2013–2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 103B (FXSB Breakout)

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The 2013–2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 103B (FXSB Breakout)** is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle that was introduced as a new model for the 2013 model year. Positioned within Harley-Davidson’s Softail family, the Breakout was designed to emulate the long, low-slung stance of classic pro-street drag bikes. It distinguished itself with a minimalist aesthetic, a massive rear tire, and a raked-out front end, creating a visually aggressive profile that appealed to riders seeking a bold, custom look directly from the showroom floor. The model remained in production with the Twin Cam 103B engine until the complete overhaul of the Softail platform for the 2018 model year.

Design and Development

The production FXSB Breakout was directly inspired by the limited-edition 2013 Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Breakout. Harley-Davidson created the standard model to offer the CVO’s popular drag-bike styling to a wider audience. The design philosophy centered on creating a visually dominant motorcycle with a powerful street presence.

Key styling elements that define the Breakout include its wide, 240mm rear tire, which was one of the widest offered on a production Harley-Davidson at the time. This is contrasted by a tall, narrow 21-inch front wheel. The motorcycle features a 35-degree fork rake, further extending its profile. Other signature components are the chopped front and rear fenders, a low-profile fuel tank console, and a wide, drag-style handlebar that places the rider in a forward, assertive riding position. The wheels, known as “Gasser” style, are 10-spoke cast aluminum finished in gloss black with machined highlights, enhancing the custom look.

The Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 103B Engine

At the heart of the 2013–2017 Breakout is the air-cooled Twin Cam 103B engine. Displacing 103 cubic inches (1690cc), this V-Twin powerplant was a significant part of Harley-Davidson’s lineup during this era. The “B” designation in “103B” is critical; it signifies that the engine is counter-balanced.

Unlike the rubber-mounted engines found in Harley’s Dyna and Touring families, the engines in Softail models are rigid-mounted directly to the frame. To mitigate the intense vibrations from the large V-Twin, the 103B engine incorporates dual internal counter-balancers. This system provides a smoother ride at idle and across the rev range, making for a more comfortable experience without sacrificing the characteristic Harley-Davidson feel. The engine is paired with a 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission, delivering power to the rear wheel via a belt drive. It is tuned for strong low-end torque, providing the responsive acceleration expected from a muscle cruiser.

Chassis and Distinguishing Features

The Breakout is built on the classic Harley-Davidson Softail frame, which is designed to mimic the clean, rigid lines of a vintage “hardtail” frame. The innovation of the Softail chassis lies in its hidden rear suspension; the dual shock absorbers are mounted horizontally beneath the transmission, allowing for a modern, comfortable ride while preserving the classic aesthetic.

As a new model in 2013, the Breakout didn’t have a direct predecessor. Instead, its introduction offered a distinct choice within the existing Softail family. Compared to a model like the Softail Fat Boy, the Breakout was longer, lower, and visually more aggressive. While the Fat Boy featured solid disc wheels and a more traditional, bulky stance, the Breakout leaned into a sleek, stretched-out drag-racer profile with its massive rear tire and raked front end. It offered a different riding experience, with straight-line stability being a primary characteristic, while navigating tight turns required more deliberate input from the rider due to its long wheelbase and wide rear tire.

Specifications