The Harley-Davidson Breakout is a motorcycle that truly signifies you’ve ‘arrived.’ It embodies the spirit of a factory chopper with its extended front end, low profile, wide rear tire, and a price point that sets you apart.
The world of motorcycles is incredibly diverse, with options to suit every rider’s preferences. Yet, enthusiasts always crave more. Among them stands one manufacturer that has made a significant impact—Harley-Davidson. Over the years, Harley has bravely explored various formats while remaining true to its roots. The Breakout serves as a powerful testament to their prowess in crafting cruiser motorcycles. Before diving deeper, however, it’s essential to understand what the Breakout truly represents.
Harley-Davidson Breakout Review: What is it?
At its core, it is a cruiser motorcycle, and while that generalization is valid, the specific classification as a chopper is crucial for a fair assessment. Judging a bike begins with understanding its purpose: adventure bikes are designed for rugged paths, sportbikes for tearing around tracks, and cruisers excel in comfort over long distances, particularly on highways. Choppers, however, are crafted to make a statement. Thus, evaluating the Breakout through parameters like cornering and touring capabilities wouldn’t do it justice.
The rise of choppers goes hand-in-hand with Harley-Davidson culture. The iconic image of a rider on two wheels features a robust rear tire, a rigid frame, and a pronounced front end. While this design often leads to extravagant custom choppers and high prices, that’s a discussion for another day. In the early 2000s, Harley introduced the Rocker C, defining the ‘factory chopper’ genre with its innovative features. Although not widely remembered, it’s worth revisiting.
While the Rocker C was notable, it was Harley’s subsequent endeavor that gave birth to the Breakout, one of the most celebrated fat wheel factory choppers to date. Fast forward to now, and the Breakout continues to honor that original design ethos.
Harley-Davidson Breakout Review: Great Story, but how is it Today?
Let’s begin with the standout feature: the massive rear tire, a striking 240-section unit, wider than many luxury cars! Complementing this is the impressive 1,923cc V-Twin engine, air- and oil-cooled, presented with meticulous attention to detail. Combined with a slim front end, a generous 34-degree rake, shotgun exhausts, a length of 2.3 meters, and a heft of over 300kg, it’s a sight to behold. Thankfully, it boasts a robust 18.9-litre fuel tank, unlike the meager tanks found on custom choppers. This motorcycle will captivate purists from every angle.
When stationary, it exudes luxury, but once on the move, it embodies the quintessential Harley experience—smooth drivetrain, abundant torque, and an exhilarating riding position that makes you feel on top of the world. With a staggering 168Nm of torque and a quoted horsepower of 100bhp, the position is comfortably relaxed with your feet outstretched toward the nearly flat handlebars. The motorcycle is both intimidating and immensely addictive. The lengthy wheelbase and wide tires mean turning requires planning ahead, yet it instills confidence and offers a surprisingly smooth ride!
Ingeniously, Harley concealed the monoshock rear suspension beneath the seat, giving the motorcycle a hardtail appearance. Despite being based on a chassis from the late 2010s, it feels remarkably contemporary and impressively handles uneven surfaces. It’s not an adventure bike, but it certainly exceeds expectations for its aesthetic. One minor issue is the protruding air intake, which somewhat interferes with rear brake access. On the safety front, it includes Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and a Traction Control System (TCS), and that’s about it—which I find quite appealing!
As for features, it sports a minuscule 2.14-inch (yes, you read that right) LCD instrument cluster, providing basic information while allowing deeper navigation through its menu for a complete overview.
Harley-Davidson Breakout Review: Verdict
In conclusion, the Breakout is a straightforward motorcycle, offering a refreshing return to the essence of riding—experience, image, and personality. Motorcycling is inherently subjective and thematic; whether you’re an off-road, enduro, supermoto, track, or long-distance rider, there’s a unique experience for everyone. Judging the Breakout solely on specifications, features, and brochures would be a grave oversight. Instead, taking it for a test ride will reveal its true charm.
It encompasses all the features you desire in a bike of this caliber: the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, an expansive 1,923cc displacement (almost a litre-class), a “Heavy Breather” air intake, and tires dubbed “Scorchers.” It boasts a jaw-dropping price tag and an unmistakable road presence! While it may not be the most versatile and could be considered ‘too simple,’ it leaves an unforgettable impression. So, let’s crank up some Rock n’ Roll and savor the ride on machines like this while we can, before rugged adventure bikes take over completely. Remember, motorcycling is all about personal preference!