2020 Harley-Davidson Breakout 114 Review | My first ever ride on a Harley!
Vložit
- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- 2020 Harley-Davidson Breakout 114 Review | My first ever ride on a Harley! Well it's been a long time coming but it's finally happened, I got to ride my first ever Harley Davidson, here's how I got on....
My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
I buy my riding kit from Sportsbike shop www.sportsbike...
I recommend protecting your bike with a Monimoto tracker monimoto.co.uk...
and a Litelok Motorcycle lock - 10% off when you use this link www.litelok.co...
Get a £50 discount on the Guardsman Garage barrier (use “TMF50” for £50 discount!) image4security...
Exclusive TMF Merch on my website themissendenfl... and of course Teespring (click the red spring top right).
Links to my channel sponsors:-
Bennetts Insurance www.bennetts.c...
Toro Adventure www.toroadvent...
Canary Motorcycle Tours www.canarymoto...
Speedo Angels www.speedo-ang...
Custom Fit Guards www.customfitg...
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
You can now follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
and on Instagram @missendenflyer
Don't forget your TMF Discounts!:-
Litelok Motorcycle lock - 10% off when you use this link www.litelok.co...
Get a £50 discount on the Guardsman Garage barrier (use “TMF50” for £50 discount!) image4security...
Use the discount code "TMF" at www.visorcat.com for 10% off (+free delivery in the UK).
Use "FLYER10" for your discounts on ear protection with Custom Fit Guards at www.customfitg...
Mention The Missenden Flyer when buying from panigaleheatsh... or ducatispacers.... for discounts on Panigale heat shields or Ducati/Triumph throttle spacer kits. Use the code MISSENDEN to get the $10 discount on the heat shield, or heat shield/spacer kit bundle and MISSENDENSK for 10% off the spacer kit.
Use the code "missenden" to get 20% off orders at Speedo Angels www.speedo-ang...
More discounts coming soon!
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 4 helmet camera amzn.to/2lQVI1a
GoPro HD Hero 7 Black camera amzn.to/2zaEykh
GoPro HD Hero 8 Black camera amzn.to/39nKeIc
GoPro Session (4) "B" Camera amzn.to/2lTT0oz
DJI Mavic Air drone (fly more combo) amzn.to/2JX3l23
Nikon D7100 DSLR for static and video shots with various lenses amzn.to/2lU1gEX
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
BOYA BY-M1 3.5 mm Lavalier Microphone for in-garage pieces amzn.to/2pVAf4X
Movo LV20 Dual Lavalier Clip-on Microphones for 2 person interviews amzn.to/2qQuw5r
Power Director 12 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcycles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor
For any additional enquiries please send a PM, e-mail me via TheMissendenFlyer@gmail.com, contact me via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or preferably leave a comment below... - Zábava
** Crikey these comments are coming in thick and fast - struggling to answer them all - apologies if I don't get to yours, do keep them coming though, I promise to at least read them all! **
All the clunks & vibes on the Harley is just character...owners love them & very few buy anything else once they"ve tasted it...Great review spot on with your description as usual...I enjoyed👍
@@ianscott5821 now TMF has tasted it.....
Try a mid control next time. Low rider S maybe. If they have one with with a stage 1 or more even better. I noticed all the people who can't afford an expensive toy decide to hate it. I love mine.
TheMissendenFlyer you have opened a can of worms bro. We love our Harley’s, others love to hate. Polarising brand 😉
How much of the pegs are left? I do enjoy riding my wife's Breakout, but I grind the pegs all over the place. It always takes me a little while to get used to the low amount of lean angle.
'Come on lady, oh hello'
Next video TMF sells all his bikes to cover his divorce costs.
Sshhhh! Don’t tell Mrs Flyer!!!
@@TheMissendenFlyer you know how to live dangerously, Mrs Flyer rolls eyes to the sky... !
from what little I know TMF appears to be one happy go lucky guy, and as the saying goes 'behind every good man there's.........can we keep the comments to motorcycles and not personal lives?
🤣
@Danny Hop I enjoy TMFs channel, subscribed, thumbs up and i'm on the notification list, I agree, he is 99% a gentleman.....
I owned a 2009 Harley Electra-Glide Classic for ten years and absolutely loved it. I put on 85,000km in that time and went on long trips. Extremely comfortable and reliable (though made to be easy to work on). Massive low RPM torque never grows old. It easily fired up even below zero celsius. Cruising on a big twin Harley on the highway in 6th gear is a wonderful magic carpet ride. You will never hear me say anything bad about that stately machine.
'You will never hear me say anything bad about that stately machine.' until you test ride a Rocket 3, that is
@@candymintz An Electra-Glide Classic is like a Goldwing yea?
@@nigelren3719 not really, flat 6 boxer engine with 7 speed automatic transmission, if i had to ride a bike around the globe I would ride a Gold wing
@@candymintz Not much fun on many roads across the globe. Most of which are unavoidable if you really want to travel the globe. You;d spend more time picking your goldwing up off the dirt, or rather trying....
@@nigelren3719 - King of the highway bikes, both the Goldwings and touring Harleys. I owned a Goldwing for over twenty years. It was a GL1200 I bought new and put 135,000km on. Given the same mileage up to 85,000km when I sold the 2009 Electra-Glide, the Harley touring bike was quite a bit more reliable than the Wing was. Fine bikes both, but the big Harley V-Twin engine gave that bike more rumbling character, less plastic, better sound and better fit and finish (though to be fair, the Harley was a more recent year than the Wing). The Harley is more about torque with the twist of the throttle, the wing more about smooth top end horsepower. I like the looks of the new Goldwings, but if I was in the market for a big touring bike, I'd still go for a Harley (perhaps a used bargain now that I know they have fine long term reliability). The big Harleys get under your skin. I should have never sold mine but since I don't go on as many long trips now, I'm lovin' my lighter weight 2019 Kawasaki W800 Street, classic Brit bike clone.
