2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America Goes Extreme on French Mods

Having entered production in 2020 as Harley's push into the adventure segment, the bike was so well received that it rapidly became a common sight on public and even the less so roads.

Because of the nature of the motorcycle, and the purpose it was made for, the Pan America is often subjected to modifications meant to satisfy its owners' needs. Thing is most of the time these changes are requested from the factory, and that's why we don't get all that many examples of custom Pan America from privateers.

Yet, from time to time, custom Harley adventure bikes do slip through the cracks, and that's when we get to enjoy the true potential of the two-wheeler.

The latest Pan America to be modified at the hands of a private garage is the one we have here. Produced in 2021, it was finished in May this year at the hands of French customizer Melk, at the request of one of its customers.

Now we all know an adventure bike needs to be more extreme than regular machines because of the way it is meant to be exploited. But this one takes the meaning of the word a bit further thanks to the modifications made by the French.

The bike touches the ground by means of what appears to be the stock laced wheels Harley is offering for the model, only with a gold rim and wrapped in Michelin tires. The wheels connect to the rest of the build by means of an aftermarket adaptive suspension system of ARH make. Modified fenders have been pulled over both of them.

The extreme bits of the bike come in the form of the elements fitted on it as a means to protect it from rough riding. And I don't mean by that the at times decorative covers that have been pulled over various parts of the bike.

As means of extra protection Melk installed guards for the radiator (made in-house) and for the engine (produced by SW-Motech). The headlight itself is shielded from the elements by a protection grid, and crash bars can be seen on the sides and front of the Pan America.

Because the ride is supposed to sustain its owner on long trips, Harley-made aluminum saddlebags have been added to either side, and a top case back and center.

The engine is the stock one fitted on the Pan America, the 1250cc unit that also gives the bike its name. It's been re-mapped though, with undisclosed results.

The bike was painted by Melk, which is first and foremost a paint specialist, in gloss and matte black, with the highlights coming as Candy Gold lines going around some of the most visible elements of the bike: headlight, fuel tank, side guards, and covers.

Melk says the project is worth 26,990 euros ($29,470), of which 9,000 euros ($9,800) are for the mods alone. Although this particular example, bike no. 39 in the garage's portfolio, is spoken for, the French shop can replicate it for any Pan America owner.