Heavyweight Cruiser Motorcycle Shootout. Harley-Davidson Breakout 117, BMW R 18, Triumph Speedmaster 

When I started riding in the 1970's I never thought a 1200cc bike would be called the small bike!.

7K miles on a 2020 Speedmaster. This is so much fun to ride in the tight twisty leisurely. Riding beteween 2K-3K RPMs. The freaking torque just floats you up and down the hills. Just give it a little twist. No need to down shift. Country road, pure riding joy.

I just love the looks of the Triumph Speedmaster.

I bought the Triumph because I am 60+ and it's a very good fit when you want a bike that is easy to ride and super light to move around

All three are great bikes I have the speedmaster because of the cost and don’t regret my decision because at the end of the day it’s about the ride no matter what you choose

I would go for the Harley and I will explain why. The Triumph, as much it may be, technically speaking, an excellent bike, I think it gives the impression that it is an "adaptation" of the lovable British flavor towards the cruiser style. I mean, for me it is like, despite the Speed Master being all engeneered and built on the factory, it was not born a cruiser at heart like the mighty Thunderbird line up was. The Speed master seems to me more like Triumph was trying their best to make some sort of "cruiserification" of the Bonnie. Besides that, the water cooled Bonneville line up, for me, lacks the Holy Grail that every cruiser should reach, that ineffable classic feel when being ridden. In short, water cooled Bonnies and their cousins are totally modern bikes disguised as retro and it is big 'no' for me. The BMW18, on the other hand, seems to have loads of quality, authenticity, character and even soul. But despite that "aura", I don't know, in long the term, if it gonna be a model that will endure for many years to come on the Bavarian line up. Therefore I also have doubts about parts available in, lets say, 15 or 20 years ahead and if there will be mechanics able to work on them in such future (yes I tend to "marry to my bikes). For me those points are to many and too important and the doubts they raise are, again, a big 'no'. Harleys (at least until the M8 generation) are almost what they always has been. For some it may be a bad thing that means the brand did not evolve, for others, like me, it is quite the opposite. I mean, it's good that they did not change so much their engine architecture since the mythical Knucklehead keeping their feeling and identity very recognizable but also improving reliability and performance consistently since the Evolution motors. Those characteristics give to Harleys a, lets say, sence of lineage that is unbeatable. And also give that peace of mind that, no matter what, there always be parts available and some one that will know how to work on them. That's why Harley wins here. So, for me, It's not a matter of hating other bikes and/or worshiping Harleys, it's a matter of some degree of practicality and, in a more subjective take on the big cruisers affair, feeling and staying connected and coherent to something that may be alluded to as a "philosophy". P.S. A more personal note. When I look to my old and faithfull 2002 Softail Deuce, I got a feeling that she is, if not the "grandma" of the Breakout, at least her "aunty". 😉 Best regards from Brazil. ✌

only one winner for me and that is the HD, another great video, well filmed and put together, keep up the good work

Having owned two of those bikes (the Speedmaster 1200 and still have the Breakout 117), I commend you on this objective review. It's exactly how I would describe them! Perfectly assessed IMHO. Well done!

Enjoyed all that. Daily bike? Then the Triumph by a mile. A special bike for sunny Sundays? Then either of the other two.

I love them all, I wish I had more money to cycle through a new bike each season. If I had to choose, probably the Harley for me. (I currently ride a triumph scrambler 1200

Enjoyed that. Like all three but I have an R18 in my garage, I love it. Like you I appreciate big cruisers for what they can do well, not what they can’t. If I wanted a Fireblade I’d buy one 👍

