The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout marks its presence with a blend of classic chopper aesthetics and modern performance. This detailed review delves into the features, design, and riding experience of the Breakout, offering insights into what makes it a standout model in Harley-Davidson's lineup.
Design and Aesthetics
The Breakout's design is a homage to the fat tire chopper scene of the early 2000s, a period when custom choppers with oversized rear tires and elongated forks dominated the motorcycle culture. Influenced by iconic builders like Jesse James and the Tuttle family, Harley-Davidson has crafted the Breakout to capture the essence of this era while integrating modern engineering and design principles.
The 2024 model sports a black color, a new addition that complements its chrome and black accents. The bike features impeller roulette-style wheels, with a 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear, crowned by a signature 240 mm rear tire. This fat tire not only defines the Breakout's silhouette but also its identity as a muscle cruiser.
Performance and Handling
At the heart of the Breakout is the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, delivering 101 horsepower and 123 ft-lb of torque. This powerhouse ensures the Breakout lives up to the muscle cruiser moniker, providing ample power for both city rides and highway cruising.
The Breakout is unique in the Softail family with its 34° rake angle at the front end, a feature that enhances its chopper aesthetic without compromising handling. While many early 2000s choppers opted for more extreme rake angles, Harley-Davidson has found a balance that maintains rideability and practicality. The bike's forward controls and drag bar-style handlebars further contribute to its stretched-out, aggressive riding posture, reminiscent of the era it draws inspiration from.
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Engine |
Milwaukee-Eight® 117, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; four valves per cylinder |
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Displacement |
1,923 cc (117 cu in) |
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Bore x Stroke |
4.075” x 4.5” |
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Compression |
10.2 : 1 |
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Power |
101 HP @ 4,750 RPM |
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Torque (J1349) |
123 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM |
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Fuel System |
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
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Final Drive |
Belt, 32/66 ratio |
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Clutch |
Mechanical, 10 plate wet, assist & conventional |
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Gearbox |
6-Speed Cruise Drive® manual |
Comfort and Practicality
Despite its style-focused design, the Breakout does not entirely forsake comfort. It is built on the Softail chassis, renowned for its blend of classic hardtail appearance and modern ride quality, thanks to hidden rear suspension. The mono-shock underneath the seat is easily adjustable, allowing riders to dial in the preload for varying passenger weights—a feature that, while often overlooked, can significantly enhance ride comfort.
The seat design prioritizes style, with a low profile and detailed stitching that adds to the bike's overall aesthetic. However, it's clear that long-haul comfort was not the primary goal, with the bike's minimalist passenger pillion underscoring its intended use for shorter rides. Related Articles: 2024 Harley Davidson Street Glide: A Glimpse Into The Future
Chrome and Detailing
Chrome plays a significant role in the Breakout's design, used extensively across the engine, air cleaner, cam timer cover, primary, and more. This use of chrome, contrasted with wrinkle black textures, underscores the bike's premium feel and custom chopper heritage. The simple gauge setup, featuring a small LCD screen, keeps the handlebar area uncluttered, adhering to the "less is more" philosophy prevalent among custom choppers.
Technology and Features
The Breakout comes equipped with standard cruise control and has now included traction control as a standard feature, enhancing its safety and rideability. The LCD screen, while compact, provides essential information such as speed, fuel level, and trip meters, packing a lot of functionality into a small space.
Pricing and Value
For the 2024 model year, the Breakout has seen a price increase, with the base color now being billiard gray, moving away from the previous year's Vivid black. This adjustment reflects the enhancements and the value Harley-Davidson places on this unique model within its lineup.
Conclusion
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout successfully captures the spirit of the early 2000s fat tire chopper scene, blending it with modern performance and technology. Its design, from the oversized rear tire to the extensive use of chrome, pays tribute to the custom choppers that inspired it. While it may not be the first choice for long-distance touring, its power, style, and handling make it a compelling option for those seeking a muscle cruiser with a distinctive aesthetic. Through the Breakout, Harley-Davidson continues to celebrate the rich culture of motorcycling while pushing forward with innovation and design.