations at events like the Adventure Bike Rider Festival.”
Source: ADVPulse
Naturally, there’s only one option for the school when it comes to H-D ADV bikes…and with the Pan America as the main machine (and the recent recalls H-D has had to swallow), we’re curious to see how the school will ‘pan’ out (you’ll pardon the pun).
“This bike is a very capable off-road bike, and I want to share that passion of mine and introduce it to people in a safe manner,” Extance tells MCN in the report.
“From the minute I rode it, I thought ‘what a cool bike.’ It’s got an amazing traction control on it, it’s very adequate off-road, it’s a great introduction to the adventure bike market.”
Source: Men’s Journal
“We’ve got a 1500-acre site, and we want to give people the confidence to ride this bike on-road and off-road,” Extance finishes.
“That’s the whole point of adventure riding.”
We wish Harley and Extance the very best in the founding of this school to the masses next year; in the meantime, drop a comment below letting us know what you think – we love hearing from you, as well as providing the occasional friendly banter back and forth.
Be sure to also stop by the other recent news articles from our archives, and as always, stay safe on the twisties.
Lesson 1 ( no charge for this, you can thank me later ) :
A heavy motorcycle will increase the difficulty and risk of off-road riding.
Llangynog is located in the UK, about an hour’s drive south of Birmingham.
Those who live in the US would be far better served to go to one of the schools run by Jimmy Lewis, who actually IS a Dakar legend, rather than just claiming to be one.
Good on ya Harley for your new competitive adventure bike, and now a place for adventure training. Competing with BMW is a great new direction.
Seriously competitive lol.. Do yourself a favour and go to Simon Pavey’s BMW off-road school in Wales and learn from an 11 time Dakar Rider, all his instructors are of the highest quality.