I do like all 3! But for me it’s the Triumph Excellent video 👍🏻😎

Another great and watchable review. As I have commented on a previous video today, I’m waiting for my shiny new Speedmaster Chrome edition. This is bike number 25 for me, so over my motorcycling ‘career’ I have ridden lots of bikes and owned lots of bikes. I once rode a Hayabuser at 160mph….but what was the point. All but a few have been brand new bikes, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda in my early days moving onto BMW (K1200RS, RT 1150 @ 1200, several GS’s, a Harley, 3 Triumphs, K1600B, a K1200LT which was the heaviest bike. I can ride fast (ex police rider, DSA motorcycle Instructor) on any machine, but…I enjoy riding..slowly…taking in the scenery, enjoying getting there, savouring the journey. I learnt years ago that riding fast isn’t actually fun….breaking speed limits has its risks for one’s licence..and do you actually get there any faster? People should give these cruiser bikes ago and realise they do bring a smile to one’s face and they are still fun to ride. I think you portray this message brilliantly and again it is great you let us listen to the sound these bikes make….I switch off to too much commentary over the sound of the bike…it annoys me. If I were to make a bike video, I wouldn’t go into any detail of the specs..as specs don’t portray the character of the bike. I’d go for more on how the bike makes one feel…after all, that’s what motorcycling is all about…passion…for the ride.👌

I have an R18 and love it having been Harley all my life. I find it is better engineered and finished than HD

I really don't class the Speedmaster as a cruiser - and your comment in this video pretty much back that up. What you have here is two cruisers and a relaxed road bike.

I have to say the speedmaster for me too, being a Shorthouse it would fit perfectly, and aesthetically looks the dog danglies IMO, Of course there is and always will be the cost element. My other point is that depends what you want the bike for, I live on a small island so i see no point in having some huge monster cruiser of 1700/1800cc if you can only have short ride outs.

So, I’ve owned a Speedmaster 1200, I’ve owned an R18 and now own a Low Rider S 114. So not quite the full set. The Speedmaster I loved. The bike feels great, is super easy to live with and I found on mine with the rear shock stiffened up incredibly competent at fast road riding. From a standstill being so small and “under powered” you can dump the clutch and disappear up to road legal speeds. Upset a GSXR 750 rider twice from two sets of lights before he went past me like a rocket down a dual carriageway and then within a mile there was a speed camera on a bridge, so that was three times he was disappointed and upset within minutes. The only things I didn’t like with the Speedmaster, the small fuel tank. Yes it’s frugal but if you ride it hard 12ltrs is not enough. And the bike feels small, with a large pillion it’s just not really practical. I would love to see Triumph bring out a 1800cc+ Thunderbird with the Speedmaster styling, that would absolutely be a winner. The R18 I had for a very short time. Parts availability where I live is absolutely horrendous, it was constantly broken and the dealer was one of the worst I’ve ever come across. I had the bike 3 months and it spent most of that time at the dealers waiting for parts on 3 separate occasions. When it did work, the stock seat is absolutely awful, woeful in-fact. Suspension isn’t bad once set up for your weight and ground clearance not too bad. Goes quick enough, the bike feels solid but in my experience definitely isn’t and as a whole package the looks, fit and finish are really really good (there’s very few exposed wires or anything ugly). Also when riding looking down at the cylinder heads is absolutely ridiculous and just makes you smile. Shaft drive is a massive bonus, valve clearances every 6000 miles not so. Also makes a very addictive sound and can be spec’d with actual useful extras. My Harley, “feels” super light weight in comparison to the R18, but everything you touch feels less well built than the BMW. However I’ve had zero problems with my FXLRS. I test rode a 117 and a 114, I much preferred the 114. To me riding back to back the 114 feels more eager to rev up, although once going the 117 feels a lot more powerful. But for me and my bum it felt more powerful when rolling on and the 114 when accelerating from slow speeds. Where I live everything’s super tight and twisty so it was the 114 for me. Suspension wise I’m amazed at how hard the Harley feels, front and back. Makes it feel stable at speed but bumpy pot holed roads are not fun. However the benefits of Harley is any and all complaints or parts I don’t like are easily fixed relatively cheaply with a massive amount of after market parts. Every single thing I bought for the BMW was even more expensive than Harley’s own parts catalogue. But here’s the thing. The Triumph dealer near me is one of the best dealers I’ve used anywhere, they also own the Harley dealership next door and they have been really easy to deal with. My two local BMW dealers are the same franchise and they are the worst I’ve come across. I think really you hope to never see a dealer for problems, but a good dealer should always be a big part of the decision on the bike you choose. Good dealers are hard to find.

