Harley-Davidson Breakout looks to its past for inspiration

Harley-Davidson again draws from its storied history for crafting a new motorcycle, with the 2013 Breakout making its debut during Daytona Bike Week.

The production Breakout carries on from the recent Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Breakout, creating a premium softail chopper. Rather stripped down in appearance, the Breakout is all powertrain and wheels, with a black-and-chrome twin-cam 1690cc engine being the focal point. The pipes are also black and chrome, giving the bike a unique look accented by the dramatic wide-spaced spokes on the model-specific Gasser wheels. Chopped fenders, front and rear, add to the muscular appearance.

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The wide drag-style handlebars are topped by the speedometer. The forks are almost two inches wider than those on previous FX Softail models to make room for the meaty front tire. A nice detail, the five-gallon tank is trimmed with a leather strip. Seat height is a low 24.7 inches, and the passenger perch can be removed without tools.

The Breakout is available with ABS, with pricing starting at $17,899.

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