The Harley-Davidson Pan America was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the period under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which spans from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This investigation centres around the practices of motor finance lenders, particularly their discretionary commission arrangements, which have affected millions of consumers across the UK.
How the Harley-Davidson Pan America was Typically Financed
The Harley-Davidson Pan America is a versatile adventure tourer that often attracts riders looking for an exhilarating and long-distance riding experience. During its market availability, it was frequently financed through PCP agreements ranging from £5,000 to £15,000 (FCA estimate), with typical terms of 36 to 48 months. Common lenders who provided finance for the Pan America include Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Moneybarn.
PCP agreements typically require regular monthly payments, followed by a final 'balloon' payment at the end of the term that allows you to own the bike or hand it back. This structure can make PCP an attractive option for riders looking for low initial outlays while retaining flexibility in ownership.
The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a wide-ranging investigation into motor finance practices, focusing particularly on discretionary commission arrangements between lenders and dealerships. These commissions were allegedly used as incentives to push customers towards more expensive financing options, such as PCP agreements, which often come with higher interest rates and additional fees.
According to the FCA's estimates, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across the UK have been affected by these practices during the investigation period. The total value of these affected agreements is estimated at £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026), with individual losses averaging around £829 per consumer (FCA estimate).
- Discretionary Commission Arrangements: Look for mentions of 'DCAs' or 'discretionary commissions' in your finance documents. These could indicate an arrangement where a lender paid a dealership to push customers towards certain financing options.
- Relevant Dates: Ensure that the start date of your agreement falls between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024, as these are the dates covered by the FCA investigation.
If you find any suspicious clauses or arrangements in your finance contract, it’s important to document them and keep a record of all communications with your lender.
You do not need a claims management company to handle your complaint. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Moneybarn offer free complaint processes directly through their customer service channels.
To initiate the process:
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents including finance agreements, correspondence with dealerships, and any evidence of extra charges or unsolicited arrangements.
- Contact Your Lender: Reach out to your lender's customer support via phone or email to express your concerns about potential mis-selling issues.
- Follow Up: Keep detailed records of all interactions and ensure you follow up on the status of your complaint.
Remember, it’s always advisable to seek independent legal advice if you are unsure about how to proceed or feel that your lender is not handling your case appropriately.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) (£7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total), £829 average per eligible agreement
- Harley-Davidson Pan America finance terms and lenders: FCA investigation documents, company websites