After the big launch of its Pan America adventure bike (See Baldy’s initial review here), Harley-Davidson hasn’t made a lot of noise in this space. We had the launch of the CVO model earlier this year, but we’re still waiting for the release of a smaller 975 cc Pan America, and we’re guessing at this point, despite earlier hopes—it might not be coming.
But that doesn’t mean the MoCo is walking away from the ADV scene—in fact, they have just announced a big sponsorship deal with the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization. You can see their marketeering below; although it does not mention any dollar figure, it should help the BDR crew move their plans forward as they introduce new routes through the US (including the new Big Bend BDR-X mentioned below).
And this, really, is a partnership that makes good sense if you consider the BDR group’s message of finding good adventure riding here in North America. Partnering with the only company making adventure bikes in the States is good for both partners, from that perspective!
Press release
BDR ANNOUNCES HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY AS ITS NEWEST OEM SPONSOR
Seattle, WA – (April 18, 2023) The adventure motorcycling non-profit Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) announced Harley-Davidson® Motor Company as their newest OEM sponsor. The multi-year partnership will focus on showcasing Harley-Davidson’s ever-growing support of BDR’s mission to preserve off-highway riding opportunities, while integrating the Harley-Davidson Pan America™, the iconic American-made adventure touring motorcycle, into the landscape of upcoming BDR films.
With a shared commitment to creating riding opportunities that foster positive economic impact in rural communities, guest riders from Harley-Davidson will join the BDR team on the upcoming Big Bend, Texas BDR-X (to be released in 2024) and on two additional BDR routes to be released in 2025.
The Pan America™ motorcycle is Harley-Davidson’s explore-it-all machine for riders who see touring as detouring – on road and off. This rugged, powerful, technologically advanced multi-purpose vehicle is designed from the ground up to be capable, confidence inspiring, and fun wherever the road may take you. Harley-Davidson has leveraged its deep design and engineering capabilities to create these all-new, adventure-touring motorcycles, each designed with premium features, outstanding performance and innovative technology.
In addition to featuring the latest Pan America™ motorcycle models in expedition documentary films, as part of the partnership BDR will showcase the 2024 Harley-Davidson Pan America™ 1250 Special motorcycle at upcoming BDR events, including the Annual BDR Adventure Ride Weekend in Tonopah, Nevada on May 16-19, and the TouraTexas Rally at Austin Moto Adventures, on October 24-27 held just outside Austin, TX. The TouraTexas Rally will also mark the public release of the Big Bend BDR-X project and documentary film, streamed live on YouTube from the rally.
