VOLUME 58 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 14, 2021 P145
which they've rarely dabbled,
and it harkens back to/revives
a time when the ADV genre was
led by massive, ground-crushing
adventurous weapons. I'm here
for it! But as the industry goes
more midsize, one does wonder if
this is truly the right play.
More than simply nostalgic
and the best entry into a
segment we've seen in years,
the Pan America brings big tech
gains and unpredictable high-
performance right in the face of
segment stalwarts. Lowering ride
height at a stop and adjusting
laden-weight preload is ADV
gold. And Harley brought that and
great engine performance to the
full-size adventure touring class.
I'd give it a standing ovation, but
this bike is so damn good I'll just
do burnouts in the dirt for a few
weeks instead, thanks.
HONORABLE
MENTION RUNNER-UP
2022 YAMAHA YZ250
Few bikes bring the heat
like riding a 250 two-stroke.
Not as engaging as a 125,
sure, but we haven't had
our chance to rip the new
Yamaha small-bore just yet.
If the YZ250's remodel is any
indication, the entire Yamaha
two-stroke MX lineup is
enjoying a long-overdue
revival. Easier to ride than
ever, better looking than
ever, just as badass as ever.
Take my money, Yamaha.
HONORABLE
MENTION
BEN KELLEY'S FMF
KTM FACTORY RACING
350 XC-F FACTORY
EDITION
Getting to ride factory
machinery is amazing. And
this is the best purpose-built
racing tool I've ever put
my hands on. From power
delivery to handling and
chassis ergonomics and
componentry, everything
is set to win GNCC
Championships, which is
exactly what Ben Kelley did.
I merely survived.
