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The Breakout is not Harley-Davidson’s best-known cruiser. You may know the names Fat Boy and Softtail. Those models have been in the catalogs for decades. They are ultimate American cruisers with a deep seating position, minimalist outfit and wide handlebars. The Outbreak also has it all, as well as very distinctive wheels with ultra-flat, sporty tires.

Breakout and its ties

Tjsa, you don’t see those wheels on any other cruiser. They are truly unique and also big eye-catchers. The front wheel is a whopping 21 inches. That size is really only found on fat allroaders with off-road potential. Just look at Yamaha’s Ténéree. Around the Breakout’s 18-inch rear rim is a wide, flat 240/40 R18 slipper. The tires are Michelin with the tread pattern of a sport tire.

Breakout acceleration

The Harley-Davidson Breakout otherwise has the frame, wheelbase, low seat and design of an unadulterated classic chopper. And of course, the new 117 cubic inches 45 degree V-twin shines as the main protagonist at the center of the frame. 1,923cc is the displacement and from it the hefty pistons squeeze 103 hp at 5,020 rpm and 163 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine responds instantly and powerfully to every twist of the throttle. What do you want with such a mountain of pulling power at such low revs. Call it the Breakout character.

Pure and Spartan and that’s what you want

Wind protection is not there. After all, it’s a chopper and it doesn’t have a windshield. That’s what you choose for when you buy it. Then you want just that pure and Spartan. Up to 120 km / h it is manageable with the driving wind. The Breakout can certainly go faster, but you don’t want that and you won’t last more than half an hour. With this Harley-Davidson you really have no business on the highway. That’s just boring. The driving pleasure is found on long winding polder or mountain roads with not too perpendicular turns.

With heels over the asphalt

Yes steering with such a large head angle and ultra-sloped front fork, does it go a bit? The answer is yes, with a caveat. Straight ahead, the Breakout rolls like on rails. Before a turn, you have to emphatically push left and right with your hips and push against the handlebars. You quickly get used to that and then you discover that this Harley is actually quite easy to get through the corner with a good gait. The ground clearance even allows for a decent lean angle. The heels of your boots or motorcycle shoes are the first to touch the asphalt in the corner. This is due to the seating position and the far forward footpegs that make the heels the lowest point.

Design, chrome and polishing cloth

For this Harley-Davidson, you may keep the polishing cloth at the ready. There is a lot of chrome to keep clean and shiny. Do not be afraid of discoloration of the exhaust pipes and mufflers, because they are covered with chrome sheathing. So that stays nice for a long time. The bobtail rear fender is nicely finished with chrome brackets from the rear frame. Crown plates, front fork and counter housing are also chrome-plated, as is the tank panel with the Breakout name. The small headlight has powerful LED lights. On the round gauge you can see the riding speed. At the bottom is a small digital display, showing gear, riding mode (rain, road or sport) and fuel level. You can also choose additional displays of RPM, driving range with fuel remaining, mileage, trip meter and time.

Minimalist but not on security

The Breakout looks minimalist, but it is not. In fact, it has quite a safety net of safety systems plus cruise control. There’s even a USB-C port. Cornering ABS and traction control are on board. It also has a drag-torque slip control system, which prevents rear-wheel slippage during rapid downshifts or throttle slippage. And there’s another tire pressure monitoring system.

The Breakout has its price

The Harley-Davidson Breakout is distinct and different. With this motorcycle you expressly choose the chopper style including the corresponding handling. Relaxation and relaxation is the credo when you ride it. But you get something more. You have a sporty character in reserve. Just pull through, put the engine in the corner and let the V-twin rumble briskly as you accelerate out of the corner. Nice if you want to jump out of the box driving-wise: Breakout so to speak. This pleasure does cost a bit: a minimum of 35,595 euros (2025). One of the most expensive in the cruiser range of this brand. But one with its own character.