OH MY GOODNESS. Hell has indeed frozen over? Outstanding!!!! Here in Michigan, 9/10 bikes on the road are Harley's. You cannot escape or mistake them here. They are not my flavor of ice cream but they do what they do. I am not a fan or a hater; they are everywhere. If you mention you have a motorcyle here, everyone assumes Harley. "You have a bike?" "Yes, I do. I ride a Triumph." "What model of Harley is that?" LOL.
It's the same by me. I ride a Victory, and I've been asked "when did Harley make that one"
Yup same here. I’m 40 miles from Milwaukee. I’ve owned and ridden several Harley’s then a I got a sport touring BMW and that was it for me and Harley. So much faster, smoother, and more limber.
@@SewGurl58 I do wonder if this market domination is why, when compared to other manufacturers, Harley seem happy to just plod along, whereas other manufacturers are have to up their game to keep sales up....nonetheless, what I wouldn't give for a 1980's Sturgis.....
Ditto Scott ... I’m across the border with you in Ontario . Most bikes are Harleys except for the younger riders . I’ve owned a few Harleys in the day and never had any mechanical issues with them . Now I’m on a Yamaha tracer 900 . Better in all ways especially Price !!!!
Good morning from Northern California. So you've finally had a chance to ride a Harley. Good man. Yeah, they're not for everybody, in fact they're not my cuppa either, but having ridden a few in my day, I can see (some of) the appeal. All that aside, this review is precisely why I enjoy your channel so much - your genuine joy with pretty much every ride, every sort of motorcycle, comes across undiluted. When you find fault, there's no acrimony or "hating", just a statement of fact, to be taken with the bike as a whole. You make it fun to imagine ourselves on the same bike, and for that, I thank you.
HERE HERE!
Whilst you can call a cup of tea a 'cuppa', the phrase is 'not my cup of tea' if something is not to your taste.
Nobody says , 'not my cuppa'... There is no charge for this lesson 😉
Cheers Jeff I’m also from NorCal and love to ride motorcycles.
Glad you recognised the bike for what it is rather than grumpily compare it to a sports bike like a lot of reviewers tend to, cheers!
I had a Sportster for a year and now I’ve had a Breakout for 8 months and riding Harley’s isn’t like owning other motorcycles you either get it or you don’t. Yeah I take my fair share of flack from my biker mates for not riding “proper bikes” anymore but I’ve owned sports bikes, dirt bikes and even a Honda Grom and after all variety is the spice of life just crack on and do what you enjoy.
If you don't mind me asking, what's made you made sell the sportster and upgrade? Currently considering buying an 833 sportster as a second bike, it'd be my first HD though.. loads of them being sold so started to think whether they're like a quick affair that people have and then sell em on
whistler26 I tired the Sportster to dip my toe into the HD pool, it was a great bike but after a while felt a little small and lacked a bit of go for some faster overtakes. I had a test ride on a few others and got the Breakout because it looks good and enough room for the wife on the back. I think as a second bike a Sportster is a good option but depends on how and where you ride as well. Most Harley dealers have a good selection of bikes to try. Hope this helps in some way 👍🏻
@@RICHARD10195 thanks for sharing your thoughts, nothing beats an input from a fellow bike who's had the bike for longer than a test ride. best regards
Own many
They aren’t my thing but anyone thinking it isn’t a ‘proper bike’ is harsh, been around longer than sports bikes!!
I’m old enough to remember when Harley-Davidson dealerships smelled more like dirty engine oil than espresso.
Thank God things have changed.
Andrew Green. Not sure which God you thank for such things, but with respect to the cost of ownership and personalized service, could dealership formats dictated by corporate suits be more a problem than a solution? Don’t dealerships like Harley-Davidson and Honda Powersports (and other plate-glass temples) offer value-subtracted for consumers? I mean, the “for a t-shirt company Harley makes decent motorcycles” meme didn’t fall from heaven now, did it? Maybe I’m just a cranky ol’fart, but when the salesperson knows as much about a motorcycle as the Toyota Camrys they used to sell, a free cup of espresso won’t cut it. Whew . . . that rant felt damn good!
@@UncleWally3 Can't say I understood most of your reply but I do know that I used to go to Harley Bob's in Wealdstone, early 80s & the place used to stink of cat piss & filthy litter trays. I'm happy now to pay extra for a dealership that is clean & civilised. Each to their own.
Andrew Green Sounds like your Harley dealer was rather odd. I don’t know many Harley guys who are cat people...
@@susanmaggiora4800 There is definitely a pussy joke in there somewhere, but Im far too much of a gentleman. xx
Test rode a Harley V-Rod in 2012 just for curiosity and fun. The grin factor was so big I had to order one there and then, nearly cost me a marriage but all good eventually. That’s a warning to others who want just for fun test ride. V-Rod sits next to my GS now, you could not get two more different machines but the Harley is the one that comes out for those sunny short journeys and the grin is still just as big now when ridden.
shegocrazy yes they are not produced anymore and command good coin in the market. Amazing bike.
think how bigger your grin would have been if you'd bought a ducati.
Mark, The only Harley that appeals to me is the V-Rod. I've always thought "someday". Unfortunately, many die-hard Harley fans don't consider the V-Rod a "Real Harley". After reading your post, I know I can never test drive one! FWIW, I also have a GS.
Test rode a Harley a couple of years ago out of curiosity. Dealer was super helpful - had filled the tank the night before and just said to bring it back before they closed. Not the best of starts as the mirror assembly collapsed and the 1st 20 miles felt like I was riding on cobbles. But after that something clicked and it all made sense. Ended up having a hugely enjoyable day in the Yorkshire Dales. Very expensive for what they are and there is a stigma to being a Harley rider but I can see myself as an owner in a few years.
