The Motorcycle Ride for Dad, supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation, thundered through Windsor-Essex on Sunday.
A large congregation of motorcycles departed from Thunder Road Harley Davidson, enjoying a scenic route that included stops at the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Branch 157, Colchester Bar & Grill, and concluded at The Bourbon in Belle River for an evening of festivities.
Initiated in 2005, Ride for Dad organizes events across Canada and has successfully raised over $1 million in the battle against prostate cancer. Funds from the annual rides contribute to innovative research, awareness campaigns, and emphasize the significance of early detection. Discover more on their website.
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!
Chris Brown, 37, affectionately known as ‘Browny’, sadly lost his life in a tragic motorbike accident while commuting home from work, suffering severe injuries from a collision on April 7.
15:49, 10 May 2025 Updated 16:12, 10 May 2025
Thousands of bikers from around the world gathered in South Shields for the funeral (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
A dedicated husband and father, Chris tragically died while riding his motorbike home from work. His funeral brought together hundreds of mourners and fellow bikers to celebrate his remarkable life.
On April 7, Chris Brown, 37, sustained critical injuries when his Harley Davidson was involved in a tragic collision in Wallsend. He passed away in the hospital three days later, leaving behind his heartbroken wife Stacey and their two daughters, Harlo-Rose, 12, and Haylan, 7. On the day of the funeral at South Shields Crematorium, over a thousand motorbikes participated in a powerful and heartfelt procession, accompanying Chris on his final ride. A proud member of The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Chris was honored by riders who came from across the country and beyond to pay their respects.
Chris Brown, 37, suffered critical injuries in the crash (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd northnews.co.uk)
“This is what we do,” remarked one biker who traveled from Northampton to pay respects, while others made their way from Wales, Northern Ireland, and places as far as Amsterdam, Switzerland, Belgium, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose smile “lit up the room,” celebrated in the service for his generosity with “no bounds.”
As Chris’ coffin with ‘Hells Angels’ inscribed on its side was brought into the crematorium, the bikers participated in chants of “Affa!” – the Hells Angels’ slogan signifying Angels Forever, Forever Angels – with the audience erupting in applause. During the emotional service, it was said of Chris: “In 37 years, he achieved more than others do in three lifetimes.”
Thousands of fellow motorcyclists came to pay their respects (Image: PA)
Chris, who served as a supervisor at Smulders in Wallsend, lived life to the fullest, measured not in years but in miles. He was more than just a biker; he was an iconic presence. His passion for motorbikes transcended mere interest; it embodied his existence.
The celebrant remarked that Chris had often said he wished to go out on his bike when his time came. Despite this, he still had much to look forward to in life.
Members of the Hells Angels wore sashes on their signature leather vests displaying Chris’ nickname, Browny. The overwhelming turnout at his funeral led to traffic being stopped through the Tyne Tunnel to facilitate the lengthy procession. “He embodied integrity, courage, and truly embraced the brotherhood of our club,” a fellow biker from the Northumberland chapter shared in a heartfelt tribute. “His character, style, and finesse were unparalleled.”
Stories shared about Chris during the ceremony evoked both laughter and tears. Even as a child, he displayed a fearless spirit, with a love for motorcycles that began at the age of seven. However, it was his wife and daughters who provided him with his greatest joy, as highlighted by the celebrant.
Bikers following the funeral cortege of Chris Brown (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Stacey Brown, Chris’ wife, expressed, “There was not a single negative word about Chris; he was incredibly kind and would do anything for anyone. He was a family man above all, especially to me and our children. His impact was profound, as everyone who met him loved him. He was genuinely a nice person.
In his memory, Stacey has committed to taking on the Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday, June 21, coinciding with the Summer Solstice, to fundraise for the Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Charity. As of now, over £16,500 has been raised, showcasing the love and admiration held for Chris by those who knew him.
