Harley-Davidson Breakout

The Milwaukee-based company carried out a number of styling changes to the Harley-Davidson Breakout that continues in 2024. The Breakout is also known as the Breakout 117 in its home market because of the engine setup. The bike now sports revised graphics on the slightly flatter and larger fuel tank. The new tank is 18.9 litres and lends a more muscular look to the bike. The petrol tank also gets a chrome strip that runs through its centre. The dials are neatly integrated into the bike’s handlebar clamp. There’s more bright chrome in the upgraded version from the earlier blacked-out detailing. The mudguard brackets, muffler (silencer) shields, side covers, turn signals, mirrors and the distinctive (but slightly intrusive) ‘Heavy Breather’ air intake gets chrome treatment. The handlebar risers have been slightly raised to offer a more easy-going riding posture. The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout runs on 18-inch wheels with an ultra-fat 240-section Michelin Scorcher tyre. The front end gets 21-inch wheels with 130-section. The wheels are of a new, stylish ‘Roulette’ design. The 2-into-2 staggered exhaust tunnels, wrapped in chrome heat shield, make the bike look bolder. Overall, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout has a tremendous road presence.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout is mainly designed for straight cruising. Comfort and fuel economy were never a priority. But the Breakout still manages to offer a fairly comfortable ride. The riding position is a bit on the extreme side. The low seat means that the rider’s weight is pretty much on their backside. The feet have to stretch towards the ‘highway’ pegs. The handlebar is wide and taller than the earlier Breakout. It’s easily reachable. In a way, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout is more comfortable than its earlier version. The front forks are Showa’s latest 49mm dual-bending valve type. The rear suspension, because of the low riding Softail style, offers limited travel and comes with only preload adjustment. There’s nothing overtly comforting about the Breakout but the ride quality is still better than its rivals. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout is equipped with an air-cooled, two-cylinder, Milwaukee-Eight 1.9-litre engine, mated to a six-speed transmission. Many crossover cars run on that type of engine. The power of the Breakout is easily imaginable. The delivery is familiar, has a lot of character, and is more flexible and versatile than expected from a heavy Harley-Davidson bike. There’s a raw charm to it. The Breakout is for riders who have the experience to handle big and burly bikes. On the highway, the two-wheeler rides like a dream. With superb low-end torque, the bike quickly gets into the groove and settles into a leisurely ride. Even within the city, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout performs really and effortlessly turns corners. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout’s braking is handled by a conventionally mounted four-piston 300mm disc brake in the front and a dual-piston and 292mm calliper disc brake at the back. Antilock braking comes as standard. The brakes are adequate for a bike of this weight and size. The tyres have great traction and aids in stopping the bike. There’s also switchable traction control and cruise control.

At a starting price of RM 120,000, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout is the most expensive bike in the drag-touring class. In fact, there’s no other bike that comes close to this one. Comfort has improved over the earlier version and the Breakout has great road presence. Like most Harley-Davidson bikes, the Breakout too is for seasoned riders and cruise lovers.