Great to see you on a Harley!!! 👍
Re brakes: on Harleys, you need to use both front and rear brakes together and they are perfectly good. Both are 4 pot calipers. The display also indicates a gear indicator and a rev counter too, as well as a fuel gauge! 😉
I owned a 2013 Breakout just after they came out. I loved that bike and wished I 'd been able to keep it. The new one has a much smaller fuel tank. I used to get 220 miles range. The Breakout is a great looking bike.
Well said. The earlier Breakouts were gorgeous, especially the CVO model👍👍
Any advise for a relatively new rider (1 year) going into a harley for the first time? I now ride a Royal Enfield continental GT, but really love the look of the Breakout.
@@thenewage478 I had a lot of fun on my Breakout and the early ones (2013>) were more tricky to ride than the newer ones. That is due to the newer ones being lighter, stiffer and have less head angle rake, so handling is much improved. Apart from the obvious weight difference you do need to plan your corner approach, but once mastered the Breakout is a really fun bike to ride. I really enjoyed mine when I owned one.
@@grahamtricker4103 thank you! Cant wait to ride one! Will you post more vids on ur bike?
Loved hearing your spontaneous reaction TMF! I had a similar one during my first ride on a Harley and bought a Road King. I’ve owned (still do) Japanese, German, English and American bikes and to be honest, I’ve loved them all. They all serve a purpose and I think the grin of joy in my helmet for the toy bike is no less important to me than the appreciation I have for the functionality and design of my more practical rides... which also give me joy.
Harleys do seem overpriced but the build quality,paint and chrome are very well done no cheap plastics here.I had a 2016 Fatboy and never had a problem with it,there is nothing that rides feels or sounds like a Harley.
P.S. its not the bike that doesn't acknowledge other riders its the jerk riding it.
No point in bashing them, I've enjoyed my mates sportster 1200 in Devon and Cornwall. The very mechanical feeling is unique and just puts a smile on your face.
5:45 for those that want to revisit the “oh hello” moment.... 😳🤣😂
As a long time American Harley owner, I think you nailed it! Your review precisely captured the art and spirit of HD! Ride on
Just when you thought 2020 couldn't deliver any more surprises, here's The Missenden Flyer on a Harley.
Bro, I own one of these and love watching peoples reviews just to see what they think about it. So far, yours is by far the best. Keep it up.
Glad we concur!
Having had a variety of Japanese and European bikes of all shapes and sizes over the last forty years I never thought I would own one. Then in 2015 I rode to Seville and back in a week for The Rider’s Digest and was offered a Road Glide Special from the press fleet to ride.
What a revelation! The comfort was unbelievable, (although the luggage space was rather limited) and Now own a Dyna.
You get used to narrow minded comments from others whatever you ride, but all I would say to detractors is take one for a test ride. Even if you still don’t like it, at least you’ll have more ammunition if you’re still determined to criticise other riders choice of machine. As far as I’m concerned if it’s a powered two wheeler it’s fine by me.
I hear what your saying.......rode a BMW for the first time ever (always had Japanese, Italian or Spanish bikes) last year and it was the GS1200 Rallye on a tour in Spain.
Even rode off road too!
Didn't know what to expect although everyone on the tour owned a GS at home.
Friends including my brother wondered what I was doing, with comments like, "You won't like that" "Too heavy" "Gutless" "Ugly" "Not a proper biker"
Anyhow came back from Spain, sold my Triumph and bought a 1250GS TE and not regretted one minute of doing so.......
Bottom line don't bend to peer pressure / fashion and ride whatever suits YOU!
They are what they are.
I'm more of a dual sport guy, but I owned two Harleys.
Fun for a while but the bike doesn't live up to the reputation.
I had many quality issues that should not have happened on such an expensive bike
You hit the nail on the head, that raw, "unrefined" feeling is a big part of the appeal for us uncultured Americans :) We love all the character, noise and the image. I get a kick out of most Euro motorcycle reviewers because they just don't get what Harley is about. Clearly it's a massive cultural gap. But I'm glad you enjoyed it for what it is, not trying to compare it to some Ducati superbike or BMW GS. Well done!
Thank you!
I hear that the first M8 Engine prototype’s were too smooth Harley davidson had to play with the balancing to get just the right amount of thump and vibration which they’ve done.
fountainofyouth5 totally agree far too many Harley bashers out their who compare them to Super Dukes etc. I don’t like sports bikes, it’s a personal thing but I don’t knock them because they don’t tour like my Tiger 900. You don’t criticise apples because you only eat oranges. 😎👍
Steve Wright finally someone who has hit the nail on the head 👍🏻
I don't get the hate. I'm a racer, but I still think they are fantastic bikes.
In America Harley riders have a rep for being arrogant and condescending to all other bikes.. "if you ain't on a Harley, you ain't riding". The hate is simple reciprocity.
@@user-cx2bk6pm2f same with most BMW riders in germany then.
@@user-cx2bk6pm2f no...it happens on the internet . I ride a Kawasaki and have never been snubbed or treated rudely by a Harley rider. The internet bikers are where it happens
Must be the first bike you’ve tested where the “barn door” UK license plate looks proportional to the rear of the bike 😆🏍👍.
I was riding down an interstate in Nevada north of Las Vegas going south and the lady on the back of my motorcycle started laughing uncontrollably I could not understand what was so funny and she was pointing at a group of three Harley-Davidsons running along in this slow lane when we arrived a few minutes later at the hotel in Las Vegas I asked her what was so funny her reply "those full dress Road Kings looked like mini bikes under those people". My girlfriend weighed 94 pounds personally, I thought she was being a little rude.
