Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 review
Is the new Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 perfect now?
West Coast Choppers

Harley Davidson Breakout 117

The perfect combination of performance and style

Large 117 Milwaukee-Eight engine, a large tank, the 21 inch front wheel and 240 rear wheel and the Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather air filter are striking features

Are you looking for a motorcycle that impresses in terms of both performance and style? Then you shouldn't miss the current Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 ! The Breakout 117 FXBRS combines the best of both worlds and is a real eye-catcher on the road. I took her on a trial tour and drove through the Westerwald in the powerful 117 Milwaukee-Eight.

Post overview:

Front Breakout 117 Harley-Davidson FXBRS
Front Breakout 117 Harley-Davidson FXBRS

1. A look at the technology: powerful engine and chassis

A look at the technology: powerful engine and chassis When it comes to the technology of the new Harley-Davidson Breakout 117, there is a lot to say. Let's start with the powerful engine: The proven Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine powers the current Breakout and offers a whopping 1,923 cc displacement and an output of 106 hp. This means that this machine is not only powerful, but also fast and agile.

It really starts firing, especially in the middle gears. I was driving it on the motorway and stopped somewhere around the 200 km/h limit. Harley-Davison states that it has a top speed of 190 km/h, but I didn't feel the limiter switch on. I would even say that she goes over it, but if we're honest, these speeds are not her comfort zone and she wasn't built for that.

But that's just the 177 engine, it always pulls full power when you turn the electronic throttle.

Optimal handling and perfect straight-line stability

The chassis is very good and provides optimal handling and noticeably good straight-line stability. Whether on winding roads or on straight stretches, the Breakout can be controlled precisely. However, the 240 mm rear tire means that it has to be pushed a little into the curves. The driving behavior is slightly different than if you were on the Low Rider S, but that is exactly what makes it so special. The central spring strut is covered by the triangular swingarm, creating an old-school rigid frame look.

So if you are looking for a bike with power and performance that is equipped with plenty of chrome and also looks very good, you should take a closer look at the Harley-Davidson Breakout 117.

2. What's new about the Breakout for the 2023 model year

In 2023, the Harley-Davidson Breakout will be equipped with an electronic cruise control function as standard, which Harley-Davidson calls Cruise Control. Since summer 2023, it has also been possible to order the Breakout 117 with optional electronic traction control.

LED turn signal brake light combination Breakout 117 Harley-Davidson FXBRS
LED turn signal brake light combination Breakout 117 Harley-Davidson FXBRS

Many parts that were previously black, such as exhaust parts, fender struts, side panels, indicators and rear view mirrors, are now chrome plated. The lighting relies entirely on LED technology and offers newly designed turn signals at the rear end, which have an even circle of light for the tail and brake light functions.

3. The look of the new Breakout 117: modern, powerful and cool

When it comes to the look of the new Harley-Davidson Breakout 117, you can only be amazed. The machine not only looks modern and powerful, but is also incredibly cool. The chrome-plated engine and the powerful wheels ensure an eye-catcher on every road. The design is aggressive and muscular, which perfectly matches the performance of the machine.

The LED headlight and the digital instrument display complete the overall picture. The digital display is a little more difficult to read in sunlight, at least with the smaller numbers, so sometimes I didn't really know which gear I was in and had to rely on my instincts. The Breakout 117 looks simply breathtaking and makes every biker's heart beat faster; the digital display in combination with the LED lamps makes it look very modern. The now larger tank makes it look even more powerful, with the thick tank it simply looks like more of a motorcycle, as I said YouTube

Jekill & Hyde Harley Davidson

4. Travel comfortably with the new Breakout

How comfortable it is to ride on the Breakout 117.

Do you not only want to stand out on the road, but also want to travel comfortably? The saddle, with the removable pillion seat, is really outstanding and provides a pleasant riding experience even on longer tours. We can certainly speak of a good level of comfort, you will be able to get through a long Sunday tour without suffering.

The wide drag-style handlebars and comfortable seating position allow you to ride for hours without back pain or tension. In my opinion, even long distances are no problem with this machine! The perfect combination of performance and comfort makes the new Breakout a real highlight on the road. I'm 1.83 and it's perfect for me. If your legs are a little shorter, you can certainly think about moving the forward footrests so that it also fits a shorter rider.

5. Conclusion: The new Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 perfectly combines performance and style in one package

The new Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 is a combination of performance and style. With its powerful engine and very good chassis, it is technically top notch! But the look of the new Breakout 117 is also impressive. Modern, powerful and cool – these are the attributes that perfectly describe this machine. But it's not just its appearance that impresses, the new Breakout also offers comfort. With it you can travel comfortably and relaxed.

In summary, Harley-Davidson had a very good idea here by equipping the Breakout with the 117 engine and giving it the large tank. It is already very perfect and definitely on the shortlist for every biker who is looking for an extraordinary riding experience.


6. The driving report for the Breakout 117 FXBRS

Be there when I take you on my trial tour with the Beeakout 117 on my Harleysite YouTube Channel.


7. Advantages and disadvantages of the Harley-Davidson Breakout 117

PER

  • Very good straight-line stability!
  • Perfect fit
  • High-torque 117 engine
  • Drag style handlebars
  • Easy handling with the front wheel
  • Chrome-plated heavy breather
  • The design is very successful
  • Large 18.9L tank
  • Stable chassis
  • Two balance shafts
  • Wide tires
  • Pillion removable
  • USB-C port
  • Cruise control
  • Keyless ignition system
  • LED technology light ring with taillight and brake light function
  • Retention of value, the Breakout is generally in good condition and is always very popular
  • Spring preload adjustable without tools

CONS

  • Only one brake disc at the front
  • No upside-down fork
  • Digital display is not for old people
  • Traction control not standard
  • What looks cool is the wide tires, but it is more difficult to handle in tight corners
  • The price makes them very exclusive

8. A look at the Breakout 117 specifications

SpecificationsBreakout 117 model year 2023
Seat height, without driver665mm
Tank contents18.9L
Curb weight without operating materials296kg
Empty weight including operating materials310kg
displacementMilwaukee Eight. 117, 1,923 cm3
Power transmissionTiming belt, ratio 32:66
transmissionSix-speed Cruise Drive™
WheelsLight alloy wheels with 26 cast spokes,
glossy black
Front rim size21 inches
Rear rim size18 inches
Front suspension49 mm telescopic fork with Dual Bending
Valve technology
Rear suspensionCentral spring strut with hydraulically
manually adjustable spring base
Performance103 HP / 76 kW @ 5,020 rpm
Max. Torque168 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
USB charging socketUSB charging port
ColorsVivid Black
Black Denim
Baja Orange
Atlas Silver Metallic
SECTIONStandard
All statements without guarantee

Text & image credits: Harleysite / Volker Wolf

The Breakout 117 was made available by Harley-Davidson without any obligation to publish.


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Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 model year 2023

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