VOL. 52 ISSUE 35 SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 P101
that feels more like a drag bike
than a cruiser with its aggres-
sively forward-biased riding
position.
The Breakout definitely has
some get-up-and-go thanks to
its lively throttle response and
massive amount of torque from
the 103 c.i V-twin. Twist the
throttle, drop the clutch and the
stretched out Harley-Davidson
jumps out of the hole, throwing
you back in the seat as you grab
gears and go for the stop light
win. As good as the bottom and
midrange is the top-end is just
as impressive. It's not so much
about the maximum power out-
put but how smooth the engine
runs and how settled the bike
feels in higher gears with the
engine running at a lower cruise
rpm. As usual, the rumble com-
ing out of the staggered, straight
cut Harley-Davidson mufflers is
music to my ears.
The Breakout's suspension
provides a smooth ride and
balanced feel. Stability at faster
speeds is very good thanks in
part to its long stance and wide
rear tire but I found handling to
be better at speeds above 30
mph. Anything below 30 mph
and the Breakout's chassis has
a rigid vibe and you start to feel
every bit of its 700+ pounds.
The Breakout's design is great
for the open road but things get
a little tricky in heavy traffic or
situations where you need quick
response from the steering.
Overall, this is an impressive
motorcycle both in looks and
performance. If you're a rider
who logs many a mile and uses a
motorcycle as your daily mode of
transportation this probably isn't
the bike for you because of how
big it is and the forward leaning
riding position. But, if you want
a badass drag-inspired Harley-
Davidson for your next ride up
the California coast to Neptune's
Net, then the Breakout has your
name written all over it! CN
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
ENGINE: ........Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B
BORE X STROKE: ............98.4 x 111.1 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: .......................9.6:1
FUEL SYSTEM: ....... Electronic Sequential
Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
TRANSMISSION: .Six-speed Cruise Drive
FINAL DRIVE: ..................Belt, 32/66 ratio
FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: ................... 4.6 in.
REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: ...................... 3.1 in.
FRONT BRAKE: .......4-piston caliper fixed,
300mm rotor
REAR BRAKE: .... 2-piston caliper floating
FRONT TIRE: .................. 130/60B-21 63H
REAR TIRE: ..................... 240/40R-18 79V
RAKE: ....................................... 35 degrees
TRAIL: ..................................... 5.7 in. (146)
SEAT HEIGHT: .................... 26.0 in. (660)
WHEELBASE: ......................67.3 in. (1,710)
GROUND CLEARANCE: ...................(4.7 in.)
WEIGHT: .........................................710 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY: ......................... 5 gallons
MSRP: ......... Vivid Black $18,599, Color
option $19,549, Hard Candy $19,799
>>T I C K S
>>C R O S S E S
•Strong power delivery
•Smooth ride at highway speeds
•Quality paint
•Aggressive look
•Minimal lean angle, pegs
drag easily
•Body positioning best for
shorter rides
•Lazy steering
Ground clearance is
limited at best. This
bike likes the wide-
open straights, not
the canyons.
