2018–2022 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FXBRS Breakout 114)

Design and Styling

The defining characteristic of the FXBRS Breakout 114 is its pro-street, drag-racer stance. The motorcycle features a long wheelbase and a raked-out front end, which contributes to its stretched-out profile. A key visual element is the massive 240mm Michelin Scorcher rear tire, one of the widest offered on a production Harley-Davidson, paired with a slim 130mm front tire. This combination emphasizes the motorcycle’s powerful rear end.

Styling is intentionally minimalist. The Breakout 114 features a chopped rear fender that sits close to the tire, a 3.5-gallon “smooth-top” fuel tank, and a low-profile solo seat that accentuates its lean design. Instrumentation was modernized with a small digital screen neatly integrated into the handlebar riser clamp, providing a clean, uncluttered view from the rider’s perspective. The model came equipped with distinctive Gasser II cast aluminum wheels, finished in gloss black. Illumination is provided by a Daymaker Signature LED headlamp, offering a modern touch and superior visibility.

Powertrain: The Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

At the heart of the 2018–2022 Breakout is the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. This V-twin powertrain has a displacement of 114 cubic inches (1868 cc) and features a four-valve-per-cylinder head design. A significant update from the previous Twin Cam engine, the Milwaukee-Eight is dual-counter-balanced, which drastically reduces primary vibration at idle and provides a smoother ride at highway speeds. This refinement allows the engine to be rigid-mounted in the frame, increasing chassis stiffness and improving handling response.

The engine is air- and oil-cooled and delivers a substantial amount of torque at low RPMs, a hallmark of Harley-Davidson performance. This provides strong acceleration from a standstill and ample passing power without the need for frequent downshifting. The powertrain is completed by a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and a belt final drive system.

Chassis and Handling of the 2018–2022 Harley-Davidson Softail Milwaukee-Eight 114

The 2018 model year introduced a completely redesigned Softail frame that was significantly stiffer and lighter than the one it replaced. The new frame uses a hidden, under-seat monoshock rear suspension, which preserves the clean “hardtail” lines of classic Softails while offering modern suspension performance. This design allowed for increased cornering clearance and a more dynamic riding experience compared to previous generations.

The rear monoshock features a tool-less hydraulic preload adjustment knob, allowing riders to easily tune the suspension for passenger weight or luggage. The front suspension is comprised of a Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) fork, technology derived from racing applications that provides linear damping characteristics for a more controlled and comfortable ride. Braking is handled by a single disc on both the front and rear wheels, with ABS as a standard feature. While the long wheelbase and wide rear tire make the Breakout 114 exceptionally stable in a straight line, they also define its cornering characteristics, requiring deliberate input from the rider in tight turns.

Evolution from the Previous Generation

The 2018–2022 FXBRS Breakout 114 was a radical departure from its pre-2018 Twin Cam-powered predecessor. The differences were comprehensive, touching every major aspect of the motorcycle: