The Harley-Davidson Breakout 117: A Modern Dragster with Unapologetic Style
In a world full of standard-issue motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Breakout has always stood out. It's not a touring bike, a cruiser, or a sportster in the traditional sense; it's a statement. It’s a bike built for one purpose: to look and feel as much like a custom, high-performance dragster as possible, right off the showroom floor. With the introduction of the Breakout 117, Harley-Davidson has taken this formula to its extreme, giving the bike a larger engine, a more commanding presence, and an attitude that is truly unmatched.
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| The Harley-Davidson Breakout 117: A Modern Dragster with Unapologetic Style |
Design: Long, Low, and Intimidating
The Breakout’s visual identity is its most compelling feature. The design is a study in purposeful aggression, with every element contributing to its long, low, and muscular profile. The key design elements are:
Massive Rear Tire: The most striking feature is the huge 240mm rear tire. This wide, chunky tire gives the bike a powerful, planted stance and a look that screams "drag race."
Long Rake: The extended front fork creates a long, stretched-out look, giving the bike a classic chopper profile but with modern stability.
Chopped Fenders: The minimal fenders, both front and rear, expose as much of the tires and solid disc wheels as possible, enhancing its custom, stripped-down aesthetic.
Blacked-Out and Chrome Mix: The Breakout 117 expertly balances blacked-out components on the engine and frame with strategic touches of chrome on the exhaust and accents. This combination highlights the bike's mechanical beauty while giving it a premium feel.
The Breakout isn't just a motorcycle; it's a piece of rolling art. It's designed to turn heads and create a powerful visual impact, and in this, it succeeds brilliantly.
Performance: The Mighty Milwaukee-Eight 117
The most significant upgrade for the Breakout is the heart that powers it: the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine. With a massive displacement of 1,923cc (117 cubic inches), this is one of Harley-Davidson’s largest and most powerful production engines.
This engine is a monster of torque. It delivers a wave of acceleration that is both intoxicating and addictive, pulling hard from the moment you twist the throttle. The sound is a deep, resonant roar that is pure Harley, and the minimal vibration at speed makes it a surprisingly comfortable highway cruiser despite its aggressive styling. The engine’s raw power is the key to the Breakout's exhilarating riding experience, giving the rider a sense of command over a truly powerful machine.
Ride and Handling: A Purpose-Built Cruiser
The Breakout's ride and handling are directly tied to its dragster-inspired design. It's a bike that is built for straight-line performance and for making a statement.
The long front end and massive rear tire give the bike a very stable and planted feel on the highway. It tracks straight and true, and it feels incredibly secure at speed. The Softail chassis, with its hidden monoshock rear suspension, provides a smooth ride that hides the bike's aggressive posture. This is a crucial element, as it makes the Breakout much more comfortable and usable than an old-school chopper.
However, riders should be aware that the Breakout is not built for carving corners. The wide rear tire and long rake make it a bike that prefers long, sweeping turns over tight hairpins. The riding position is also distinct, with a low seat and forward-set controls that put the rider in a relaxed, feet-forward posture. This is a bike that is best enjoyed cruising at a deliberate pace, savoring the engine's power and the looks it attracts.
Technology and Features: Minimalist but Modern
True to its stripped-down aesthetic, the Breakout keeps technology subtle and integrated. It focuses on the essentials, but what it has is well-executed:
Minimalist Digital Gauge: A small, digital display is cleverly integrated into the handlebar riser, providing essential information like speed, gear indication, and fuel level without cluttering the front end.
LED Lighting: The bright LED headlights and taillights are modern touches that are both functional and stylish.
Keyless Ignition: A standard convenience feature that adds to the bike’s premium feel.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): This is a crucial safety feature that provides reliable stopping power for a powerful and heavy motorcycle.
The technology is there to serve the bike’s core purpose: to be a raw, powerful, and exhilarating cruiser.
Conclusion: A True Statement Bike
The Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 is a powerful and unique motorcycle for a very specific type of rider. It's not a bike built for practicality, off-road adventures, or hyper-aggressive sport riding. It's a bike built to be seen and to be felt. It delivers the kind of raw power and imposing style that is the very essence of the Harley-Davidson brand.
For the rider who wants a bike that looks like a high-dollar custom without the hassle, that delivers an exhilarating wave of torque with every twist of the throttle, and that makes an unforgettable impression wherever it goes, the Breakout 117 is the ultimate choice. It's a modern dragster for the street, and it’s a brilliant example of Harley-Davidson’s ability to build bikes that are pure, unadulterated statements of style and power.