It has almost been two years since the Harley-Davidson Breakout made its return to the American market following a two-year hiatus. This iconic model caught the attention of many riders for its aggressive power cruiser nature and robust features, making it a standout on the road. The Breakout’s return was characterized by a host of significant changes, including a larger engine, a steel handlebar, and sleek chrome accents, which didn’t disappoint the legions of loyal fans. What made this comeback even more remarkable was that it kept its essence intact, blending raw power with stylish design.
While the American market saw the Breakout’s arrival with enthusiasm, European customers had already been enjoying the bike during its hiatus. The Breakout had continued to be available in Europe, where it sold without interruption. However, European riders soon began customizing their Breakouts, making the model truly their own. The stock versions of the bike weren’t enough for those looking to go the extra mile, and many turned to Thunderbike, a renowned German custom shop, to give their bikes a truly unique edge.
Thunderbike and the Breakout Customization
Thunderbike is a name synonymous with high-quality custom motorcycle parts and bikes. Located in Germany, Thunderbike has established itself as a leader in customizing Harley-Davidsons, especially the Breakout, which has become one of their signature models. Their approach to customization is thorough, paying attention to both aesthetics and performance, ensuring that the bike not only looks amazing but also offers an enhanced riding experience.
When looking at the Thunderbike-customized Breakout, there’s a clear evolution from the stock version, with numerous modifications made to enhance its stance, design, and performance. The bike featured here is the GT-B, a prime example of Thunderbike’s mastery. As the name suggests, this bike has been treated to the full Thunderbike GT line of custom parts, transforming it into a machine that is not only more powerful but also a striking visual masterpiece.
Key Features of the Thunderbike GT-B Custom Breakout
The Thunderbike GT-B takes the Harley-Davidson Breakout to a completely new level. While it retains its core mechanical elements, such as the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, many of the parts have been swapped out to create a completely unique riding experience. Let’s break down the major upgrades that Thunderbike applied to the Breakout:
1. Wheels and Tires
One of the first noticeable upgrades on the Thunderbike GT-B is the new wheel design. The original wheels, which are sized at 21 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear, have been replaced with custom-machined aluminum wheels. The GT rims are now 23 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear, giving the bike a more aggressive and imposing stance.
- Stock Wheels:
- Front: 21 inches
- Rear: 18 inches
- Thunderbike GT Wheels:
- Front: 23 inches
- Rear: 21 inches
These larger wheels are complemented by Metzeler Cruisetec tires, which offer exceptional grip and performance on the road. The tires are shielded by custom fenders: a smaller front fender made of fiberglass and a larger, more intricate rear fender that is welded directly to the frame. The rear fender features hidden lights, adding an elegant touch to the bike’s aesthetics.
2. Suspension and Stance
The Thunderbike GT-B sits much lower than the stock Breakout, giving it a completely new stance. The lowered fork and air ride suspension system contribute to this change, allowing the rider to adjust the ride height for a smoother and more comfortable experience. The air ride system also gives the bike a sleek and aggressive look when lowered, making it stand out on the road.
- Stock Breakout:
- Standard suspension
- Higher ride height
- Thunderbike GT-B:
- Lowered fork
- Air ride suspension system
Additionally, the GT-B features a single-sided swingarm holding the rear wheel, contributing to the bike’s unique and futuristic look. The single-sided swingarm is not only a visual highlight but also enhances the overall handling of the bike.
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3. Handlebars and Footrests
The stock handlebars of the Harley-Davidson Breakout have been replaced with custom handlebars mounted on risers. These handlebars are designed for a more comfortable and ergonomic riding position, improving both control and comfort.
- Stock Breakout:
- Standard handlebars
- Thunderbike GT-B:
- Custom handlebars on risers
The footrests have been moved forward, further enhancing the riding posture. These modifications contribute to a more relaxed and controlled ride, making it suitable for long rides or quick cruises around town.
