2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FXBR Breakout)

The 2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FXBR Breakout) is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson. As part of the completely overhauled Softail lineup introduced for the 2018 model year, the Breakout represents a modern interpretation of a long, low, drag-strip inspired motorcycle. It combines the muscular aesthetics of a pro-street drag bike with the advanced engineering of the then-new Softail platform, designed to appeal to riders seeking bold styling and strong straight-line performance.

A New Softail Platform

The 2018 model year marked a significant turning point for Harley-Davidson, as the company merged its Dyna and Softail lines into a single, unified platform. This move resulted in a completely new frame and suspension system that underpinned all Softail models, including the Breakout.

The most substantial difference from the previous generation Breakout (2013-2017) was the chassis. The older design used a traditional Softail frame with dual shock absorbers hidden horizontally beneath the transmission to mimic the look of a vintage hardtail. The new 2018 frame was a stiffer, lighter carbon steel design that featured a single, easily adjustable monoshock absorber tucked discreetly under the seat. This redesign resulted in a significant weight reduction and a major improvement in chassis rigidity, leading to enhanced handling dynamics and ride quality over the predecessor.

Powering the new generation was the Milwaukee-Eight engine, which replaced the outgoing Twin Cam 103B. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1746cc) featured four valves per cylinder and dual internal counter-balancers, delivering more power and torque while running smoother and cooler than the engine it replaced. This powertrain upgrade provided quicker acceleration and a more refined riding experience.

Design and Features of the 2018–2020 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FXBR Breakout)

The visual identity of the FXBR Breakout is defined by its long and lean profile. Key styling elements include a raked-out front end, a wide 240mm rear tire, and minimalist instrumentation. The bike features a distinctive “Gasser II” style cast aluminum wheel, with a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear, emphasizing its drag-bike heritage.

The rider ergonomics place the rider in a low, stretched-out position with forward foot controls and a drag-style handlebar. A small, digital instrument screen integrated into the handlebar riser clamp provides essential information like speed, fuel level, and gear position, contributing to the bike’s clean and uncluttered look. The 3.5-gallon fuel tank is smooth and streamlined, flowing seamlessly into the low-slung solo seat.

The suspension setup consists of a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) front fork and the concealed rear monoshock with remote hydraulic preload adjustment. While engineered for better performance than the previous generation, the suspension is tuned to balance style with function. Braking is handled by a single disc on both the front and rear wheels, with ABS as a standard feature in most markets.

Throughout its 2018 to 2020 production run, the core mechanical and design specifications of the FXBR Breakout 107 remained consistent. The primary updates each year were centered on new paint schemes and graphic options, allowing the model to stay fresh without altering its fundamental character.

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Specifications