By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout FXBR vs CVO Breakout FXSBSE (MY2013)
Roll up to a curb on the Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout FXBR and it's the fat rear tire and low stance that stop traffic. On the Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout FXSBSE, eyes don't stop at the stance; they're on its deep paint and chrome. Its Gasser-style wheels look custom-built straight from the factory.
What makes each one tick
Softail Breakout FXBR
The Softail Breakout's Milwaukee-Eight thumps out a locomotive shove the instant the throttle cracks, and the open belt whirs under a shotgun exhaust bark. The hidden monoshock takes a bump with a progressive squat. It isn't a hardtail. Parking-lot U-turns take real thought, since the raked fork and fat 240 rear push back at walking pace. Every traffic light becomes its starting gate.
CVO Breakout FXSBSE
The CVO Breakout's stretched wheelbase locks onto a line at speed and won't let go. A hard pull on the brake lever hauls the bike down without it wandering off that line. Forward pegs and a long arm's reach to the flat bar wear down the lower back on long days. The Twin Cam heaves down low.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Breakout FXBR has the lower wet weight: 672 lb (305 kg) vs 724 lb (328 kg).
- The CVO Breakout FXSBSE makes more peak power: 90 hp (67 kW) vs 85 hp (63 kW).
- The CVO Breakout FXSBSE has the larger fuel tank: 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) vs 3.5 US gal (13.2 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Off its turf: CVO Breakout FXSBSE
Weekday traffic isn't the CVO Breakout FXSBSE's world, so it isn't rated here.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Look elsewhere
For back-road fun, both fall short. There are sharper tools for that job.
They come out level on character and running costs. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Breakout FXBR
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin
- Distinctive Drag-Styler Looks
Trade-offs
- Awkward Slow-Speed Handling Due to Fat Rear Tire
CVO Breakout FXSBSE
What owners say
Strengths
- Massive torque from 110ci V-twin
- Show-quality chrome and paint finish
Trade-offs
- Uncomfortable riding position for long distance
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Breakout FXBR
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
CVO Breakout FXSBSE
- Inaccurate fuel gauge (Recall 14V-185) Recall 14V185000 The fuel level indication system may not correctly read the amount of fuel, causing the gauge to show more fuel than is actually in the tank. This can lead to running out of fuel unexpectedly. Dealers update the software to fix the issue.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Front tire
- 130/60-21
- Rear tire
- 240/40-18
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Breakout FXBR | CVO Breakout FXSBSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.2 in (665 mm) | 25.8 in (655 mm) |
| Wet weight | 672 lb (305 kg) | 724 lb (328 kg) |
| Softail Breakout FXBR | CVO Breakout FXSBSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1745 cc | 1802 cc |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 85 hp (63 kW) | 90 hp (67 kW) |
| Torque | 109 lb-ft (148 Nm) | 112 lb-ft (152 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,000 rpm | 3,500 rpm |
| Softail Breakout FXBR | CVO Breakout FXSBSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13.2 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Breakout FXBR | CVO Breakout FXSBSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
