2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 Review

Picking one favorite bike from the list of Harley-Davidson lineup is difficult. However, if you are a fan of aggressive styling and unique designs, the Harley-Davidson Breakout can attract you. It is one of the lowest Harley cruisers with a long wheelbase. It will remind you of Harley-Davidson's custom chopper bikes era. With an extra-long wheelbase, the Breakout has several other unique elements.

It is difficult to describe the H-D Breakout because it clearly stands out from the rest. It is difficult not to fall for this beauty. The 2024 Harley Breakout 117 is designed perfectly for the modern American cruiser market.

Unfortunately, one of the most favorite Harleys was not included in the lineup for two years in 2021 and 2022. The bike returned to the lineup for sale in 2023 with several improvements and a fresh look.

• 2020 H-D Breakout : The 2020 Harley-Davidson Breakout had a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and a highly raked-out front end. The gas tank was also quite small, with only 1 3.5 gals of fuel-carrying capacity.
• 2021-2022 : Not produced for the American motorcycle market. However, it continued to sell in other markets.
• 2023 Harley Breakout 117 : After two years, H-D returned in 2023 with a more powerful engine. The 2023 model was powered by a 117 cu-in Milwaukee Eight engine. The gas tank capacity was also increased from 3.5 gals to 5 gals.

Let’s take a deep look into the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117. Also, what makes it such a special and unique motorcycle? Continue reading this article to learn about the detailed review and specs of the 2024 H-D Breakout 117.

The 2024 H-D Breakout is almost similar to the 2023 year model. However, for a visual change, Harley riders can now choose from multiple iconic and modern color options. The 2024 color options include:

• Billiard Gray
• Vivid Black
• White Onyx Pearl
• Blue Burst
• Alpine Green

Unlike other 2024 premium H-D models, the 2024 Breakout 117 is unavailable in a blacked-out finish. The company continues with a mix of chrome and a few blacked-out touches. Overall, this bike looks perfect.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 has a base price of $22,499. If you know what it feels like to own a Harley-Davidson bike like the Breakout with a 117 cu-in M-8 engine, it may not feel overpriced.

However, this bike is not for you if you are a practical buyer with a limited budget. The 2024 Breakout 117 gets more expensive if you want a premium color option.

Considering the price point, the 2024 model can face serious competition from its competitors.

Let’s start talking about the look of the 2024 H-D Breakout 117. This bike has a simple design—not very complicated. It is not fancy, and additional parts are attached to it. The 2024 Breakout 117 has a stripped-down style.

Despite its stripped-down style, the H-D Breakout stands out due to its stretched-out build. It is inspired by old drag bikes and choppers and perfectly fits the modern American chopper culture.

The H-D Breakout's stretched-out front end and longer wheelbase of 66.7 inches make it unique. This bike is quite low to the ground, with a seat height of only 25.6 inches while laden. However, considering its length and ride position, it is ideal for taller riders only.

The distance between the rider's seating position and the front wheel is quite big. Thus, the rider can have a clear view of the front tire while riding this bike.

The 2024 H-D Breakout 117 has a small, round-shaped, protruding LED headlamp to keep things light and straightforward. Though small, the LED headlight perfectly suits the bike.

The other most exciting element of the 2024 Breakout 117 is the flat and wide handlebar with a slight bend. The handlebars are mounted on risers, but because they are low-mounted, they still ensure a low arm position.

The 2024 H-D Breakout 117's overall look is enhanced by installing black-finished 26-spoke wheels with machined details. The large 21-inch front and 18-inch rear cast aluminum wheels give this bike a chopper bike geometry.

Due to its chopper design, the 2024 Breakout 117's front wheel has a slim, narrower tire compared to an extremely wide rear tire.

The 2024 H-D Breakout 117 boasts a muscular and bold look due to the following elements:

• Straight and wide handlebars
• Wider gas tank
• Spread-out rear tire
• Mushroom-style extended air-box on the right side

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 features a small and lightweight front fender. Meanwhile, the rear fender gets wider due to the stretched-out rear tire. It is nicely chopped to give this bike an aggressive and stripped-down look. A wide, narrower LED tail light is neatly integrated with the rear fender. The license plate bracket is attached to the left rear turn signal assembly.

The H-D Breakout 117 has full-chrome extended, separate dual pipes on the right side of this bike. The pipes are pretty extended, ensuring a custom bike look.

Despite being a modern Harley, the 2024 H-D Breakout 117 has several chrome-polished parts. These include:

• Exhaust pipes
• Engine
• Heavy air breather
• Front forks
• Battery cover
• Handlebars
• Turn signals
• Side mirrors

The 2024 H-D Breakout 117 is powered by one of the most notable power plants in the H-D lineup, the Milwaukee-Eight 117. The large 117 cu in V-Twin engine is known for its impressive torque and high acceleration.

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 can produce an impressive horsepower of 101 hp at 4,750 rpm and a peak torque of 166.76 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Considering this bike’s aggressive style and nature, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine proves to be a great combination.

Harley-Davidson continues to stick to its origin and chooses an air-cooling system to install on the 2024 Breakout 117. This is to make the bike look simpler and cleaner. However, to improve heat dissipation, supplementary oil lines are installed. These oil lines are placed between the frame’s downtubes.

The Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 is a motorcycle designed ideally for straight roads. It is an aggressive-style bike that comfortably achieves a top speed of 120 mph. However, the top speed can vary depending on the rider’s skills.

The ride quality is smooth. The engine delivers power without any delay. Moreover, the engine braking doesn’t make the ride feel jerky. After a while, you can smoothly come to a stop if you disengage the clutch and close the throttle.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 is an aggressively designed cruiser motorcycle built to look fashionable. It can, to a certain extent, ensure comfort on long-distance highway rides. However, as far as cornering is concerned, it is more swift and maneuverable than a sports bike.

