Lucky Test Rider Puts a 2024 H-D Breakout 117 Through Its Paces

By Richard Sachek - June 4, 2024

YouTuber IronBornRider is floored by the massive torque of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117

Recently, a YouTuber going by the name IronBornRider was able to score an extended test spin on a new 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117. The e-ticket ride was courtesy of Harley’s Demo Truck making an appearance at Harley-Davidson of Frederick, Maryland. Sadly, that particular dealership has since shut its doors permanently.

Before we get into IronBornRider’s impressions about the performance-oriented chopper, note that the 2024 Breakout is carrying over mostly unchanged from the 2023 model Breakout. We say “mostly” because a few new paint colors are available, including the “Blue Burst” hue shown in the video. Meanwhile, other 2023 colors have disappeared.

Chrome is making a comeback

Many other Harley-Davidson products have moved away from chrome as styling preferences change, but the Breakout actually embraces it. According to Brad Richards, a Director of Design & Creative at Harley-Davidson, “We had some pretty strong feedback from international markets where the Breakout is really popular, and they were asking us to switch it up a bit and go back into chrome. We’re seeing chrome as making a comeback.”

Also prominently featured in a set of sharp 26-spoke two-tone wheels, dubbed the “Roulette” wheel by some enthusiasts. A 21-inch tall front wheel is fitted in front, while the back wheel is an 18-incher that’s wrapped in massively wide 240-mm rubber.

A 117 c.i. v-twin is at the heart of the Breakout

For those that aren’t super familiar with modern offerings from the Motor Company, the heart of the 2024 Breakout is a 117 cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin powerplant. The factory horsepower rating is 101-hp with 123 ft-lb of torque. Judging by a recent Cycle World dyno test, Harley’s specifications appear pretty close to real-world output, which is impressive.

IronBornRider mentions that he can really tell the difference between the 117 versus the 114 cubic inch engines. In particular, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 displays better throttle response and way more low-end torque on tap than the 114. That’s handy for everyday riding when you’re not constantly winding a bike out to redline. “If you have the option to go for a 117 instead of a 114, absolutely take the 117 every time,” says our reviewer.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout is a road trip natural

IronBornRider also comments that the 2024 Breakout is particularly well suited to longer road trips. It come with cruise control as standard equipment, as well as a generous five gallon gas tank. The latter can take this bike well over 200 miles between fill-ups, based on Harley-Davidson’s estimated fuel economy of 47 mpg. In the safety department, there’s also standard ABS brakes as well as traction control included.

The riding position is aggressive

If IronBornRider had any critique of the 2024 FXBR Breakout, it’s the aggressive riding position. Forward controls are paired with a slightly curved flat handlebar, almost like a drag bar. As such, shorter riders should prepare to crouch forward somewhat while piloting this rocket.

IronBornRider, who is 5′ 8″ tall, jokes about folding into a “taco position” while piloting the Breakout and that if he actually bought the bike, he would consider getting a set of different handlebars as an early modification. If you’re interested in taking home a 2024 Breakout of your own, prices start at $22,499.