There's an undeniable allure in the stance of the Harley-Davidson Breakout 117, particularly when viewed from the rear three-quarter angle. The wide 240 rear tire, sleek bobbed fender with minimalist lights, and softail rear end create a visually captivating sight. It seems we're not alone in this sentiment, as Harley-Davidson has reintroduced the Breakout to its lineup after a hiatus.

Previously seen in 2020, the Breakout featured a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, but it has now been upgraded to the 117 version of the V-twin. Along with the engine upgrade, the latest model boasts some new highlights, including a larger 5.0-gallon fuel tank (previously 3.5 gallons), a slightly taller handlebar riser, standard cruise control, and the option for traction control. While the Breakout is known for its style, it doesn't compromise on substance.

This custom cruiser embodies both style and performance.

117ci Milwaukee-Eight Engine

The Breakout is equipped with the largest engine currently available in Harley-Davidson's regular production lineup, the 45-degree, counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin. While the upcoming 121 engine has been announced, for 2023, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 reigns as the top-tier powerplant. Introduced in 2017, the Milwaukee-Eight initially offered displacements of 107ci and 114ci. Over time, the 114ci became the standard size, and the 117ci became the larger option for select models like the Breakout. It's reasonable to assume that in 2024, we may see an increase to 117/121 based on historical trends.

Regarding the Breakout's Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, it boasts a 1,923cc displacement with bore and stroke dimensions of 103.5 x 114mm respectively, accompanied by a compression ratio of 10.2:1. The "Eight" in the name signifies its eight-valve configuration. Each cylinder is operated by a single four-lobe cam, which actuates a pair of pushrods and rockers in each head. Valve clearances are maintained by hydraulic roller tappets, and oil is supplied through a dry sump system with circulation through a cooler.

On the Cycle World dyno, the Breakout demonstrated impressive performance, producing 94.2 hp at 4,790 rpm and 118 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,250 rpm at the rear wheel, aligning closely with Harley-Davidson's claimed figures of 101 hp and 125 lb.-ft. torque.

Efficient heat management was a key focus during the development of the Milwaukee-Eight engine. A shallow combustion chamber aids in rapid heat dissipation, while oil passages cool the bridge between the exhaust valves by circulating oil to a miniature radiator. Furthermore, all Milwaukee-Eight engines feature the Engine Idle Temperature Management System, which deactivates the rear cylinder at a predetermined temperature if it becomes too hot.

The engine draws in air through a chromed Heavy Breather intake, while fuel is delivered via Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection into the throttle body. Each cylinder is equipped with two spark plugs: one centrally located in the combustion chamber and one offset on the side. The exhaust gases exit through catalyst-equipped 2-into-2 staggered chrome heat shield-wrapped exhausts.

Power from the engine is transmitted to the compensator in the primary drive and then through a chain to the wet multiplate clutch, which features assist functionality for a lighter pull at the handlebars. From there, power is distributed to the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission and finally transferred to the rear wheel via belt final drive.

Chassis

The Breakout boasts a sleek and low profile, characterized by its steel backbone frame and swingarm. Its softail design incorporates a hidden shock with 3.4 inches of travel, offering the convenience of spring-preload adjustment through a remote toolless knob. At the front, you'll find a 49mm conventional fork with 5 inches of travel. The bike's wheelbase measures 66.7 inches, with a rake angle set at 34 degrees and 5.7 inches of trail. Notably, the seat height is a remarkably low 26.2 inches. When fully fueled and prepared for the road, the claimed wet weight comes in at 683 pounds.

The Breakout's style is greatly enhanced by its distinct contrast-cut, 26-spoke wheels. The front wheel measures 21 inches in diameter, while the rear wheel is an impressive 8 inches wide. The front wheel features a 3.5 by 21-inch 26-spoke cast-aluminum contrast-cut wheel, complemented by a 130/60-21 Michelin Scorcher 11 tire. The rear wheel is even more commanding with its 8 by 18-inch size, paired with a 240/40-18 tire. Braking duties are carried out by a conventionally mounted four-piston caliper gripping a 300mm disc at the front, while the rear is equipped with a twin-piston caliper and a 292mm disc. As expected, ABS comes standard for added safety.

The Breakout's front end utilizes a conventionally mounted four-piston caliper in conjunction with a 300mm disc for effective braking performance.

Electronics

The commanding view from the cockpit centers around the straight, chromed handlebar, now positioned on a slightly taller riser with a 3/4 inch increase compared to the previous Breakout model. At the top of the handlebar, you'll find a small LCD instrument screen accompanied by a couple of rows of warning and indicator lights underneath. Keyless ignition with a fob adds convenience to the Breakout's features, while all essential gauge information can be accessed conveniently from the left-handlebar-mounted pod. The turn signals, whether you love or hate them, remain split, with the left signal on one side and the right signal on the other. Operating the standard cruise control is a breeze with an intuitive multifunction switch located on the left side, while the optional traction control can be easily activated or deactivated using the right-pod switch.

The Breakout showcases a sleek and minimalist LCD screen, supplemented by a double row of warning lights that provide all the necessary information at a glance.

