AMM118 - H-D Breakout

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It’s the quintessential “ Harley-Davidson silhouette - the long, raked-out chopper look and low slung to the ground.

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Breakout Bulks Up

Australia’s sales-topping hero road bike gets a beef-up and makeover for 2023 Words – Roderick Eime Photos – Mark Watson/Harley-Davidson ANZ

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ome 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 www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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step in, catapulting the model to unchallenged best-seller mustered into groups and escorted on a route through status in Australia ever since. undulating and circuitous roads that would not normally be The deletion of V-Rod and the introduction of the all-new the domain of Breakout, but H-D had a point to prove.

Softail chassis with the Milwaukee-Eight signalled a new In the company of riders with more experience than era not just for Breakout, but the whole Harley-Davidson this writer, it was clear that there had been something range. Breakout (FXBRS) immediately took on ‘rockstar’ of a transformation with the long-raked, drag racingstatus in the line-up with the fitment of the largest factory inspired machine. engine then available, the whopping 114ci Milwaukee-Eight.

Curiously, Breakout also disappeared from the Breakout also disappeared from US line-up in 2020 but remained in production the US line-up in 2020 but remained in for some export markets, thankfully including Australia, where dealers were selling every unit production for some export markets, they could lay their hands on. But for MY23, it thankfully including Australia 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.

“It goes around corners!”, one grey-bearded old hand Harley-Davidson used the opportunity to showcase the was heard to remark.

MY23 incarnation at the regional Brighter Days Festival Apparently, the clues to this remarkable development in the glorious Victorian High Country where we were are some subtle but significant changes to the geometry.

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Below left: Chromed heavy breather intake fulfils both form and function.

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Below Right: Right and left grips retain the BLfamiliar format.

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.

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.

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.

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

Below left: Drive belt is the sturdy 24mm.

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

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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 AMM dive in.

Harley-Davidson Australia/ NZ People’s Choice Breakout Winner 2023

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2023 Harley-Davidson 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

Above: Four-piston caliper up front.

Below: Minimalist instrument panel displays essential data.

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

his 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.”

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

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR: Frame type: Tubular mild steel cradle Front suspension: Dual-bending valve 49mm telescopic fork 74 www.ausmotorcyclist.com.au

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