The H-D Breakout 114 has certain limitations preventing the rider from confidently turning corners.

The 2024 Breakout 117's low ground clearance is one of the few limitations this bike has in terms of handling. Otherwise, it offers good control over the bike and handles pretty well compared to most heavyweight cruisers.

The flat handlebars may also be a negative point for most riders regarding riding position. However, they are an advantage when it comes to handling and controlling this bike. 

Despite being a heavyweight motorcycle with a mighty 117 cu in engine, the 2024 Breakout 117 doesn’t feel overwhelming while coming to a stop. The low seat height of 25.6 inches makes it extremely easy for riders to get their feet down while stopping quickly.

The Breakout is bulky and has relatively low ground clearance. Thanks to the quick acceleration, it stays stable while riding on straight roads and shows impressive linear performance. However, turning a corner is quite challenging. It can be a nightmare for riders if they face a tight corner on the Breakout 117.

Getting this bike to lean is quite a struggle. The rider needs to slow down and apply brakes before a turn. Also, the turn should be taken as wide as possible. The bike will lean into the turn but not as sharply as another motorcycle will. It takes a little time to respond.

The 2024 Harley Breakout 117 is decently flickable. If you face a pothole or an obstacle while riding in the middle of the road, you can easily flick this bike. However, you may often scrape the footpegs while leaning on this bike.

Misusing the H-D Breakout 117 while attempting to turn corners can damage the bike and even hurt you. Before you ride the H-D Breakout 117, familiarize yourself with this type of bike first.

As a rule, remember to wear a helmet and other protective gear. Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course can be beneficial for controlling Breakout 117.

Everyone must understand that every rider is unique. This means that what one person likes in a bike, the other person may not like at all. The only way to understand whether a motorcycle suits you is to go for a test ride.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 is made for those who prefer a unique riding style on a Harley. You sit lower to the ground, place your feet forward, and extend your arms while riding this bike. It makes the rider look cool. However, such a riding style is unsuitable for your back, particularly for long rides.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 offers the most unusual rider triangle. This bike is a classic Harley cruiser with an extended wheelbase. The foot controls are also forward-mounted, ensuring substantial legroom for riders.

Considering the spacious legroom, riders have to extend their legs adequately to adjust their legs. Due to its chopper design, this bike's seat height is low and a bit backward.

What makes the Breakout 117 different from the rest of the choppers is its handlebars. Choppers are usually fitted with tall, swept-back handlebars so the rider can sit upright.

However, the Breakout 117 has flat handlebars, which make riders sit aggressively and lean forward, depending on their height. This makes riding a bit uncomfortable.

The seat is designed with aesthetics in mind. It is not built to prioritize comfort. The ride quality is perfectly fine for short-distance rides. However, firmness may come into play on longer rides. It can be uncomfortable for most riders after some time.

Meanwhile, some riders do not prefer extra-soft stock motorcycle seats. A little seat firmness helps avoid back pain and keeps the buttocks happy on longer rides.

Most stock motorcycle seats are not comfortable. They are designed with several elements in mind. You can always replace the stock seat with an aftermarket one according to your preferences. 

The Breakout’s large V-twin engine is punchy and provides a genuine Harley Davidson’s throaty exhaust note. But there is another side to the story, and this is where we have vibrations. Some riders may feel the vibrations in the engine through the bike as being good; others may get the impression that they are slightly burdensome after some time. These vibrations are experienced on this bike’s handlebars, footrests, and seat. 

The Breakout is not the most comfortable Harley motorbike. It is more inclined towards better aesthetics and style. It is an excellent bike for short commutes and leisure riding in and around towns. However, if you intend to do touring, riders must look for a more neutrally-postured bike and a comfortable seat.

Remember, comfort is subjective. Some riders prefer an aggressive riding style and better aerodynamics, and they don’t prioritize comfort.

Things that satisfy one person may fail to satisfy others. Riders must test-ride a motorcycle before purchasing it to ensure it suits them.

The Milwaukee 8 is a modern-day engine produced by Harley-Davidson. It is one of Harley's most noticeable upgrades in recent years. It is more powerful and has a smoother operation.

Some riders prefer it because it enhances ride quality. However, similar to any new engine, a few Harley models produced over a certain duration had some issues at the beginning. Over time, Harley made several corrections to solve these engine problems.

No, the Harley Breakout is not liquid-cooled. It employs an air-cooling system and integrated oil lines to cool the engine. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are mostly equipped with air-cooled engines.

The H-D Breakout is a Softail. Softails are special Harley-Davidson motorcycles. They have hidden rear shocks, making them a softail. However, this is to ensure a cleaner look. Though the rear shocks are hidden, the quality of comfort is not compromised. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 has a standard cruise control feature, which the company started installing in 2023.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 is a uniquely designed drag bike-style cruiser. It has a stretched-out long wheelbase and low seat height for a stable ride. Considering its style, this bike is ideal for city traveling, linear performance, and cruising.

The 2024 Breakout 117 handles well. However, the low ground clearance is a problem. You may be unable to avoid scraping pegs while attempting to turn this bike.

The ride position is also quite unusual compared to most cruisers. The 2024 Breakout 117 has spacious legroom and a low seat height for comfortable rides. However, the rider has to lean forward to grab the bars due to being fitted with flat-style handlebars.

Overall, the 2024 H-D Breakout 117 is a cool-looking bike equipped with a powerful engine. However, if you expect this bike to comfortably travel long distances, you are wrong. It is not very comfortable.