If ever a manufacturer like Harley-Davidson was to drop a cheeky ‘easter egg’ of a hint as to a forthcoming model plan, now would certainly be it.
Indeed, the American manufacturer - which is busily promoting its new recently-launched Nightster cruiser - appears to have given away its next big release will be a smaller-engined version of its Pan America adventure motorcycle.
Having broken its own ranks by developing its first big ADV machine with the Pan America, Harley-Davidson has found a loyal following for its behemoth of an off-roader with the firm claiming it is already the best-selling adventure bike in its native USA.
Now it seems a plan is being hatched for the Pan America to cover more ground in the popular segment with the addition of a smaller-engined version using the 975cc V-twin configuration of the Revolution Max engine used in the current model.
Officially, the plans remain under wraps but speculation has been whipped up by eagle-eyed customers who spotted a RA975 listing while selecting accessories. Given the ‘RA’ denotation is assigned to the Pan America, this would appear to be a very convincing hint of what is to come from the Milwaukee marque in the near future.
Adapted from the 1250cc engine already used in the Pan America, the 975cc version originally debuted on the stillborn Bronx streetfighter project back in 2019 but has since gone on to make its public debut in the Nightster model.
What is less clear is whether a 975cc variant of the Pan America would simply mirror the larger variant in terms of design or prompt Harley-Davidson to adopt a revised styling language as a dedicated middleweight offering.
Either way, such a model would be pitched as a rival to the BMW F 850 GS Adventure, KTM 890 Adventure and forthcoming Ducati DesertX.
According to Harley-Davidson, it sold 2,500 Pan Americas in the US alone in its first year on sale.
