Review: Harley Davidson Breakout

Meraj Shah takes the HD Breakout for a spin to Goa and Bhutan and comes back impressed with its looks, drive and handling

- Meraj Shah

In demeanour and temperament, the HD Breakout shares more with the Fat Bob than its siblings the Fat Boy and Heritage Classic in Harley Davidson’s Softail line-up. But compared to the Bob’s unfettered bruiser stance, the Breakout’s menace and street cred is just that bit more evolved, more nuanced. With no prejudice towards the Fat Boy I can’t imagine John Travolta riding anything else in Wild Hogs, or, for that matter Schwarzenegger in Terminator the Breakout is exactly what an urban-slick and suave alpha-male would ride.

Not saying that the drag-racer inspired Softail is low on intimidation: on the contrary, the Breakout makes a measured threat even at standstill that is accentuated by the low baritone from the pipes when the 103B V-twin is fired up. This motorcycle is not about in-your-face rage but rather an understated passive aggression that isn’t rough around the edges.