I've got a Harley Sport Glide and Triumph Tiger 800, when I ride the harley I definitely get more looks from the ladies, when I ride the triumph I definitely get more nods from other riders... for me I think harleys are all about whether you like the image/style. On the technical side they don't compare for sure but then its not about that imo. Excellent review, and I think the excitement in your voice comes through for this one 😀
I usually fall in love with them when i test ride them! Usually buy one, then very quickly regret the decision! I've had 6 since 2006, so i obviously never learn my lesson! Really pleased you've popped you HD cherry this week :-)
I bought a HD Breakout after owning multiple Triumphs and Ducatis. Got to say I have more fun on it than the others and actually ride it more. I recently rode all the way to Southern Spain and it was great. Once you adapt to the HD riding style its more relaxing, you don't feel the need to over take every car etc. Its also a great bike to own with very few horrible electrics, great finish and belt drive.
glad i scrolled down this far for your reply. I am changing from a GS to a Harley. Just want something a little more "cool" and that you can personalise. Was it hard work riding that far or did you enjoy all of it?
@@Deathstar111978 It was fine on a long trip. In some ways more fun than other bikes as I took a lot of A roads and similar, cruised and enjoyed the scenery and ride.
“Come on then lady..... oooh hello” 😂😂 LAD. Mrs Flyer avert your ears my dear hahhaha
Never felt you struggling for appropriate words as hard as you did while talking about this bike. I am not a Harley fan, but I would not love to see them go. They have been struggling lately. All the best, Harley.
Theyve got 10 years left, tops.
@@mattyp3926 I agree. That's exactly how it looks right now.
One only friend has one. He dislikes riding with the rest of our group and stickes to his Harley mates. One day i rode with him and got caught in the rain. The thing was spluttering and wouldnt run, water getting in his screaming eagle airbox. Rode so slow as its dangerous on wet roads and we had to stop as he couldnot see with his open face helmet and specticals. What a rubish bike
@@mattyp3926 then people will say there a valuable . Hahaha
I find it so fascinating that your part of the world looks so similar to the northeast United States. New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, or Alexandria. I understand why, because I know the history but 250 years later and the cousins still look alike.
I'm glad you finally got to ride the HD. It's not my style but it's an experience. You should try a Livewire and a FatBob.
I'd love too!
Agree. Fat Bob. He would give that a good crack. Totally different bike. Just awesome
Street Glide or Road Glide
I'd definitely like a ride of the Livewire.
It's fair to say "It's the vibe of the thing" , I love mine for the fact it's a simple mechanical motorcycle and the great big smile I get from that thump from the engine .
What have you got?
@@icarus3604 A 2019 Sportster custom, has a stage 1 only , Cobra slip-ons , Cobra hi -flow air intake and Vance Hines tuner.
@@fisherman775 Sounds amazing.. I’ve got a 2013 Street Bob with 14 inch apes, stage 1 with a screamin eagle intake and V&H short shots.. You can’t take away from the fact that they’re a thing of beauty.
They have character and an individuality just like the old steam trains.. 👍🏽
Dig the breakout, but I think you'd like a fat bob more
Oh hello. Just a casual Shadetree comment here.
I’m pretty sure I would SS - definitely want to try some more Harley action....great to see you here man! Thanks for stopping by!
Yes please - please ride the fatbob. It sits beside my Bonnie in the garage
Yay good on you for having a ride on a Harley, on the left hand switch cluster there's a button which cycles you through Trip A, Trip B, range till.empty, & rev counter. Pity you didn't ride one with at least a stage 1 done on it, pipes & air cleaner etc. But you liked that's the main point 👍👍
the moment you buy a Harley you have to start spending money on it, the actual bike is just a down payment on the accessories.
@@candymintz indeed, I was lucky as my Fatboy was a superceded model so they gave me a £2000 voucher, which enabled me to put on V&H pipes, aircleaner & FP3 tuner & a sissy bar. Buying accessories is a bottomless pit 😀😀👍
@candymintz: you don’t ‘have to’... I’ve had my FLD for almost four years and have probably spent less on it than any of the other bikes I’ve owned. Depends if you like to hang around the dealership or join the H.O.G.
@@martinhaskell376 haven't bought anything from a dealership or joined HOG, do my own fettling & got no intention of spending anymore, 👍👍
@@candymintz Funny that and whilst for some it's true, I had exactly the same experience when owning a couple of GS's!! Have you seen the thickness of the Touratech catalogue!? :-)
“Clutch not light” Understatement of the year! it’s like a car clutch. After a days riding the twistiies my hand was nearly falling off. Yes I need to man up but this bike desperately needs a quick shifter.
Harley has some sort of perverse aversion to modern technology and useful features, and handling, and braking, and accelerating, etc, etc.
I'm glad you finally got to ride a Harley Softail. It has what you need on a bike and nothing that you don't, although you can add cruise control, heated grips, etc. There are many choices in the recently re-designed Softail family. I have a Slim, 150mm rear tire, and proper analog clock. I also ride an RT, which I also love for different reasons. It is quicker and smoother, but the Slim just takes me back to the '50s. I get a different feeling when I ride it. Try the Slim with the floorboards and even lower seat height than the Breakout. I think the Slim is what BMW is trying to emulate with its new R18 first edition. The only problem is with that huge boxer engine; you're not going to be able to get your feet forward as with the Softail.
I'm glad you enjoyed the experience. There are some other HD models that might not be quite as extreme in the seating position, such as the standard or the slim. Or even a Road King if your curious about the touring frame
The true touring models I probably would steer you away from. They were designed with long US journeys in mind and simply are not suited for the types of riding you have there. Though, I guess if you stuck to the main motorways it could be fine. The problem I see is they are top heavy and really made to go 500+ miles a day. Not for riding around in traffic or on a B road.
The large rear tyre makes handling an acquired taste, I own a sport glide, standard cruise control and bags, a better handling bike, ride one you will love it
Having been a fan of the channel from the states for years now I was always curious to see what your impression of a Harley would be, so happy you got a chance to ride one.
