2016 CVO Pro Street Breakout
A look at a pretty special Harley-Davidson CVO.
Although it’s a fabulous-looking motorcycle, there’s more to the 2016 CVO Pro Street Breakout than just the look.
The Torque Monster
It’s powered by the latest 110B—1801 cc—Screamin’ Eagle high-performance engine. The 111.1 mm stroke is the same as the familiar 103B motor, but it has been bored out to 101.6 mm.
That means the solid-mounted, counterbalanced unit is a real torque monster. It’s smooth, compliant, pleasant and strong. It tends to pulse more than vibrate and is equally at home on the freeway, in town or on country roads.
Harley claims maximum torque of 152 Nm at 3500 rpm, and it’s delivered in a very pleasing manner.
As you would expect from one of Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations models, a range of premium Screamin’ Eagle parts comes pre-installed—including the Heavy Breather intake, which no doubt helps the excellent fuelling and overall engine performance.
The blacked-out staggered exhaust system produces quite a pleasant note, although it remains 2016-compliance friendly—or relatively quiet.
Transmission and Controls
The Six-Speed Cruise Drive gearbox shifted positively and reliably, and neutral was easy to find even when stationary. It’s also fitted with a wet Assist & Slip clutch that I didn’t bring into play during the test.
The CVO features efficient, easy-to-use cruise control and top-notch switchgear. Harley’s self-cancelling indicators are still the best system on a motorcycle.
CVO Detail
The frame is the same reliable Softail unit we’re familiar with, but add the 110-cube powerplant and CVO goodies and it makes for a truly lust-worthy motorcycle.
The footpegs, grips and general brightwork come from the top shelf of the accessory catalogue. Often it’s the little touches that are most noteworthy: the handgrips, for example, are among the most comfortable I’ve used. Even the keyless security fob is classy.
The paint is also what you’d expect from a CVO: the best. The Breakout’s custom black-on-black finish is embellished with a deep fleck and hand-applied burnished highlights that are simply stunning.
Comfort and Ergonomics
It’s a surprisingly comfortable motorcycle. The race-inspired saddle is very plush and gave me no grief after several touring-length days aboard. The wide forward-control footpegs offered more foot-position options than the other Softails—even those fitted with footboards—and seemed to provide more cornering clearance, although lean angle isn’t a big feature of the bike. We are talking about a Softail.
Overall, I really liked the riding position. The satin-finish drag bars were again among the most comfortable I’ve used, set at just the right angle for comfort and control—or “prowling”, according to Harley.
Below the bars is a compact instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and stylish digital display for the speedometer and trip-computer functions. Warning lights are set into the handlebar mounting.
Wide-Tyre Manners
It looks stunning from the rear quarter, with its 240-section tyre, Aggressor cast-alloy wheels and minimalist rear end.
Like all 240-section and wider rubber, the big tyre takes noticeably more cornering effort and tends to follow irregularities on rougher tarmac more than the narrower Softail rear ends. Some of that wide-tyre manner is compensated for by its high-tech front end: raked 43 mm upside-down forks, new triple trees and a 19-inch front wheel.
The Breakout feels very solid on the freeway, and that wide rear gets the power and big torque hammer to the ground mighty nicely. Its rear suspension also has extra travel over some other Softails, further adding to the overall comfort.
Serious Stoppers
The twin 300 mm front brakes take Softail stopping to the next level. They are simply superb—comparable to the twin Brembos on a new V-Rod.
Something Special
It’s just a magnificent machine to sit astride.
That saddle, LED headlight, trick instruments, custom paint, Aggressor wheels, smoked finishes, slipper clutch and all the other CVO niceties contributed to its $42,495 Australian price.
But then, it is a rather special motorcycle—to ride and to look at.
What I Like
The smooth and muscular Twin Cam 110B, outstanding front brakes, genuine long-day comfort and magnificent black-on-black CVO detailing.
What I’d Change
A little more lean angle would better exploit the excellent front end, while a freer-sounding exhaust would suit the bike’s attitude.
The Verdict
A truly special factory custom with substance beneath the show-bike finish: strong, comfortable, beautifully detailed and deeply satisfying to ride.
2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout — FXSE
Engine
TypeAir-cooled Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110B V-twin
Displacement1801 cc / 110 cu in
Bore × Stroke101.6 × 111.1 mm
Compression9.2:1
Fuel SystemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Torque152 Nm at 3500 rpm
Drivetrain
TransmissionSix-Speed Cruise Drive
ClutchHydraulic wet Assist & Slip multi-plate
Final DriveCarbon-fibre-reinforced belt
Suspension
Front43 mm inverted forks; 125 mm travel
RearHidden horizontal coil-over shocks; 92 mm travel
Chassis
Front Wheel19 × 3.5-inch Aggressor cast alloy
Rear Wheel18 × 8-inch Aggressor cast alloy
Tyres130/60B19 front; 240/40R18 rear
BrakesTwin 300 mm front; 292 mm rear; ABS
Wheelbase1680 mm
Lean Angle24.8° right; 25.5° left
Dimensions
Length2330 mm
Seat Height660 mm unladen; 638 mm laden
Wet Weight331 kg
Fuel Capacity18.9 litres
Ground Clearance120 mm
Original Australian Price$42,495