I own both a 2021 R18 and a 2022 Rocker 3R. Love them both, 2 different types of bikes. I am 6'2" 190lbs so the fit is great for both bikes. I do like you reviews on these bikes and has a lot of value. Thanks for all the work you do with the reviews.

Ever since you picked the R18 and did those reviews, absolutely fell in love with it. I was looking for a first bike at the time and it was just too big and intimidating for me, so I ended up with a T100 black which has been perfect and absolutely love it! However, someday when I get to a certain level of experience and confidence, will be getting the R18, hands down!

I prefer the Triumph because of weight , handling , miles per gallon , looks , cost of buying and probably cheaper to fix also , then this bike will cart you crap anywhere you want to go on a lower budget to boot , plus i am a short old fart that loves retro and mechanical watches so they go well together like mom and pops

I have a 2022 Triumph Bobber and a 2023 HD Breakout and the Bobber gives me the lightweight ease of handling of a cafe racer and the Breakout gives me the torquey muscle of a sports cruiser. I love both for the difference they provide and the only thing neither provide is the comfort of a touring bike so for that I’m considering a HD Lowrider ST. Stay safe out there and have fun celebrating the uniqueness of your ride!

Hello Ol'man you're an Legendary Person because your motorcycles reviews are very useful for everyone

r18 best bike i have ever owned

I own a Speedmaster and its my favorite bike I have ever owned. I have had a VRod in the past and I did test a Breakout. The Breakout's large front wheel made it feel less nimble to me. I have never ridden the R18, but I do like them. I am 5'9" so I think the Speedmaster just fit me best. Besides my Speedmaster, the Yamaha Road Warrior was my favorite cruiser. I wish they still made them.

All three bikes are good but I would pick the Triumph Speedmaster, because of its classic lines and more manageable size.

I've got the R18 Bagger and it is an amazing bike. Been riding for 40 years and it is by far my favorite.

Don’t hate any but prefer the Triumph even though I’m a BMW rider. The triumph just looks good in my eyes. That said boy are they all heavy machines

Love all three, but it is the Triumph for ME!

The Speed masters for me, but they have a awesome style 😎

There’s no way I could justify £24k on the Harley, no matter how much I liked it.. Speedy for me which is why I’m on my second one😎

I’ve just got my first bike at 61 😂 I went for the speedmaster I love it but I like all three bikes 👍

I have a 2022 speedmaster and bought it after a review I saw of yours. I really like it, not much of a Harley guy. The BMW looks good, but the triumph is a really fun bike to ride. So theirs my two cents.

I have the R18 in the Classic variant. Tried multiple Harley’s, Indians, Rocket 3 & the Bobber (similar to Speedmaster), but the R18 resonated the most with me. My second choice was the Bobber & I still may add one to the fleet in the future. I’m tall at 6’4” and personally find forward controls uncomfortable, which is why the Harleys & Indians didn’t vibe with me. So much pressure on my tailbone, I was eager to get off the Harley & Indian bikes after only 20 minutes. Neither the Bobber nor the R18 which both have mid controls had that effect & I ride my R18 all day with no issues. Each of the bikes in this review have their own character that you can appreciate (Harley burble is quite nice), but one has to see what works best for them overall.

Delivered today Harley 117 vivid Black can’t wait !!!

I owned the 114 Breakout and really enjoyed it. I sold it a few years ago and wish I still had it. It wasn’t all that great on twisty mountain roads because I was constantly scraping the pegs but it was very enjoyable to just cruise around town on it.

Not a Harley hater, just think the price has always been too high for what they offer. Love the R18, however a bit of "overkill" in terms of size for me. First motorcycle I sat on was as a pillion on my brothers 1968 650 Bonneville. Fell in love with the baby blue teardrop tank and the sound. Cheers

The torque outputs for the r18 and breakout are crazy numbers, will have to try one of them at some point. I actually really like the look of the breakout and the more classic r18 styling but still got to be the triumph for me.