Fair review, I think you captured the spirit of the Breakout. Keep in mind that is probably the worst handling and braking Harley made, I think you’ll enjoy the riding characteristics of other models a fair bit more. I own a BMW R1200RS, a Kawa W800 Cafe and a Harley XR1200. When I need a smile the Harley is always the fob I reach for. Cheers!
Good honest review Andy, I’ve ridden a Harley and it wasn’t for me, very basic, agricultural and wasn’t keen on stopping. I think the Harley is more about image and lifestyle. £20k is a lot to pay for a Toy and if thats all you want it for then there’s better toys for the money. On the plus side loved the colour.
Yes I tend to agree at this point - I need to ride some more, particularly the big cruisers, before coming to any final conclusions...
I own a 2000 Harley Sportster 883. It is not very fast, does not stop very well but it is fun. The 883 is smoother than the 1200 and the transmission on mine is Honda smooth (rare). Country roads at 50 MPH is this bike"s sweet spot. I also have other bikes (KTM, Honda, Triumph, Yamaha, BMW) and the biggest down side for me is the US Harley Riders. I live in Florida.
See if you can get your hands on an Indian Scout bobber and compare it with the Triumph bobber.
Love how positive you are about the bike and you get it.
Too many bikers, don't want to spend the extra so just want to knock Harley.
Can't wait till you try another one.
Yes I’d love to try a big cruiser....
@@TheMissendenFlyer would recommend the Road king special but I am biased. 😎
Hi Andy, so glad you've finally broken your HD duck. I've had three Harleys over the years. I think you described very well how they feel like they've "built using spanners". What many describe as being unrefined is actually a deliberate ethos by the engineers to build-in so much of what Harley customers expect a big HD to feel like. The Milwaukee 8 is actually technically quite advanced. For example, they use split spring-loaded gears to reduce backlash (versus helical gears) for the valve train. The valve gear is hydraulic so there are no valve clearances to adjust - I could go on, but won't. They won't win a track day of course and require a lot of effort to muscle round corners. The high rake angle and fat back tyre of the Breakout exaggerates this even more. But they're a big bike which is a joy to ride slowly - cruise about on. I've surprised quite a few car drivers in the past with my 103 Dyna, they just don't expect such a bike to get off the line so quick, but with that much torque they do indeed shift. But, you're also right about them being an expensive play thing. I finally left the brand because I enjoy riding more than cleaning and being caught out on the rain meant a three hour cleaning job with a toothbrush. They're not meant for the climate we have in blighty and mine was off the road through the winter months whenever there was a chance of any road salt about. The finish is excellent but not durable enough for the UK. And, let's be honest £18k + is a lot of money to be sitting unused for five months of the year.
Thanks for that - glad we concur!
We rarely disconcur or unconcour 😉 I think the reason you find very little fault with bikes is that there are very few "bad" bikes these days
I've yet to find any bike with a durable finish to withstand British winters and road salt.
When you get back to the dealership, see if they have a Sportster Roadster in stock... you'll love that one.
Nice fair and honest review and that is the reason I've watched so many of your reviews. Great stuff!
Reading the comments makes clear that a lot of folks don't get that a Harley isn't designed in comparison with any other marque. It's performance is adjudged by it's own parameters and not by Honda or Triumph et al. Maybe Hollywood rode Triumph. But the Hell's Angels rode Harley Davidsons. The bike is an icon and has outsold all other large displacement motorcycles world wide.
I have owned an XR1200 for 10yrs and love it for the fact it isnt a typical Harley 😀
5:45
I take it that Misses Flyer doesn’t watch your channel? 😂
Let's hope not eh?
I can't imagine what sort of tyrants you guys are married to if you're worried your wife might find out you found another woman attractive ;)
Very openminded sir! Good of you, well done. I've had alot of Harley's over the years, the last one was a Sreet Bob in -07. That was "only" 1600cc!
A tiddler!
Nice review, not a Harley fan but enjoyed that, stunning colour.
Harley Davidson.........the marmite of the bike world! As a former Harley naysayer I swore in my 20's and 30's I would never have one. I wavered in my 40's and test rode a couple. Now in my 50's and I own one, a 2 year old ex demonstrator Heritage Classic 114. I have to say, I love it and look forward to riding it like a kid looks forward to Christmas morning. A lot of the criticism of them comes from folks that have never had or ridden one which is a shame because like everything else in life...everything is an experience. To compare them with say, sportsbikes is like comparing the new T50 supercar with a Renault Clio. They are both cars but that's where the similarity ends. Apples and oranges...both fruits, but different. My Heritage is 2 bikes in 1 really, a tourer when the bags, screen and pillion seat and sissy bar are on and naked/city bike when they are all taken off. It has as many gizmo's as I want...abs, cruise control, digital fuel guage, gear indicator, 2 trip meters, fuel warning light, keyless ignition, rev counter etc. The top tourers have rdrs (defensive rider system incl. cornering abs, traction control etc).
They are not for everyone but they do have something about them (the sound and the torque to name two). TMF, that was a really good review but I'm not sure I would have chosen a Breakout as my first H-D test ride but for all I know that was all Watford H-D had available on the day. I do know that H-D dealers are really friendly and welcoming as a rule and will bend over backwards to let you test as many bikes that they have available in their demo fleet.
Great channel TMF, and I look forward to the next H-D test review.
Thank you - me too!
Not a white van in sight, there's an omen for you!
Riding a Harley is all about the feel they give (l think it’s that lovely torque) l rode a couple from the dealer and was surprised what fun they were, so lm not going to dismiss them, glad you tried one!
I think you can ride them without having to “muscle them through the corners”, but you do have to consciously counter steer ( which you can do unconsciously on other bikes ).
