AMM118 - H-D Breakout

Breakout Bulks up

Some might tell you the rise of Breakout began when the controversial V-Rod (VRSC) was deleted from the harley-Davidson line-up in 2017 after nearly 20 years. Ah, but wait. Breakout (FXSB) first appeared as a special build CVO Softail 110 twin-cam model in 2013, well before the appearance of the Milwaukee-Eight engine and the allnew Softail chassis that would come to define the entire cruiser segment from 2017.

Such was the response to Breakout even at that early stage, a ‘base model’ 103 was produced for MY14 mass production and set the critics back somewhat by proving that a Harley-Davidson cruiser could deliver performance as well as curb side glamour. Breakout quickly became a favourite among custom builders who utilised its modern, raked chopper demeanour and the plentiful supply of OEM and after-market hot-ups.

“I think if you gave the average person a pencil and a piece of paper and ask them to draw a motorcycle, they’re probably going to draw you a Breakout,” said Luke Mansfield, Vice President of Motorcycle Management of Harley-Davidson at the launch, “It’s the quintessential HarleyDavidson silhouette - the long, rakedout chopper look and low slung to the ground.”

So, while V-Rod and its numerous derivatives would continue to hold great appeal with a certain segment of the Harley-Davidson client demographic, something needed to fill the gap in the new bike line-up and Breakout was only too happy to

“ It’s the quIntessentIal harley-DavIDson sIlhouette - the long, rakeD-out chopper look anD low slung to the grounD.”

step in, catapulting the model to unchallenged best-seller status in Australia ever since.

The deletion of V-Rod and the introduction of the all-new Softail chassis with the Milwaukee-Eight signalled a new era not just for Breakout, but the whole Harley-Davidson range. Breakout (FXBRS) immediately took on ‘rockstar’ status in the line-up with the fitment of the largest factory engine then available, the whopping 114ci Milwaukee-Eight.

Curiously, Breakout also disappeared from the US line-up in 2020 but remained in production for some export markets, thankfully including Australia, where dealers were selling every unit they could lay their hands on. But for MY23, it seems the US has rediscovered Breakout and when the new model (FXBR) with 117ci installed as standard was launched in March, it was easy to see why. Harley-Davidson used the opportunity to showcase the MY23 incarnation at the regional Brighter Days Festival in the glorious Victorian High Country where we were

mustered into groups and escorted on a route through undulating and circuitous roads that would not normally be the domain of Breakout, but H-D had a point to prove. In the company of riders with more experience than this writer, it was clear that there had been something of a transformation with the long-raked, drag racinginspired machine.

Compared to the 2017 model, the wheelbase is down from 1710mm to 1695mm, making the overall length 2370mm accordingly. One degree has been removed from the rake (caster angle), now 34deg and 1mm from trail, now 145mm.

The compact 2.1-inch LCD display built into the fork stem may take some getting used to if you’re not familiar with the unit from other models. Nevertheless, it displays your speed along with gear selection, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip meter, range, and tacho.

“It goes around corners!”, one grey-bearded old hand was heard to remark.

Apparently, the clues to this remarkable development are some subtle but significant changes to the geometry.

These tiny adjustments have made our spirited traverse through the winding alpine roads around Mt Beauty all the more enjoyable, as evidenced by the satisfied grins behind the weather-beaten whiskers of my learned colleagues. This is despite the popular conception that big nasty 240/40R18 wide rear tyres do nothing for nimble handling. We weren’t going hard enough (well, I wasn’t) to exercise the standard equipment ABS, but it’s there along with cruise control. Traction control is currently an option, but we’re told it will soon be fitted as standard.

Softail models all have preload adjustment on the rear monoshocker and it’s wise to sort this before you set off on any big ride. The Breakout has an external dial for quick adjustment making it handy if you or your pillion had the extra serving of French Fries at the last stop.

Truth be told, you wouldn’t be buying a Breakout for its mountaineering skills, as capable as they may now be. This is an urban cruiser that makes an unmistakable curbside statement with its gleaming chrome and vivid new-for-2023 colour schemes – Vivid Black, Black Denim, Baja Orange and Atlas Silver Metallic. For me, the Baja Orange is the one but it comes at a premium, adding $365 to an already weighty price tag.