I love the Speedmaster something about that bike just says classic! But if I had the money I would go with the Harley, it’s an absolute stunner of a bike and if the steering is as friendly as you say it’s a great bike to have!

Hands down the 2024 "Rocktaine", there 5th release and they finely nailed it

All three are wonderful and I would like to try the Breakout some days... But for now a ride a Speedmaster 865 and I love it, it's my first Triumph and I have to thanks also you and you videos for this great choose. Wait you in Spain!🇬🇧🇪🇸

First of all, thank you Ol' Man for the awesome comparison of the soul of these three gorgeous two-wheeled specimens. I thought the comparison of these three was very apt. They are, after all, heritage cruisers that heavily draw inspiration from the 40s, 50s and 60s. They are all brawny and bold. You can't go wrong with any of these bikes. The Breakout is simply stunning. (But why did Harley not adorn this work of art with a round speedo?) The R 18 looks like it was carved out of granite. Solid, sculpted with art deco exhausts. My only issue is not being able to stretch out the ol' legs. The Goldilocks of the group? The Speedmaster possesses the perfect blend of classic knock-out looks, power, size and handling. The spoked chrome wheels ensure an authentic look that can't be beat. Plus, as I was very surprised to learn--there's the almost preposterous value proposition of it being nearly half the price of the Breakout. You could cherry pick some serious aftermarket add-ons for gobs more torque and HP, as well as every accessory imaginable with that extra money in your pocket. The Speedmaster will never go out of style, and like the Old Man said (on his Speedmaster review), it will probably be a classic in 20-30 years time. In the end, they're all great bikes, and I can't imagine anyone being disappointed regardless of whichever one (or two, or three) you choose.

I think as a guy trying to get into riding, the Triumph might be the best choice

Thank you for your vid...in my opinion you have to change the Thunderbird 1700 into your video...that would be very interested!

Love the Triumph. More power doesn't always equal more bike.

I rather have two Speedmasters than one of the other two.. 😊

I own a 2020 Low Rider S. I replaced the stock handle bar riser with a Biltwell 10 inch Murdock pull back riser (upright riding position super comfortable now). Also installed Viking Baldur Extra Large Painted Saddlebags with a Quick Disconnect System. I also installed Front Crash Bars and a windshield. I also added a Saddlemen Step up seat and a Harley Five Bar Sport Luggage Rack with back rest. Bought also a Viking Voyage Premium XL Motorcycle Sissy Bar Bag. The only thing left that I plan on doing is replacing the stock mufflers sometime in the near future. I love this motorcycle. This summer hopefully I will ride to Sturgis on it. Anyway, let the good times roll on ... 😉

I don't particularly like HD's but this one certainly looks a whole heap better than the others, and sounds really good. The Triumph would probably be for me. Loved the bmw R9T i had which to me was a real torque monster, but the R18 is just way too big. Thx for the vids !

Ive just come off of a big cruiser, Suzuki M1800R, so have a pretty good idea how the BMW and Harley would handle the corners. However Ive reached an age where weight of bikes becomes a problem. So, based on that it would be the Triumph for me.

I prefer the Harley , but i am biased due to presently owning one. It's hard to beat their sound with after market pipes etc. on them.

Great video as ever old bean, as an ex Rocket 3R owner I loved that bike and was arguably the best handling 300kg bike ever made and power was on another level but 💯 agree on the ‘retro’ comments. The Rocket was a bit confused with some Bonneville elements but also modern. Last Rocket was way more retro. I then went more retro with the CB1100RS (*after your video) as wanted the lighter bike and more retro and had the turn of speed I like and handling for the twisties. Of the three I gravitate to the Speedmaster, something quintessentially British, sounds great and a bit lighter and more chuckable. Between HD and R18 I’d probably go for the beemer, more retro looking, the Breakout for me sits in the middle, not a full retro but a good looking bike but just not set up for the sort of A-B road riding I like to do. Keep on riding, keep on smiling sir 👋 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

BMW R18 and RE Classic 350 for me are the most beautiful new big and small bikes in the market. They have no rival 😮

Would not the Rocket 3 be the more appropriate companion to the others in this test?