Just a little added pressure on the bars and my 850 lb FatBoy S is as easy to handle as a 200 lb dirt bike. And after a week of getting used to it, it’s nothing. This bike in the video is way overpriced for what you get. Heritage Soft Tail Classic is the same frame and you get loads of options. Bump up to a Road King and you get way more options with a soft riding touring bike. You can spend 8 hours a day or more on one of those as I’ve done it. I can whip mine around with ease and take it on long trips or down to the corner store. I’ve owned and ridden many bikes over the past 49 years and a Harley is nothing to ride, just mind the weight on quick stops from low speeds and corners which is where most bikes are dropped. It’s not the best bike I’ve ever owned but it’s as fun as any I’ve owned. And the low end torque plasters a grin on your face every time. But it’s not for everyone. If I had to pick one bike as my only transportation for everything, it’d be the BMW R1250 GSA.
I think the rake on the Breakout is a bit weird compared to the majority of H-Ds, best to try some of the others...
Martin Haskell agree. I thought it was a bit odd to ride a Breakout as a first HD.
I think you meant subconsciously.😂😂😂
@@martinhaskell376 That is what I was about to say / Also lots of Harleys without the donut for a back tire .. I always found those hard to settle in a wet corner ..
I always enjoy TMF videos and get notified whenever he uploads a video.
I *like* Harleys, but for those prices, it's idiotic. Thanks for the video Andy, glad to see you explore yet another brand!
Clearly there’s something magical going on here. One for the heart over the head as on paper it’s simply from a different century. Great vid TMF
Not a Harley fan but the misses has one and nothing sounds, looks or rides like a Harley. Engine sounds lovely and you can get mid controls on a lot of them.
Brave man for test riding a huge beast. I have always avoided riding one so I''l keep my comments brief. I was promised a ride on oneby a friend in Hawaii but thanks to Covid that won't happen. I'm getting old so I'll stick to something lighter and dare I say it easier to enjoy. I think you scored a goal getting the chance to ride one. For me, feet forward gives me the shivers. Oh yes my wife loves riding pillion on her brother's Harley.
Great Vid as always. Would love to see ones for the 2020 Low Rider S and the Fat Bob.
I like that you mention the little things on the bike. Harleys are not my thing but, as you said, they are very good for what they are supposed to be. And the quality is really impressive. No one else does paint or chrome as good as HD.
Cheers John....
I like how you left that "ooh Hello" in The video. :D
Uh oh did I?? That's torn it.....
Just as well she didn't notice your throbbing machine,she would have had a heart attack
@@TheMissendenFlyer Its only fitting when you ride a Harley. :)
Thank you for posting. Harleys definitely fill a niche market. Here in the states they have been hurting financially since the 2008 financial mess. Sure hope they survive. The more motorcycle brands the better.
Every motorcyclist must ride a Harley and a GS in their lifetime. There are reasons behind each's madness that you simply can't explain to someone, much like motorcycling itself. They are both very expensive machines and each does what they were designed to do better than any other bike attempting to imitate them (there is a lot of truth in not being able to quite imitate an original). I think the reason people bash on either so frequently is simply because you might stretch and afford one, but very rarely will you be able to afford both.
Every motorcyclist must ride a Harley and a GS in their lifetime _ WHY ?
@@AG-ti6cp More to the point..WHY NOT?
...because not every motorcyclist likes them.
@@splodge5714 But experience leads to more informed criticism.
"OH, HELLO", "what was I talking about?" LOL, good show.
£18k Tractor!
It’s not for me 😒
yes, clunk clunk and $$$$$$$$$$ (i'm located Florida) slowly vanishing from your wallet.
Do Not insults tractors 🚜 because tractors have more electronic and more reliable than HD and Tractor can earning income 😂
@@Justwanthavefun_100 great response, i smiled
Excellent. All the better for those of us who can afford one. 😊
@@Justwanthavefun_100 Why do you assume that more electronics equal a better bike? 🤔
I’ve had mine for 12 years. I imagine we’ll never part ways. They’re actually very well made and I’ve enjoyed every mile. I still get that same big smile today.
The term character gets thrown around a fair bit, most of the time the term is used as not to offend.
If the GS 1250 was anything like the Harley they would hardly sell any, I like older bikes, I so dislike all the electronic guff , I love the keep it simple stupid philosophy but don’t charge an arm and leg for it, probably why HD is disappearing up its own exhaust pipe.
And yes I have owned 2 and they were the biggest mistakes I ever made, traded a 79 Bonneville to buy one and the Bonny was so much better to ride.
I should add Steve McQueen, Brando and the Fonz, all America icons rode Triumphs.
WhiteDRguy 650 If the first 95% of your comment didn’t convince anyone, that last line should erase all doubt..
I am in absolute agreement of your comments
I have owned three. Still got two. Big mistake was selling one Biggest mistake was buying a Speed Twin. Gear box needed repair as stuck in sixth. Not good on sixteen month old bike. My Harleys keep on going. Thinking about selling Triumph and getting a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX. Don't trust it anymore.
@@jimmybe64 Kawasaki's make an incredible machine, the Vaquero is far superior to the Harley in this vid, perhaps TMF will review one in the future. and the ZX14 is a complete insane monster...I luv it. You won't want to get off the Ninja, look up the word 'fantastic' in the dictionary
James Dean had a triumph TR5, Pink also rides a triumph, Evil Knievel even had a few Triumph motorcycles, plenty of others ride them as well.
I've had three Harley's, two Fat Bob's and a Street Glide Special. All Harley's are raw uncomplicated bikes, at least the Fat Bob's were. MY SGS is a beautiful touring machine and when tuned properly is a joy to ride and hear. Although it's a bit heavy, 367KG, on the road you hardly notice it. My longest trip on it was 47hrs or roughly 5,000klms which it covered with nary a worry and all that distance without leaving the country or the state.
My HD Fatboy is in that dealership. Can’t wait to pick it up!
Congrats good sir! I have been drooling after the blacked out with copper accents 30th anniversary edition recently released
Am buying this exact bike, a used 20 model. Yes, expensive but worth it. Very well built and certainly fast enough.
