The Harley-Davidson Breakout truly lives up to its name, not just as a departure from the usual, but as a “breakout” from traditional Harley-Davidson design. While the dictionary might define “breakout” as an escape or sudden success, this motorcycle embodies both, offering a bold shift from its predecessors. Despite some clear drawbacks, its undeniable charm quickly makes you fall for it.
Unmistakable Presence and Design of Harley-Davidson Breakout
One of the biggest draws of any Harley-Davidson is how it looks, and the Breakout is no different—yet it is. It commands a unique road presence unlike anything else out there, even standing out among other Harleys. Its design marks a significant departure from the Softail family, making it truly distinctive.
Key design elements include a 21-inch front wheel, a raked-out front end, a custom-looking LED headlight, and a tear-drop shaped fuel tank, all contributing to its striking appearance. The expansive chrome detailing in the middle, along with the two-into-two exhaust, gives it a heavy metal vibe. In the back, the offset license plate and chopped fender proudly show off that massive 240-section tire. The “Heavy Breather” air filter, while prominent, integrates seamlessly instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. The Breakout honestly looks more like a custom-built bike than something that rolled off an assembly line, and its visual appeal is just captivating.
Features and Ergonomics
The Breakout comes with a decent set of features, including ABS and traction control. A small negative LCD screen mounted on the handlebar provides essential info, though it can be tough to read in bright sunlight.
With a low seat height of just 26.1 inches (665 mm), getting on the bike is easy. You sit low, reaching out to a wide handlebar, with footpegs placed forward like a typical cruiser. However, its 683-pound (310 kg) weight demands solid strength when maneuvering it out of a parking spot.
Powerhouse Performance
Powering the Breakout is a 1,923 cc V-Twin engine, known as the Milwaukee-Eight 117. This air-cooled beast cranks out 102 hp at 5,020 rpm and a staggering 168 Nm of torque at a low 3,500 rpm.
Riding the Breakout truly makes you feel like the king of the road. It pulls like a freight train; the sheer acceleration is something you’ve got to experience to believe. While you’ll feel some vibrations on the handlebar and footpegs, they’re not overly intrusive, except for a loose fuel filler cap that was pretty annoying. Shifting gears feels like an event. The metallic clang as the gear slots into place? To me, it’s satisfying. And if cruising at triple-digit speeds is your thing, the Breakout handles it with relative ease.
Dynamics and Comfort Considerations
Despite its substantial size and weight, the dynamics of Harley-Davidson Breakout are surprisingly good. The suspension performs better than expected, arguably even surpassing some current 650cc Royal Enfield models. While it takes some effort to lean, once it does, you’ll be scraping footpegs in no time. Don’t expect to change directions on a dime, of course. You also have to be careful over big bumps because the ridiculously low 4.5-inch (115 mm) ground clearance can lead to scraping the underbelly a couple of times.
For long rides, be ready for significant windblast after an hour or two, unless your backside is already protesting or your fingers are tired from pulling in the heavy clutch lever.
Pricing and Verdict
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout price starts at $22,499. Compared to competitors like the Ducati Diavel V4 ($27,295) and the Triumph Rocket 3 ($24,995), it offers a compelling option.
Riding the Harley-Davidson Breakout is more than just a commute; it’s an event. It boasts exceptional street presence and incredible pose value, making you feel like the “king of the world” with all eyes on you. For existing or prospective Harley owners, especially those drawn to the Breakout, its inherent flaws and hefty price tag likely won’t stop them from making the purchase.