2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 First Look [8 Fast Facts]

January 18, 2023

Introduced in 2012, the Harley-Davidson Breakout was discontinued in the United States market in 2020, though it continued to be sold in other markets. The long and low chopper is back, and the 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 brings plenty of new features.

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout gets the Milwaukee-Eight 117 motor. So, if your run across someone picking a fight at a red light, the Breakout is ready for a brawl—the Heavy Breather intake amps up the intimidation factor. In comparison, the old Breakout had to get by with a Milwaukee-Eight 114.

Engine temperature management for the 117 is handled by air and an oil cooler.

A 240 Michelin 11 puts the power to the ground, and it’s mounted on an 18-inch wheel. Up front, there’s a 130mm 21-incher leading the way. The cast-aluminum wheels are a 26-spoke design, are painted black, and show off machined details. There’s just one disc in the front, so plan your deceleration carefully.

The ergonomics have been changed to make the Breakout accessible to more riders. It’s still a big motorcycle. However, the diagonally mounted handlebar riser is three-quarters of an inch longer, bringing the handlebar and grips closer to the rider. The handlebar is polished stainless steel.

Mounted between the handlebar clamps is Harley-Davidson’s minimalist LCD dash. It’s a look we love, and it tells us only the information we absolutely need without cluttering up the front end.

An all-new fuel tank gives the new Breakout a fresh look. The old tank held 3.5 gallons, which was plenty of around-town rides. The 2023 edition carries five gallons in a prominent container. With the more friendly ergonomics, you might be enticed to take the Breakout for a longer out-of-town ride.

While much of the cruiser world is moving to black, the ’23 Breakout takes up the chrome mantle. You’ll note the shiny stuff on the exhaust shields, mirrors, intake, turn signals, side covers, fuel cap, primary cover, and rear fender braces. Don’t worry; black is tastefully applied to the motor, headlight nacelle, and fork legs.

There are four color choices, with prices starting at $20,999. The 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 can be had in Vivid Black, Black Denim, Baja Orange, and Atlas Silver Metallic.

Location photography by Aaron Brimhall and Ben Christensen

2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 Specs

ENGINE

Type: Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin
Displacement: 117ci (1923cc)
Bore x stroke: 4.075” x 4.5”
Maximum power: 101 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
Maximum torque: 123 ft-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Valvetrain: Single-cam; 4 vpc
Exhaust: 2-into-2; catalyst in muffler
Cooling: Air and oil
Transmission: 6-speed
Primary drive: Chain
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS

Frame: Mild-steel tubular frame w/ rectangular-section backbone
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa Dual Bending Valve 49mm fork; 5 inches
Rear suspension: Spring-preload adjustable shock; 3.4 inches
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Front wheel: 21 x 3.5
Rear wheel: 18 x 8
Tires: Harley-Davidson Michelin Scorcher 11
Front tire: 130/60 x 21
Rear tire: 240/40 x 18
Front brake: 300mm floating disc w/ fixed 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: 282mm disc w/ floating 2-piston caliper
ABS: Standard