Doesn't look like that display would be easy to read in the rain. And personally dont think that bike is worth 2 street triples (cost wise).
A few years ago my wife and I rented an Electra Glide for a trip around California, New Mexico and Arizona. I'd never ridden one any distance so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Well, all the time we were cruising on highways it was great but slow speed riding,stopping and starting I found nerve wracking. Laybys in the States are usually gravel so it made photo stops interesting when I came to a halt and tried to hold the beast upright before I got the sidestand down. The bike weighed 400 kilos without luggage and passengers !
So you can guess I didn't really enjoy the bike. Also I thought it was pretty gutless for a 1800cc bike.
I'm prepared to admit maybe I hired the wrong Harley but I thought I should try an Electra Glide.
Sounds like a muted Yamaha MT07....I was expecting the ear drum bursting straight through pipes. I like all bikes too but my test ride of a Road King was like being a captain of an oil tanker...
If they just handled and stopped better....otherwise a lovely finish and attention to detail.
Now, "I want your boots, jacket and keys to your bike"
I own several bikes, have ridden and raced many. Nearly 3 years ago I bought a Harley Ultra Classic. I had never even ridden one, I just bought it - and wow was it everything I was hoping for and then some. So comfortable, so much soul, I just love riding the thing. It has become my primary commuter (back when we were actually commuting). If I want to go fast or rail corners I take the BMW, Honda, or Kawi in the garage, but the Harley has solidified its place in the lineup.
"Gosh, where was I?" 🤣
Nice to see a non-biased review of a Harley, so many people knock them without either understanding what they are about or having ridden one, I have had a few over the years and currently have a 114 Fatbob which complements my 1200 Tiger and 1050 Sprint really nicely.
i like my kawasaki 400 more but everytime i get on my harley low rider s, its "'merica f**k yeah!" its a different feeling
That color scheme is absolutely beautiful. Wish they had that when I got my '23 model....
Don’t know anything about HD but it really is a sexy bike.
Spot on review! As a Harley owner, it was nice to see a reviewer totally understand the vibe of a Harley. Great review!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sweet cheese..........our "Flier' on some Yank iron.......who"d have thought?! She's got you, hasn't she, mate,eh?!.........the hog, that is, not that rather charming young lady that distracted you and I alike. Lovely shoes and handbag that caught our collective attention, I could tell. 😳. This is it now friend; I can feel a slippery slope approaching. You want one, don't you? You have urges to cut the arms off your leathers, stick patches over what's left and attach a bf-sized tank whip aerial with a Confederate flag to the pillion scaffolding armrests? You need help before you start to crave panniers that you could fit your CRF250 in and start to grow disturbing amounts of upper-body hair!! What a machine, friend. I have always thought these things have a bad rep because folk compare them inappropriately and look too deeply into their raison d'etre. These are big boys toys that offer a simple route to very simple pleasure. As an 'under-tall' bloke, so many of the giant trail/ tourers are totally unusable for me but these big beauties offer a real option to giant-sized fun. Lovely machine, friend, thank you for sharing the fun. I'm just about nineteen thousand beer tokens short of joining in! Keep smiling, chap.....
If you ever want to try the feeling of these bikes at a more reachable price (less beer tokens) Yamaha has the Star range .. I bought a second hand Midnight Star1700 a 750 pound wonder bike with 2000 miles on the clock for $5500.00 and sold it 15K miles or 3 seasons later for $4500.00 . I did have to buy 3 sets of tires because I was riding back roads agressivly on a heavy bike .. Lots and lots of fun but for the places I ride it was really the wrong kind of bike .. There is something charming though about a bike that "pulls like a freight train" .. I have to be a one bike rider with a pottery business, a family at home and no garage ...
Great review! So nice to see a fair review from someone that hasn’t ridden a Harley before. I too, like all different types of motorcycles, and have owned 2 different Harley Davidsons in the past. I agree with your opinions of the bike, and glad you enjoyed the ride. If you decide to try another one some day, I would recommend the Heritage Softail Classic. That review really made me smile and put me in the mood to go for a ride. In fact, I think I hear my Triumph calling me now. Have a great day!
Too expensive for what you get, Harley is all about image and add on bling and “ performance up grades”. I couldn’t get used to that seating position, it just felt weird.
The color was nice.
Have you ever ridden one, let alone owned one? Doubt it.
Hi Andrew, yes I have ridden one and all the sportsters, but eventually settled on the Fat Bob. Just before I put my money down a friend talked me into trying other bikes, the first “other bike” was a BMW S1000XR and that was when I realized how much I was missing and what I could get for the same or less money.
Don’t get me wrong I still love the Fat Bob, but it’s so basic compared to my Multistrada that I eventually bought.
BTW I test rode every bike I could before going for the Ducati.
My very first ride on a road bike was a WLA Harley forty nine years ago... maternal uncle's machine and I rode it a lot actually, around the family farm. Kept it off the bitumen so dirt roads only! Uncle asked the local police sergeant to turn a blind eye if he saw his twelve year old nephew getting about! Never did see the friendly police man. Set me well on the path to a motorcycling future but I've never ridden a Harley since. As a chiropractor I do fairly well fixing 'Harley or cruiser back' The old Walla still sits there in his barn under a tarp and occasionally gets a rumble if someone can be bothered fettling it (a lot of fettling required these days).
Rough, unrefined, and masculine. I think many women would agree with that comparison.
Masculine 🤣🤣🤣
Glad you enjoyed it. Are they more expensive? A little. But they are made here and paid good wages to do it. They have IMHO, much better attention to detail. Better paint, less plastic. Are they sport bikes? No. I would hate a sport bike. You cat ride them legally and safely the way they were meant to be ridden without going to the track. What you get with a Harley is a beautiful machine that you can ride all day in comfort. You get that massive low end torque that simply responds when you pass someone. No need to downshift. Just roll it on. I've owned 3 Hondas (great bikes) and 2 Harley Electra Glides. I liked them all but I love my Harley.
