When I picked up my new Harley-Davidson Pan America, the first thing I noticed was the lack of rear storage—what was there was just plain flimsy. Black Dog Cycle Works (AKA BDCW) was already ahead of the game and working on the Helo Pad, which is their name for their rugged and spacious rear platform. Although I was originally apprehensive about the size, I wanted the ability to mount and secure accessories/loads with more space. BDCW did their usual impeccable and well-thought-out design work for the Pan America. There’s even a storage compartment cover to keep things tidy.

Upon receiving the Helo Pad, I actually read the installation instructions (really!), which laid everything out in an easy-to-understand manner. I liked that they list all tools necessary to complete the job. The estimate was about 30 minutes for the install. However, shortly after I began, I ran into one little hiccup. No big deal as it was easy enough to overcome, it just added a little time to the installation. The directions showed to remove four bolts securing the grab handle, and then mount the storage compartment cover. They’d skipped a couple steps, and the four bolts held the grab handle mount, not the handle itself. To do things correctly, you must remove the taillight and then seven bolts holding the actual grab handle, then drill two holes for the cover to be mounted through this lower mount. Luckily these are pre-indexed underneath the mount for drilling. This only added 15 minutes or so.

I initially mounted it in the high seat position but decided to move it to the low position. In the high position there’s a large gap between the seat and the Helo Pad. I’d like to see a possible update where a flexible seal could be added to cover the gap between seat and pad. The storage is a great addition, but don’t put your registration and proof of insurance in it as it requires an Allen wrench to access it.

Once installed it was time to test it out. On the Pan Am it doesn’t seem to look as large as it is. It blends in and just fits the bike right while making it look so much better, tougher, and ready for the trails. The ability to mount RotopaX gear in multiple configurations is an absolute plus, too. I was able to mount multiple gear bags and support my 50L duffle without issue along with the rest of my oversized gear, and it rode well both on and off road. The tie-downs are also well-thought-out allowing straps to be easily fit through them.

The look and the build quality of the Helo Pad is top-notch. With construction from .25-inch aluminum and Type-2 black anodizing, it just looks the part on the back of your bike.

For me, the Helo Pad means many miles of riding without concern about the gear on the back, and in the event of a spill this beefy solid platform will help reduce the possibility of damage to the tail section.

MSRP: $375

PROS:

• Heavy-duty construction helps reduce rear damage in a spill
• Tons of usable space (bring the kitchen sink)
• Generous tie-down points to hold it all in place
• Ready for Warn winch and RotopaX gear
• Great esthetics
• Storage compartment cover

CONS:

• Directions could use a revision
• Large gap in high seat position
• Have to remove Helo Pad to get into storage compartment