Illuminating the road ahead is a roval-shaped all-LED headlight, ensuring optimal visibility. However, the turn signals and taillight still rely on incandescent bulbs rather than LEDs. Additionally, a convenient USB power outlet is available, delivering a steady 2.4 amps to keep your smartphone charged while mounted on the handlebar for navigation purposes.

The Breakout features an advanced all-LED headlight with a distinctive roval shape, providing enhanced visibility and style.

Riding Impression

Custom-style cruisers may seem like one-trick ponies, giving the impression that they're only meant for leisurely rides along the boulevards. However, with the Breakout, appearances can be deceiving. Just like our mothers taught us, it's important not to judge a book by its cover.

Undoubtedly, it's incredibly enjoyable to launch the bike from stoplight to stoplight, treating every green light as if it were the starting line at a dragstrip. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine's exceptionally flat torque curve from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm makes it tempting to release the clutch and let it catapult off the line, especially when you find yourself next to a Tesla. But there's more to this bike than just its straight-line performance.

With abundant low-to-midrange torque and a power curve that climbs linearly, there's little benefit in revving the engine to the redline. Shifting up a little early and staying in the meat of the powerband is incredibly rewarding and hard to resist. The clutch offers a satisfying feel, and the transmission provides solid and precise shifting, making it enjoyable to keep the bike in its sweet spot.

Our Breakout was equipped with the optional traction control, and it's a no-brainer addition. While it can be fun to turn it off and let the rear tire spin a bit off the line, with all that torque, having traction control definitely helps to maintain grip. Besides, we can only imagine that replacing the 240-section tire would be quite pricey!

Out on mountain roads, the Breakout surprised us with its stability and agility. Contrary to its appearance, the massive rear tire doesn't cause the bike to snap into corners. Instead, it requires a firm countersteer at the handlebars to initiate the turn and gradually lean onto the edge of the tire. The tighter the turn, the more effort is required, but it doesn't take long to get accustomed to it.

With its low seat height of around 26 inches, most riders will find it easy to plant their feet firmly on the ground at stops, which greatly aids in maneuvering the bike into parking spots. The forward foot controls stay out of the way of lower legs and feet when stopped, adding to the bike's convenience.

Speaking of things that aren't as they appear, one look at the stretched seating position with feet extended forward might make you question its long-term comfort. However, after spending a full day riding the Breakout around town and through the mountains, we were pleasantly surprised at how fresh we felt. One of our riders, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches, found the seat's deep pocket to offer excellent back support, while the reach to the flat handlebar felt relaxed. Our taller rider, Bradley Adams, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches, did experience some discomfort as his long legs made his right knee uncomfortably bump against the air intake.

While the Breakout feels a bit heavy and requires extra effort at the handlebars when maneuvering around town, it truly shines on sweeping mountain corners. Instead of feeling like the rear tire is fighting you, it provides exceptional mid-corner stability. Hairpin turns can be a bit sluggish, similar to urban settings, but when the road consists of sweeping bends, the Breakout becomes truly enjoyable. Since the bike naturally leans onto the side of the tire rather than snapping from side to side, it's easy to gauge the lean angle before the foot pegs start scraping the asphalt. When the scraping begins, it's effortless to adjust and prevent your boot heel from getting damaged.

The Breakout also receives high marks for its suspension. Despite having just 3.5 inches of travel at the rear, the combination of the softail rear end and the plush seat cushions the ride quite comfortably, even over rough pavement. Our testing route exposed us to plenty of challenging road conditions, but the long and stable chassis, coupled with 5 inches of front-end travel, ensured that the Breakout remained composed throughout.

Once we grew comfortable with the bike's handling and pushed it to a faster pace, we discovered that the single front brake was more than capable of bringing the nearly 700-pound machine to a stop. While the lever feel may not be as aggressive as that of a sportbike, the braking power is predictable and progressive.

Conclusion

Harley-Davidson's Breakout 117 immediately captivates with its sleek and low custom-cruiser stance, but the true beauty lies in the fact that it excels beyond mere aesthetics. In a market where direct competitors are scarce, the Breakout stands as a survivor, outshining any other options available. The only bike that comes to mind is Honda's Fury, but it pales in comparison, being more of a middleweight and leaning towards a chopper-style design.

With its distinctive style, the Breakout not only impresses with its looks but also delivers outstanding performance. Harley-Davidson has perfected this formula, and while the Breakout and Fat Bob are the sole bikes in their lineup with a custom-cruiser profile, the brand has succeeded in creating a machine that combines striking aesthetics with unparalleled functionality. Form truly meets function.

Admittedly, the Breakout may not possess the widest range of capabilities. It may not be the ideal choice for long-distance touring. However, for its intended purpose, it is truly impressive. The incredible power of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine makes the Breakout a force to be reckoned with at stoplight drags. Surprisingly, the cockpit and riding position offer unexpected comfort. And there's no denying that its extravagant styling stands out in a sea of popular matte-black and muted-colored bikes. In short, if you're enamored with its appearance, you'll be equally thrilled with its performance.