So you broke your Harley cherry, never been on one myself and don’t think I ever will just seem too expensive for what they are. Did laugh at the OH HELLO comment awesome , just what I would of said inside me helmet, great entertainment all round.
there are plenty of bikes that cost more, pleny that cost less, just take one for a test ride, I suggest a sportglide
smiling broadly from the U.S.A. - hey we'll take whatever love we can find
I don't knows if it's an age thing but over the last few years the idea of owning a Harley is becoming more appealing. I guarantee it wouldn't see much polishing, not if i could be out riding.
Yep, it's an old farts bike, for sure. Down my local seaside bike meeting place, all the Harley riders are well in their sixties lol. Plus, they're the only ones who can afford them!
Glad you got to ride one . I haven't so far . Rode a mates Bonnie America and enjoyed the laid back experience..
After I fixed his brakes and throttle and indicators...👍🏻☮❤
Everything is big on the bike 🤔 !! Does that include the magnifying glass to see that stupid gauge thing or is the magnifying glass 🔍 sold as an extra 😐 gauges are needed on something like that, it really looks like a 1970s watch fixed to the handlebars 😳 simply terrible
You don't really need to see the speedo, coz with those brakes and that handling you better keep it at around 30-40 mph ..
Nick The Quick Yes good points, when you put those points of yours against the screen size it’s probably ok, rubbish but ok 👍
Nice honest review and assessment. You totally get the Harley thing, there is something inexplicably addictive about them. I hired a 340kg Heritage to tour in the USA, thought I`d hate it but found myself smiling and loving every mile I rode it ...didn`t want to hand it back when the trip was over.
Check out the smoaks vlogs, what he dont know about HD not worth knowing, motorbike technician of all brands of bikes, has a collection like yours,does daily vlogs with his wife, great channel, worth a watch if your getting into HD, cheers Andy
I’ve just binge watched Mayans MC on BBC iPlayer (recommended if you haven’t seen it) so this would fit my new (in my head) drug running ass kicking lifestyle.
But in the real world, what I’ve taken from your review is: low tech, weak front brake, unreadable small display, vibey. It also sounds very quiet (for a HD)
on the video. Some things could be easily sorted, but at 18-20k, it’s already too expensive. Looks nice enough though, and I agree with you when you say ‘I like all bikes’. No doubt this will be someone’s dream bike, and good for them.
How much ! You never mentioned the price of the ploughing attachments. No brakes, no electronics, no range and it rattles. Who on earth buys them 🤣🤣
I would love another one. Can't have too many bikes. He is only talking about the Breakout.Try the Low Rider S. Carry you phone if you need electronics.
@@jimmybe64 Christ no, wouldnt be seen dead on one. Too expensive and hammered together with pig iron. Don't think my mobile controls semi active suspension or lean active ABS etc. Each to their own but 19K for what exactly. Dont even think it comes with free leather waistcoat or tassles 🤣
HY3NAS KILL when you say “we’re not interesting in you opinion, you mean you’re not.” If it’s really boring, why are you bothering to reply then? And as for second guessing what The Wells rides without any info whatsoever, pathetic. For all I know he might ride a Brough Superior or a Vincent Black Shadow or one of the numerous other manufactures spread worldwide. Don’t see many Harleys on the MotoGP podiums but plenty of “Rice Burners.” Remember the Honda CB750? Changed the face of biking forever. Can’t think of any Harley that’s done that. #harleyheadinthesand
@HY3NAS KILL 🤣🤣🤣🤣
HY3NAS KILL Sales figures for Harleys in the past few years should give you a hint about how most people think of HD bikes in general.
Enjoyed that. Pity the UK suffers from Harley haters. Here in NZ we just get on with it regardless. I've been riding forty-ish years with the last fifteen or so on Harleys. No issues save for a starter clutch one time (Japanese Denso part). I recently traded my Road King for a BMW R Nine T. Jury's still out. Though the BMW is superior in most measurable ways, I kind of forget it's out there and don't spend any time looking at it whilst enjoying a brew. Anyway, good video. Glad you approached it with such an open mind.
The perfect garage. = BMW GS and a Harley 114 (Fat Bob in my case!)
Almost. Street Glide and a Tiger 900 GT Pro in my case. (The latter all down to TMF...........)
@@xkal3319 Yes close, Street Glide is soooo comfortable too.
Fen Tour Did London to Athens few years back. Like riding in an armchair.....
@@xkal3319 I tested a 2020 Street Glide out a couple of weeks ago, have to say the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden... and the radio was amazing too!
Good lord, i had to read the title Twice , TMF riding a harley, unbelivable. Now i would love to see you trying a Honda c70 or C90 and some hardcore enduro machines lol. Nice review as always and take care.
Like to keep you guessing!
Ooh hello their 🤤 where was I!! I’ve got a sportster and love the raw chug chug. They are heavy though.
Congrats on your 1st Harley. The forward controls usually drive Brits crazy, but you complained less than most. However, I was surprised you would think it uncomfortable on long rides. Actually, the reason US bikes developed with the forward controls or mid-forward controls (as opposed to mid and rear controls) is for comfort on long rides because the US is big and once you get away from the coasts things are spread out so long distance rides on highways are common. Not a lot of twists on highways. Just lots of driving straight with mild bends. I have ridden on long trips doing 400-500 miles a day. Day after day. I cannot imagine doing that with my legs all bend on mid controls, or worse rear controls. The controls on your Speed Twin are pretty mild mid controls. That would not be bad for long rides.
young lady...ooh, hello! 😂🤣
Finally! I was amazed at the sound it makes when it's starting....the starter motor sounds like a tractors! I'll be interesting to see what you make of different models for the sake of comparison too.