In 2013, Harley-Davidson revealed the Breakout, a substantial cruiser that carved a niche for itself within the market. Not only did it find favor with riders seeking a comfortable and powerful cruising experience thanks to its Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, but it also became a darling of the customization scene.
Its muscular design and low-slung stance provided a perfect base for builders to unleash their creativity, resulting in a wide array of stunning one-off machines. Harley-Davidson made the surprising decision to discontinue the Breakout in the US market in 2021, leaving a void for both riders and customizers.
However, much to the delight of fans, the Breakout roared back to life in 2023 with a power upgrade. This time around, a Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine lurks within the frame, churning out 101 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, offering an even more thrilling ride experience.
While the engine received a bump in displacement, the essence of the Breakout – a blank canvas ideal for customization remains firmly intact. Predictably, custom shops worldwide have eagerly embraced the 2023 Breakout, transforming it into a plethora of unique and head-turning creations.
From slammed cruisers with chopped fenders to performance-oriented machines sporting upgraded suspension and exhaust systems, the new Breakout is once again proving itself to be a versatile platform for self-expression on two wheels.
Carving a niche across Europe’s motorcycle world, a network of skilled custom shops thrives. At the forefront of this movement is Thunderbike, a German powerhouse renowned for its relentless creativity.
Their workshops churn out customized machines at an astounding pace, with many projects centered around the Harley-Davidson Breakout – a platform ripe for metamorphosis in their capable hands.
The Midnight Rider perfectly contains Thunderbike’s transformative vision. This once-ordinary 2023 Breakout has undergone a dramatic overhaul, emerging from the shadows as a machine brimming with shadowy mystique.
Its original appearance is a distant memory, replaced by a persona that thrives under the cloak of darkness. But the Midnight Rider isn’t just about aesthetics it’s a testament to Thunderbike’s ability to sculpt a motorcycle’s very identity.
Transforming a stock Harley-Davidson Breakout into the Midnight Rider involved more than just a new coat of paint. Thunderbike artisans accentuated the bike’s aggressive stance with a custom front fender crafted from fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
The stock headlamp received a stylish new cap, while the rear end was outfitted with sleek LED turn signals for improved visibility. To further enhance the muscular look, the fork covers were redesigned and a hefty 14-inch handlebar, built by welding together milled segments, was installed with matching grips to complete the set.
Functional upgrades weren’t neglected either. Thunderbike rerouted the cables and hydraulic lines for a cleaner look, and for a smoother ride, converted the clutch to hydraulic operation.
The final touch? A forward control kit that provides a more comfortable riding position. While the parts list itself might seem modest at around $4,700, the Midnight Rider is a testament to how thoughtful modifications can create a truly head-turning custom machine.
