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2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 Overview
Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 is a custom / cruiser motorcycle, displacing 1923 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 10.2:1. On the performance side, it delivers 169 Nm @ 3500 of torque. On the road, the 2023 Softail Breakout 117 tips the scales at 310 kg, carries an 18.9-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 665 mm and spans a 1695 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 29.2 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. The full 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 against up to 1569 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 36 of the other 1568 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a larger engine displacement than the 1923 cc of the Softail Breakout 117.
- With 169 Nm, the Softail Breakout 117 has the joint 54th highest torque of 1053 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 63% above the category average of 103.7 Nm.
- Seat height of 665 mm is lower than that of 1042 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Narrowing the field to the 287 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1923 cc is larger than that of 255 of the other 286.
2023 Softail Breakout 117 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: A 665 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
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Large fuel range: An 18.9-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Running a belt final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the Softail Breakout 117 - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the Softail Breakout 117 relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Fuelling & injector care
The Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) on the Softail Breakout 117 needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from single 300mm disc, 4 piston fixed caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The Softail Breakout 117's suspension runs Dual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring at the front. The rear uses Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; toolless hydraulic preload adjustment. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The Softail Breakout 117 runs belt final drive: no lubrication or frequent adjustment like a chain, though belt tension and wear are worth a periodic look.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Mild steel, tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast, and forged junctions, MIG welded, aluminum forged fender supports, the Softail Breakout 117's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
310 kg puts the Softail Breakout 117 toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
Softail Breakout 117 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 with its 1923 cc custom / cruiser, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 3 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy Softail Breakout 117 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the Softail Breakout 117's 1923 cc four stroke, v-twin, milwaukee-eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 10.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the Softail Breakout 117 needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 have?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 uses a Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1923 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 weigh?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 weighs 310 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 produce?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 produces 169 Nm @ 3500 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 has an 18.9-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 315-377 km between stops.
Is the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 has a seat height of 665 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 have?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 uses single 300mm disc, 4 piston fixed caliper at the front and single 292mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 use?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 runs 130/60B21,63H,BW front and 240/40R18,79V,BW rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 have?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Torque
169 Nm / 124.6 lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel Capacity
18.9 Litres / 5 US gal
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Full 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 Specifications
Year
2023
Make Model
Harley Davidson Softail Breakout 117
Seat Height
665 mm / 26.2 in
Wheelbase
1695 mm / 66.7 in
Ground Clearance
115 mm / 4.5 in
Height
1085 mm / 42.7 in
Length
2370 mm / 93.3 in
Seat Height (Laden)
650 mm / 25.6 in
Width
950 mm / 37.4 in
Dry Weight
296kg / 653 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.9 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight
310 kg / 683 lbs
Displacement
1923 cc / 117cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
103.5 x 114 mm
Compression Ratio
10.2:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Exhaust
2-into-2 staggered; catalyst in muffler
Fuel Induction
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition
Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
Lubrication
Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Mechanical, 10 plate wet, assist & conventional
Final Drive
Belt, 32/66 ratio
Gear Ratios
1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Primary Drive
Chain, 34/46 ratio
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Mild steel, tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast, and forged junctions, MIG welded, aluminum forged fender supports
Suspension - Front
Dual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring
Suspension - Rear
Hidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; toolless hydraulic preload adjustment
Rake
34°
Swingarm
Mild steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions, MIG welded, removable belt spacer
Trail
145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front
130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
86 mm / 3.4 in
Brakes - Front
Single 300mm disc, 4 piston fixed caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 292mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS
Standard
Tyres - Front
130/60B21,63H,BW
Tyres - Rear
240/40R18,79V,BW
Wheels
Gloss black, 26-spoke cast aluminum
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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