By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout FXBR vs Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS
Turn the Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout FXBR into a slow, tight corner and it won't just fall in: the raked-out fork and fat rear want a deliberate push. The Harley-Davidson Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS turns in cleanly and holds its arc. It'll lean further than any other Softail.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Breakout FXBR has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: Softail Breakout FXBR
Day in, day out, the Softail Breakout FXBR nudges ahead in traffic. Most of that is lower running costs. It isn't a big enough gap to plan around.
Keeping running costs low
Nose ahead: Softail Breakout FXBR
The Softail Breakout FXBR is a touch easier on the wallet to run. Condition still matters more than the model.
The Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS
On a twisty road, the Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS edges ahead. Credit a sportier chassis and better suspension. Not by enough to settle it alone.
Which one's the smarter buy
Depends what you want it for
Neither bike is the clear better buy at these used prices. The Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS costs less, but that doesn't make it the smarter spend.
What makes each one tick
Softail Breakout FXBR
A green light on the Breakout means a launch, since the Milwaukee-Eight doesn't wait for revs before it shoves hard. The open belt churns beside the engine, and there's a locomotive thump in every pull. The brake lever's got 672 lb (305 kg) to haul back down before the next light. The shotgun exhaust barks every time.
Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS
The FXDR's happiest in a fast bend, long drag-strip stretch and all. A mid-bend bump goes into an upside-down fork and an alloy swingarm, and they're what let the chassis carve this hard. Its low clip-ons and forward pegs fold you into a crouch your back won't forgive after an hour. Then the 114's torque hurls it out.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Breakout FXBR has the lower seat: 26.2 in (665 mm) vs 27.7 in (704 mm).
- The Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS makes more peak power: 90 hp (67 kW) vs 85 hp (63 kW).
- The Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS makes more peak torque: 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) vs 109 lb-ft (148 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
Don't look for a gap on character: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
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
Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS
What owners say
Strengths
- Aggressive drag-inspired styling
- Immense low-end torque
- Surprisingly competent handling
Trade-offs
- Uncomfortable for extended riding
What they cost used
These prices compare a 7-year-old Softail Breakout FXBR with a 7-year-old Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS.
- Softail Breakout FXBR
- about $15,900
- Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS
- about $14,300
At seven years old, the Softail Breakout FXBR sits around $15,900 while the Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS lands near $14,300. That's a $1,600 gap in the FXDR's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Engine
- 45° V-twin
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
- Rear tire
- 240/40-18
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Breakout FXBR | Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.2 in (665 mm) | 27.7 in (704 mm) |
| Wet weight | 672 lb (305 kg) | 668 lb (303 kg) |
| Softail Breakout FXBR | Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1745 cc | 1868 cc |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 85 hp (63 kW) | 90 hp (67 kW) |
| Torque | 109 lb-ft (148 Nm) | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,000 rpm | 3,500 rpm |
| Softail Breakout FXBR | Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13.2 L) | 4.4 US gal (16.7 L) |
| Softail Breakout FXBR | Softail FXDR 114 FXDRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 130/60-21 | 120/70-19 |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
