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Looks are subjective at best, and being a chrome *****, the '14 CVO gets my vote. Maybe 'cause that's what I have. Think the new ones should either be blacked out or chromed out, don't like the mix. Don't like drag bars, glad to see they got rid of the little gay chin spoiler and headlight whatever it was. Gas tank looks ok but needs the flush mount filler, probably black with the current scheme. The pre '18 turbine wheels are easy to clean with bug and tar remover and a pressure washer or car wash (just don't hit the bearings).
The 3" foot peg extenders are on back order, as are other new-for'18 parts I ordered, but I'm looking forward to their eventual arrival to make this '18 BO more comfortable. (I'm on the taller side.) Was glad to see they offered them for this bike out the gate.
While I'm glad I waited for 2018, the included turbine wheels on the 2017 almost got me to bite. Up to the day the 2018 arrived at the dealer, I had a wait-and-see attitude. I was prepared to buy a 2017 if I didn't like it. My first long ride yesterday, and "oops!, forgot gas" before heading home, reminded me of the smaller tank I have to remember to consider.
The well-documented suspension mods for the earlier model seem easy, effective, and not too expensive. I'd have done them right away had I got the 2017, but I do thank HD for finally making that unnecessary.
Whether by preference or bank account limitations, I tend to skip product generations and get the most value from what I buy. Be it smartphones or motorcycles, I like getting the latest when it's time to buy, but then I want that to last as long as possible. The M8 is great, but just a step up from the 103, not a giant leap. (A giant leap from my old 88B though!) if I had a 103 Breakout I wouldn't go farther than admiring the new M8 bike and be happy that HD is pushing ahead in general. I hope HD keeps pushing forward and doing their best to tempt us with new products. But in reality it will be a long time before I consider a new bike again, if ever.
Mods and a better pic in the works. So happy to be back on an HD!
The 2017 tank will not fit. The deluxe, heritage, fatboy, slim, and low rider all have a 5 gallon tank. There are 4 part numbers for frames. Breakout, Fatboy, Fat Bob, (then the remaining 5 share the same frame). The Fat Bob has a matte frame. The Breakout is a wide tire FX, the Fatboy is a widetire FL, the rest are just everything in between. I assume the frame differences are accommodations to the neck and swing arm only; but, of course I could be wrong. The backbone looks the same on all models. You should be able to swap out to a 5 gallon tank, then either shave the top of the tank or install a tank dash.
I like the new style breakout and I can forgive the look differences of the frame if that means it has improved capability. I find myself really digging the fatboy too. Honestly thought, I wish I was in a financial position to buy a new bike because I'd be hot on the trail of a new Low Rider S or Pro street Breakout. Especially if they're willing to move them for a good price to make room for the newer models.
I like the new style breakout and I can forgive the look differences of the frame if that means it has improved capability. I find myself really digging the fatboy too. Honestly thought, I wish I was in a financial position to buy a new bike because I'd be hot on the trail of a new Low Rider S or Pro street Breakout. Especially if they're willing to move them for a good price to make room for the newer models.
This is the last roll of the dice for me - giving another dealer a chance to give us better trade in price so we could order a 2018 Breakout 114
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