4. Fuel Tank and Saddle
Another noteworthy change is the replacement of the stock fuel tank with one sourced from the FXDR model. The new tank provides a sleeker and more aggressive look, fitting in perfectly with the rest of the bike’s modifications. Additionally, the custom saddle has been positioned further back, adding to the bike’s overall unique silhouette.
- Stock Breakout:
- Standard fuel tank
- Stock saddle
- Thunderbike GT-B:
- FXDR-sourced fuel tank
- Custom saddle further back
This change not only affects the bike’s appearance but also the riding position, offering better comfort and more control over the motorcycle.
5. Custom Paint and Engine Details
One of the most striking visual elements of the Thunderbike GT-B is its custom paint job. The paint design, created by the crew from Ingo Kruse, features a stunning interplay of silver and black, with powder-coated engine components acting as focal points. The paint is bold yet sleek, giving the bike a sophisticated and modern look.
- Stock Breakout:
- Standard paint job
- Thunderbike GT-B:
- Custom silver and black paint by Ingo Kruse
- Powder-coated engine components
This unique paint design highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of Thunderbike, elevating the bike from a stock Harley-Davidson to a one-of-a-kind custom masterpiece.
Performance and Engine
While the Thunderbike GT-B focuses heavily on customization and design, it still retains the impressive mechanical power that the Harley-Davidson Breakout is known for. The bike is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, which offers:
- Power Output:
- 101 horsepower
- 123 ft-lb of torque
This engine provides the necessary power for an exhilarating ride, whether you’re cruising down highways or taking tight turns through winding roads. The stock mechanical components, such as the engine and transmission, remain unchanged in the Thunderbike GT-B, ensuring that the bike retains the same powerful and smooth performance as the original Breakout.
Cost and Value of the Customization
The Thunderbike GT-B, with its extensive range of modifications, is a prime example of how customization can take a stock Harley-Davidson Breakout to new heights. The stock Breakout retails for around $22,499, but the custom modifications added by Thunderbike increase the bike’s value significantly.
- Stock Harley-Davidson Breakout:
- Price: $22,499
- Thunderbike GT-B Custom:
- Price of custom parts: $16,500
With the full suite of Thunderbike GT parts, the price of the customized Breakout almost doubles, turning it into a bespoke machine that reflects the rider’s personality and style. While this is a significant investment, for many riders, the performance, look, and feel of a Thunderbike-customized bike is worth every penny.
Conclusion: The Appeal of Custom Motorcycles
The Harley-Davidson Breakout has always been a symbol of power and style, and with the help of custom shops like Thunderbike, it has evolved into a canvas for personal expression and performance. The GT-B transformation is a prime example of what happens when skilled craftsmanship meets a passion for customization. Riders who seek something truly unique and performance-driven find immense satisfaction in the Thunderbike-modified Breakout.
For many, a custom motorcycle is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s an extension of who they are and what they stand for. Whether you’re in the U.S. or Europe, the Thunderbike GT-B is a shining example of how a stock bike can be elevated into something extraordinary.
FAQs
What makes the Thunderbike GT-B Breakout different from the stock Harley-Davidson Breakout?
The Thunderbike GT-B Breakout is a heavily customized version of the stock Harley-Davidson Breakout. Key differences include larger, machined aluminum wheels, a lowered suspension with an air ride system, custom handlebars, a new FXDR-sourced fuel tank, and a unique paint job designed by Ingo Kruse.
How much does the Thunderbike GT-B customization cost?
The Thunderbike GT-B customization adds approximately $16,500 worth of parts to the stock Harley-Davidson Breakout, almost doubling its value. This includes high-end components like custom wheels, suspension, fenders, and handlebars, along with a bespoke paint job and other intricate details.
Is the Thunderbike GT-B Breakout still powered by the stock engine?
Yes, the Thunderbike GT-B Breakout retains the stock Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine found in the original Harley-Davidson Breakout. This engine delivers 101 horsepower and 123 ft-lb of torque, ensuring that the customizations don’t compromise the bike’s performance.