Better than before and ready to rip, FXBR returns from its European sojourn.
Flashy Lineup
'Bright new look' and 'obscene performance' is really everything anyone needs to know about the 2023 Breakout. Introduced in 2013 and updated in 2018, Harley-Davidson dropped the FXBR from the American lineup in 2020—making it an export-only model. Now back in town, the 2023 Breakout is ready to rip with its flashy restyle and big motor.
Modern Execution
Chrome is front and center on the Breakout. Brad Richards, VP of Design & Creative Director of Motorcycles at Harley-Davidson, elaborated. “The Breakout was originally conceived as the modern chopper. Long, low, and wide. The previous version to this, launched in 2018, had a bit darker finish execution, but we put a ton of chrome on this motorcycle.”
Popular Feedback
Replaced by more contemporary coatings, chrome has slipped from mainstream style preferences, but Richards believes it is experiencing a revival. He explained, “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.”
Dynamic Turbine
'Old is new again' is a central motif with the 2023 Breakout. Listening to their customers, Harley-Davidson brought back the eye-catching wheels that first debuted on the 2013 FXSBSE CVO. Richards continued, “The Breakout has a really iconic turbine wheel. There was a lot of feedback on bringing back a multi-spoke wheel.” The result is a dynamic 26-spoke 'Roulette' design in black and chrome.
Niche Approach
The Breakout occupies a unique niche in Harley-Davidson's design history. It was first conceived as an upscale CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) bike, then issued as a regular production model—a complete reversal to the Motor Company's usual approach. The commonality of all Breakouts was that the model was always intended to “project a tough attitude,” as Styling Manager, Kirk Rasmussen stated in 2013.
Tough Bones
'Muscle in motion' was and still is the guiding philosophy behind the Breakout. Rasmussen elaborated on its inception. “We began by stripping the bike down to the bones and building up from there. Stylist Mark Daniels penned a tough-looking hot rod concept and we were off to the races.” True to form, the 2023 FXBR carries all of that raw attitude forward.
Ego Tank
No punches were held in promoting the Breakout's power. Harley-Davidson confidently stated that the 117 Milwaukee-Eight engine is at the pinnacle of torque and displacement for a factory-installed, regular-production, powertrain. For the rider, this translates as “instant bragging rights on the street.” Feeding both motor and ego, the 2023 Breakout returns to the larger, more preferred, five-gallon fuel tank.
Style Streets
Luke Mansfield, VP of H-D Motorcycle Management, summed up the Breakout as the “quintessential Harley-Davidson silhouette.” Low-slung, long, and raked out, the 2023 FXBR is a modern cruiser with contemporary safety features that do not compromise style. In fact, there is, even more, to look at now—no wonder the Breakout is back on the streets!
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