Introduction to the Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout
The Custom Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout is one of the boldest and most aggressive cruisers ever produced. Designed with a stretched-out, dragster-inspired look, it turns heads on the boulevard and delivers muscle on the asphalt.
Origins and Evolution
First introduced in 2013, the Breakout reimagined Harley’s classic long-rake cruiser design with a modern edge. With each update—especially the post-2018 models—it received the latest Milwaukee-Eight engines, improved handling, and sleeker lines.
Stock Features and Appeal
- Milwaukee-Eight 114 or 117 engine
- 240mm wide rear tire
- 34° rake and long wheelbase
- Low-slung solo seat
- Drag bar handlebars
This combination makes it a prime base for wild custom creations.
Why the Breakout is a Customization Favorite
Riders and builders gravitate toward the Breakout for its sheer presence and power.
Long and Low Drag-Inspired Stance
Its raked front end and slammed rear already look custom. That hot-rod vibe can be enhanced with subtle mods or total transformation.
Factory Muscle with Room to Grow
The Milwaukee-Eight engine is highly tunable, offering serious performance upgrades from bolt-ons to full internals.
Enthusiast and Aftermarket Support
There’s a massive ecosystem of parts, accessories, and tuning solutions tailored to the Breakout—making it one of the most customizable Softails on the market.
Setting Your Custom Breakout Vision
Before you dive into wrenches and wiring, clarify your vision.
Choosing a Theme or Style
Some popular custom styles include:
- Pro Street Drag Bike
- Blacked-Out Club Style
- Chrome Showstopper
- Minimalist Bobber
Function vs. Form
Are you building for speed, comfort, looks—or all three? Prioritize your needs to avoid wasted time and money.
Planning Budget and Timeline
Custom builds can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $30,000, so set realistic milestones. Decide which mods to do now vs. later.
Top Performance Mods for the Softail Breakout
Give your Breakout real bite with these top power upgrades.
Upgrading the Milwaukee-Eight Engine
- Stage I (Air cleaner, tuner, exhaust)
- Stage II (Performance camshafts)
- Stage III/IV kits for max horsepower gains
- Screamin’ Eagle and S&S are trusted upgrade kits
High-Flow Air Cleaners and Tuners
- Boost airflow with conical or velocity-stack style intakes
- Use Dynojet Power Vision, FP4, or ThunderMax for smart tuning
Exhaust Systems for Sound and Power
Popular options:
- Vance & Hines Big Radius 2-into-2
- Bassani Pro Street Turnouts
- Freedom Performance Sharp Curve Radius
Handling and Suspension Enhancements
While the Breakout shines in a straight line, a few upgrades can dramatically improve cornering and ride comfort.
Front Fork Kits
- Inverted forks offer increased rigidity and better handling.
- Lowering kits reduce rake for a meaner stance and improved control.
- Brands like Progressive Suspension and Öhlins provide adjustable fork kits tailored to Harley models.
Adjustable Rear Suspension
Swap the factory shocks for:
- Air ride suspension systems that allow on-the-fly ride height adjustment.
- Heavy-duty coil-over shocks with compression and rebound control.
Performance Tires and Brakes
- Choose sticky rubber from Metzeler or Avon for superior grip.
- Upgrade to dual-disc front brakes or Brembo calipers for increased stopping power.
Styling Upgrades and Body Modifications
The visual transformation of your Breakout lies in strategic changes to its bodywork.
Custom Fenders and Body Panels
- Shorty rear fenders create a bobber or drag bike appearance.
- Wide front fenders emphasize the bike’s aggressive rake.
- Steel or fiberglass panels can be shaped to add bulk or flair.
Tank Extensions and Chin Spoilers
- Stretched gas tanks offer a sleeker silhouette.
- Add chin spoilers or lower fairings to fill out the front for a race-inspired look.
Headlight Fairings and Side Panels
- Small flyscreens or bullet fairings give it a club-style edge.
- Side panel covers can be color-matched or airbrushed for continuity.
Wheels and Tire Customization
One of the boldest statements your Breakout can make is with its wheels.
Wide Rear Tire Setups
The stock 240mm rear tire already turns heads, but you can go:
- 260mm to 300mm wide with swingarm modifications.
- Combine with fat front tire kits for true muscle bike geometry.
Spoked vs. Cast Wheels
- Spoked wheels offer a vintage or classic feel.
- Cast or billet wheels are more modern and customizable.
Chrome, Blackout, and Contrast Cut Options
- Full chrome wheels for show bikes.
- Blacked-out wheels for stealth builds.
- Contrast-cut finishes offer the best of both worlds—shine and depth.
Custom Paintwork and Finishing Touches
Paint is where your vision truly comes alive.
Paint Schemes and Graphics
- Glossy metallics, candy paints, and pearlescents catch light and attention.
- Popular themes include flames, skulls, tribal graphics, and patriotic art.
Powder Coating and Metal Flake Finishes
- Use powder coat for durability on wheels, frames, and small accents.
- Metal flake finishes add sparkle under the sun and spotlight.
Pinstriping and Logo Embellishments
- Hand-done pinstriping offers a vintage appeal.
