2024 Harley-Davidson Bikes Launched In India: The Breakout Breaks Out Again

Harley-Davidson India, operations of which are now handled solely by Hero MotoCorp, has brought in the 2024 models. The prices start at Rs 13.39 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 41.79 lakh (ex-showroom). Additionally, the Breakout has been reintroduced in the country, albeit in a 1923cc guise called the Breakout 117. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide models have received comprehensive updates. First up is the bigger 1923cc air-/oil-cooled V-twin engine that makes 107PS and 175Nm as compared to the 2023 models that had a 1868cc V-twin engine making 93PS and 158Nm. But even with increased performance, the claimed mileage has gone up marginally. One of the reasons for this could be the 7kg drop in the kerb weight of both the bikes, which now weigh in at (a still very heavy) 375kg and 380kg, respectively. 

In terms of styling, both cruisers have a revised fairing with improved aerodynamics and claim to reduce buffeting at higher speeds. H-D has also utilised this opportunity to include new LED headlights on these premium bikes. The 2024 Road Glide also gets a taller handlebar. Other styling revisions on these bikes include redesigned side panels, hard panniers, LED tail lights, blacked-out engines and exhausts, re-profiled seats that are now 25mm taller, and new wheels. 

On the features front, the biggest change is the updated instrument cluster which is a TFT touchscreen panel with integrated gauges, navigation and smartphone connectivity. Harley has slapped in a more powerful, 200-watt amplifier to power the new speakers.

In terms of comfort, the rear suspension travel has gone up to 3 inches. These cruisers also pack in a comprehensive safety suite with cornering ABS, cornering traction control, hill-hold, and a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard. These, along with the engine performance, can be adjusted to rider preferences with four new riding modes – Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom. 

Next up is the Breakout 117, which is priced at Rs 30.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The biggest update on it is the 1293cc V-twin engine making 102PS and 168Nm. It too gets LED headlights, tail lights and indicators, though the safety suite only includes ABS and traction control, both of which aren’t cornering-enhanced. The swanky design, massive 240-section rear tyre, and minimalistic bodywork – that hides the rear suspension – make this Breakout look like a proper hardtail chopper. 

If you have been planning to buy a new Harley-Davidson bike, here’s the price list for the entire model range, which can be ordered from any of the official dealers in the country: 

All in all, the big Harleys are pretty expensive for what they offer. For example, the Breakout 117, while looking and costing like (multi) million bucks, has much even more affordable attention-grabbing alternatives, such as the feature-packed Ducati Diavel V4 (Rs 25.91 lakh) and the insanely torquey Triumph Rocket 3 (Rs 21.99 lakh). That said, folks paying for a shiny Harley are not just paying for the bike but for the lifestyle that comes attached to it.