While the regular Harley-Davidson model looks fantastic, the CVO version is simply breathtaking in Hard Candy Gold Dust livery, with polished aluminum wheels and a huge, 1.8L V-twin. Here's one masterpiece only the guys from Milwaukee can produce.

The 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout is about raw power and clean chopper looks. Chopped fenders, a lowered, raked front end, a super-slammed console and tail, and a stunning, two-tone metallic paint give this bike a unique flavour. The Softail-derived frame makes for a rear suspension and swingarm design that reminds us of vintage Harley-Davidson hardtails.

All CVO models visually stand out from one another, and beyond the various chrome bits, the 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout sports a gigantic, 240 mm rear tire, turbine-style custom wheels (21” up front), wide fork crowns, and a chrome-clad performance filter.


Torque-driven catapult
This ultra-low, ultra-long, and ultra-flashy motorcycle is largely inspired by the mighty and relentless “power cruisers.” The 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout uses the famous 1,803cc (110 cu. in.) Twin Cam 110 engine. Civilized on the excessively heavy CVO Road Glide Ultra (400 kg vs. 317 kg for the CVO Breakout), it transforms the CVO Breakout into a real dragster.

We're talking about the largest V-twin ever built by Harley-Davidson, delivering pure mechanical thrills. The Twin Cam 110 is so torque-y and explosive at low and medium revs that it seems pointless to go any higher. When you do reach the higher parts of the rev range, thanks to full-throttle action, be prepared to hang on tight because the CVO Breakout will shoot you forward with massive thrust -- very impressive... and somewhat intimidating.

The 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout is equip with the largest V-twin ever built by Harley-Davidson, delivering pure mechanical thrills. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Pleasant agility
Despite the dragster looks and attitude, the 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout feels more nimble than many similar-displacement Japanese rivals. It remains safe and sound on small, winding roads as the Twin Cam 110 catapults you out of every corner. All the while, you'll enjoy the typical exhaust note and crisp shifting that define Harley bikes.

Hard braking requires both the front and rear brakes. Here, the 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout meets the segment's standards for braking distances. Next-generation ABS proves quite effective on the radically raked beast.

The riding position is suitable enough for this type of motorcycle. There's plenty of room on board, arms and legs are not too stretched, and the seat provides more than adequate support and comfort.

Despite the dragster looks and attitude, the 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout feels more nimble than many similar-displacement Japanese rivals. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Bottom line
Riding a spectacular machine such as the 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout feels like playing the main role in a big Hollywood thriller. This thing has profound, mesmerizing abilities; believe me. There really is no sexier or more charismatic cruiser out there right now. Moreover, your lower back doesn't even have to pay all the price that usually comes with slammed motorcycles.

Pros

• Striking looks unlike any other
• Superb fit and finish
• Ultra-powerful engine delivers big-time thrills
• Reasonable comfort and handling for this type of bike

Cons

• Firm, short-travel rear suspension
• I had to return it to Harley-Davidson...