- Add custom tank badges, laser-cut logos, or embossed leather seat tags for detail.
Handlebar, Control, and Seating Changes
Adjusting rider position transforms how your Breakout feels.
Drag Bars, Ape Hangers, and Club Bars
- Drag bars for aggressive street stance.
- Ape hangers for that old-school cruiser look.
- Club-style bars balance performance with comfort.
Custom Levers, Mirrors, and Grips
- CNC billet levers in black or chrome.
- Bar-end or foldable mirrors for a clean line.
- Match with gel grips, leather wraps, or heated options.
Low-Profile or Bobber-Style Seats
- Solo seats for drag builds.
- Bobber-style springer seats for a stripped-down vibe.
- Two-up touring seats for longer hauls.
Lighting and Electronics Customization
Modern touches make your Breakout stand out—day or night.
LED Upgrades and Accent Lighting
- LED headlight conversion kits improve brightness and styling.
- Add underbody glow kits, wheel LEDs, or turn signal mirrors for visibility and flair.
Digital Gauges and Bluetooth Controls
- Replace the stock dash with MotoGadget Motoscope or Dakota Digital displays.
- Add Bluetooth modules for music, navigation, and headset integration.
Best Aftermarket Brands for the Softail Breakout
Quality builds rely on quality components. Here are go-to brands:
Performance Parts
- Screamin’ Eagle, S&S Cycle, Feuling Parts
- Dynojet, ThunderMax, Power Vision
Styling Components
- Kuryakyn, Performance Machine, Arlen Ness
- Dirty Air for air suspension
Electrical & Lighting Accessories
- Custom Dynamics, Radiantz, Koso, Motogadget
Real-Life Custom Harley Breakout Builds
Get inspired by what’s already rolling on the streets and showrooms.
Euro-Style Lowrider Breakouts
- Short rear fender
- Clip-on bars
- Matte or brushed steel finishes
All-Black Muscle Breakouts
- Black powder-coated frame and engine covers
- Smoked lenses and black LED lights
- Flat black or satin finishes with subtle graphics
Chrome Show Bike Breakouts
- Full chrome wheels, forks, swingarm
- Airbrushed flames or ghost skulls
- Air ride suspension for show-level stance
Safety and Legal Compliance Tips
Stay legal while staying loud.
License Plate and Turn Signal Requirements
- Use side-mount license plates with LED lighting.
- Ensure turn signal spacing meets your local laws.
Street-Legal Exhaust Rules
- Some states require baffles or EPA-compliant mufflers.
- Always check decibel limits before installing a loud system.
Cost Breakdown for Customizing a Breakout
Entry-Level Builds Under $5K
- Exhaust + air intake + tuner
- Seat swap
- Basic LED lighting
Mid-Level Projects ($5K–$10K)
- Wheels and tires
- Paint job
- Suspension upgrades
- Minor fabrication
Premium Show Builds ($15K+)
- Full engine build
- Chrome or air ride
- Custom bodywork
- Custom paint and graphics
- Audio, lighting, and electronics
Maintaining a Custom Softail Breakout
A beautiful bike needs proper care.
Daily Maintenance for Performance Builds
- Regular oil changes with synthetic blends
- Check tire pressure and brake wear
- Inspect custom bolts, fasteners, and wiring
Keeping Paint and Chrome Clean
- Use ceramic coatings or wax sealants
- Microfiber cloths for detailing
- Avoid pressure washers on electronics or painted parts
Events and Communities for Breakout Enthusiasts
Local Bike Nights and Custom Shows
- Attend events like Sturgis, Daytona Bike Week, or Born-Free.
- Enter custom competitions or just show off your work.
Online Groups and Builder Forums
- Facebook: Harley Breakout Custom Builds
- Instagram: #SoftailBreakout
- Forums: HDForums, V-Twin Forum
FAQs About Custom Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout
1. What makes the Breakout different from other Softails?
The Breakout is built for bold styling and straight-line performance, with a wider rear tire and more aggressive geometry.
2. Is the Breakout good for long rides?
Yes, but you may want to upgrade the seat, add risers, or modify suspension for more comfort on longer trips.
3. How wide can the rear tire go?
Stock is 240mm, but you can go up to 300mm with aftermarket swingarms and fender mods.
4. Can I add saddlebags or windshields?
Yes, but they require special mounting kits to fit the Breakout’s unique lines.
5. Will customization affect resale?
Tasteful upgrades often increase resale value, especially if well-maintained. Overly niche mods might reduce your buyer pool.
6. What are must-have mods for first-timers?
Start with:
- Performance exhaust
- Tuned intake and ECU
- Custom seat
- LED lighting
- Comfortable bars
Conclusion: Build the Breakout of Your Dreams
The Custom Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a canvas for self-expression, raw power, and elite craftsmanship. Whether you’re dreaming of a murdered-out muscle cruiser or a chrome-drenched showstopper, the Breakout offers the perfect foundation.
With the right parts, a clear vision, and a little creativity, you can turn your Breakout into a rolling masterpiece that dominates both the streets and the spotlight.