So, apart from the obvious cosmetic enhancements, what else is new on the 2023 Breakout?

The big talking point, of course, is the massive Milwaukee-EightTM117, the largest factory-fitted engine available across the entire Harley-Davidson range. This throbbing powerplant delivers a claimed 102hp (76kW) at 5020rpm and a maximum torque of 167Nm at

“ Breakout also DIsappeareD from the us lIne-up In 2020 But remaIneD In proDuctIon for some export markets, thankfully IncluDIng australIa”

Below left: Chromed heavy breather intake fulfils both form and function. Below Right: Right and left grips retain the BLfamiliar format.

Below left: Drive belt is the sturdy 24mm.

Below Right: Tank emblem is the recognisable bold text strip.

Specs

ENGINE:

Type: Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin. Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; four valves per cylinder

Displacement: 117ci (1923cc)

Bore x stroke: 103.5mm x 114.3mm

Compression ratio: 10.2:1

Fuel system: Electronic Sequential

Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Air intake: Heavy Breather intake with synthetic media, washable exposed element

Exhaust: 2-into-2 staggered; catalyst in muffler

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum power: 76kW at 5020rpm

Maximum torque: 167Nm at 3500rpm

TRANSMISSION:

Type: 6-speed

Final drive: Belt

Clutch: Mechanical, 10 plate wet, assist and conventional

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR:

Frame type: Tubular mild steel cradle

Front suspension: Dual-bending valve

49mm telescopic fork

3500rpm. Believe me, that’s more than plenty. One of the criticisms of the early Breakouts was the tiny 13.2-litre fuel tank which meant your riding buddies were always waiting for you to make that extra petrol stop. Now at 18.9 litres, and with a fancy low-profile chrome console, you can keep up. Fuel economy, by the way, is claimed at 5l/100kms on a combined city/highway cycle. The handlebar riser is also about 2cm higher which, had you not told me, I probably wouldn’t have noticed as it blends seamlessly into the improved handling and ergonomics of the new bike. And, as a bloke carrying a bit too much middle-aged spread and a dodgy back, I found I could walk without a Zimmer frame at the end of a day’s energetic riding, a courtesy my old Sportster would never grant me.

The 26-spoke cast aluminium Turbine wheel design makes a welcome comeback. These wheels first appeared on the original Breakout back in 2013, only they now feature alternate black and polished metal spokes for a new take and they look the goods.

To summarise, if you are a cruiser fan - and I get that many are not - then you should at the very least consider the Breakout. Yes, it’s true, that just like every other model in the H-D line-up prices are creeping up as the machines are progressively enhanced. So, take a deep breath and dive in.

hA rley- dAvidson Austr A li A / n Z p eople’s Choi C e Bre A kout Winner 2023

This stunning Breakout is a testament to the work and dedication of Kane Swan, this year’s People’s Choice winner.

“This is my 2016 Harley-Davidson Breakout built from a completely stock bike. Not a thing has been left

untouched. Everything has been chromed including every nut and bolt. It’s pro-charged motor has been built. It’s got custom wheels with matching discs and pulley. Air ride front and rear. Fully built by me and painted a custom Candy teal by me as well.”

Rear suspension: Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock, adjustable for preload, 43mm stroke

Front brakes: Single 300mm disc with four-piston callipers, ABS equipped

Rear brakes: Single 292mm disc with twin-piston calliper, ABS equipped

Tyres: Michelin Scorcher 11, front – 130/60B21,63H,BW, rear – 240/40R18,79V,BW

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES:

Rake: 34 degrees

Trail: 145mm

Claimed wet weight: 310kg

Seat height: 655mm

Ground clearance: 115mm (static)

Wheelbase: 1695mm

Fuel capacity: 18.9L

Price: $37,995 ride away (with Vivid Black)

Optional Colours: Black Denim, Baja Orange,

Atlas Silver Metallic (add $365)

Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres

2023 hA rley- dAvidson

Above: Four-piston caliper up front.

Below: Minimalist instrument panel displays essential data.

Amm