I don't want this to turn into another 2018 model bashing thread. I want to discuss the features and functions of the Breakout.

I have managed to read the Owner's Manual and confusing though it is since it encompasses all the new Softails, I've been trying to ascertain what is or can be displayed in the new digital gauges.

The implication in the manual is that you can only have the gear position indicator displayed in conjunction with the tachometer (engine rpm). Since the GPI has its own section of the display, I fail to understand why it cannot always be displayed. I really want speed, GPI and then to be able to flip between time and trip(s). The way the display is laid out, that looks like how it would work for the Breakout, but the Owner's Manual rather confuses the issue by lumping all the softails together. Can anyone confirm exactly what the display options are on the new 2018 Breakout?

The manual also states that the GPI will show blank when the clutch is disengaged (i.e. lever pulled in). This rather implies that the gear position is simply being calculated from speed and rpm, rather than a signal from an actual gear position sensor. This is disappointing when it's a factory function and not aftermarket accessory. I've used both types on other bikes and when a gear position sensor is used, the display is faster and yes, it always knows what gear is selected, even when the clutch is pulled in. I'll have to study the parts list and see if I can find a gear position sensor, but I suspect there isn't one. As I said, I think this is disappointing on a new model using a newly designed engine. Didn't they think of this during the design process.

Perhaps of most concern is the apparent lack of a Cruise Control indicator lamp/icon. The CC accessory implies it would be compatible with the 2018 Softails and most other models have the indicator icon in the display, ready to be activated once the CC is installed. However, the Breakout appears to have no such icon in the display, which rather implies the CC accessory will not work. If there's no icon built-in, that may well mean the ECU does not have the function able to be activated. In which case, no Cruise Control on the new Breakout.

In truth I would be able to install an aftermarket electronic CC as I've done on other bikes, but one really attractive feature of the H-Ds (I thought) was the ability to have a factory CC option. Am I wrong? Can anyone confirm whether there is actually a CC icon in the display and will H-D be offering a CC accessory kit for the Breakout?

 

Looking at my Beakout 114 in the garage, I have some of your answers:

Since I'm still getting through my break-in, I've only been riding with RPM showing. So I see the GPI. I've noticed it to be a bit sluggish, not immediately showing the gear when I shift. If that tells you something about what's going on behind the screen, you know more about bikes than me. I need to test whether or not the GPI works in other modes the next time I ride. Sorry.

The two constants on the display are MPH and Fuel level. I can cycle through: RPM, total miles, trip A miles, trip B miles, range miles, and time.

The lighted indicators below don't exactly match the owners manual. All the ones in the book are there, but there are two additional indicators added to the left of the check engine indicator. They look to be cruise control and low tire pressure warning. I assume (would hope) they work if you add the appropriate bits.

Hope this helps. I'll check the GPI next ride.

 

On mine (2017) it only registers after the clutch is fully released. Whatever gear you're in, pull the clutch the GPI extinguishes. That may explain your perceived sluggishness perhaps?

 

That sounds similar to the display on the like 18 breakouts. It's all the same computer system, so it might have the same limitations.

 

Just got back from an after-work ride through the hills. Love this bike!

The GPI is always active, no matter what display mode it's in.

Yes, you're correct that my perception of sluggishness was my lack of awareness that squeezing the clutch would make it go away, which makes perfect sense now. Plus, after you let out the clutch, it takes a second before the gear is shown.

 

Now let's see a CVO Breakout with the M8 117 engine.

 

Great, constant GPI sounds good. So you could have rpm, or trip or time and always have the GPI. That makes sense and is exactly what I want.

That slight sluggishness convinces me even more that the gear position is being calculated from speed and rpm. That means it cannot be instant and also has no idea what's going on when the clutch is disengaged as rpm and speed are no longer related. An actual gear position sensor however specifically sends a signal as each gear (or neutral) is selected, so not only is it instant, but it is never confused by the clutch.

Certainly not a deal breaker, but it is surprising and disappointing that with their new engine design H-D didn't think to include a real gear position sensor.

Aha. This is a relief. I had noticed that the Owner's Manual was not entirely correct as even in photographs another warning light can be seen to be part of the lower display. But it did look like a tyre pressure warning icon. So it's no real surprise to hear that there could be others. But it's GREAT news if that includes Cruise Control as that is a big deal for me.

Contrary to many others' dismissal of CC as unimportant, I find it invaluable. Not only is it useful for relaxing on long rides, but in this age of obsession over speed limits here in the UK, I spend more time having to watch the speedo than actually looking at the road in front of me. Well, slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean. When CC is available I use it a lot to simply ensure I don't drift above the current limit and can then concentrate better on actually riding.

It's not ideal as I would prefer to be able to make my own decisions about appropriate speed since I am always able to do a better job than some idiot at a desk, but since I have to abide by the law of the land (if I want to keep my license and/or stay out of jail) I find CC an invaluable aid. So it's extremely gratifying to hear that it does still seem to be an option for the new Breakout.

Having said that, is it too much to expect that a company like H-D could actually produce accurate Owner's Manuals. In fact, a different manual for each of the really quite different actual models in the new larger Softail range would not be too much to ask. Oh and make them a readily downloadable pdf would also be useful. I like to have such a copy on my mobile phone so it's always with me in case I need to refer to it for things like setting the clock that I always forget (may be too many bikes ), but the way H-D currently publish them that's virtually impossible.

Another quick question about this. When you turn the bike on, does it remember the last display you had selected, or always revert to a preset default?

So if you cycle through to display the Time and then turn the bike off, the next time you ride, will it remember to display the Time? Likewise if you switch off with any other display mode selected?

 

It remembers the last setting and comes up the same as when it was turned off.

 

It gets better and better

Another few weeks until the bikes are in the dealers over here. Looking forward to having a good look.

 

And go for a ride! Finally, Softails that handle!