I own an 05 roadking custom and have come to the conclusion that I need a commuter for a 60+ mile commute. I really like the speedmaster for an everyday bike.

I would go with the Speedmaster, however I'm not a fan of forward controls so I would definitely change the Speedmaster to mid controls, I'm not a fan of longer rake either which is probably why I also prefer the speed master. My family are all Harley riders and I have to say Harley definitely make the most beautiful Engines the BMW when you see it in person it really is an extremely impressive bike one almost has to see it in person to really appreciate that bike, all the bikes are beautiful but Speedmaster with mid controls would be my choice

For me, it's the breakout all day long, performance, and looks.

I reckon y'd be happy owning any of them. You only have to please yourself in the long run. I think each of those bikes nicely salutes the nation's from which they come. The Harley is in ya face bigger is better USA grunt. The BMW is" look at me, I'm a pumped up R32 and am above competing with the new world." The Triumph is "forget I was once part of a German Anglo partnership, I'm as cool as Lawrence of Arabia." All cool on their own right however, you can be cool on a bicycle if you want to be. Love the channel.

As always, you do many credible and thorough reviews. You're also very likable, as is your son, and deliberate in your choice of words in, what appears to be, an effort not to displease the manufacturers or any of your followers! I commend you for treading this fine line of journalism so nicely and skillfully managing to highlight those areas where one would choose one model over the other. Since many of us in the Northeastern United States contend with traffic issues on our congested Interstates, I would have liked to hear your perspective on how each model deals with heat management while encountering stop-and-go traffic in warmer weather. Keep up the great work!

Speedy for me, love the weight/balance/handling . Goes like a rocket if you need it or just great for a pootle around. Just got back from france on mine. 7hrs in the saddle no problem. Would love a go on the others but not really a fan of either make, the harley wheels dont appeal, bmw engines always put me off a little, but I am betting I would enjoy the rides. The Triumph is also superb value at £13k, both the other bikes re significantly higher price. As ever enjoyed the vid. Thank you

Had two Harleys, enjoyed them both, but the Triumph this time around me thinks :)

I like the triumph but if I had the money and was into the cruiser scene, the BMW is just glorious. Well made, elegant, powerful and the BMW dealer near me (Cotswold Motorrad) are just the best I've ever dealt with.

Triumph 👍🏻

SpeedMaster all day & night! To be fair I haven't try the R18 😅 Imo the SpeedMaster is light, agile & handsome. Had it from the agent for a couple of days & I throughly enjoyed it 👍

Own the Triumph and loving it but The Breakout stance is so sexy and muscular

I am biased, I ride a street glide special and love Harleys. But for me the best Harley cruiser option, is probably the FatBoy Lo or the Softail slim. Triumphs undersized speed master is ok, too retro for my taste. Triumph unfortunately doesn’t offer any cruiser options , I don’t count the rocket 3 as a cruiser, it’s a hybrid bike, not a legit cruiser. Triumph needs to develop a another heavy cruiser to replace the thunderbird. Harley just has so many excellent options in this class, nobody else has their array of choices, fat bobs, fat boys, Softail slim, sport glide, and their street and road glides which are touring bikes that most guys use as cruisers.

All great bikes. I have the R18. It's a dream to ride. The mileage was getting up a bit, 35k kms, so I bought a diavel 1260 for something different. It also makes friends everywhere I go, except of course, with the police. I haven't had a ticket on it yet, however, I can see they would like to make a trophy of my license. This, from my own experience, is a far lesser problem with the cruisers in this review.

I loved my time with the first Breakout in 2013 and part exchanged it for a Softail Deluxe in 2017 as I was planning to do some touring and thought the Deluxe would be more suitable. I am not unhappy with my decision as it handles significantly better than the Breakout but its obviously a different style of Harley Davidson. I loved both. Last year I bought a Triumph Speedmaster "Gold Line" edition as I was thinking longer term when the Softail Deluxe might become too heavy for me to move about. I have to say that I am so happy with both of these bikes as they both bring so much to the party.

Yeah I dont think a speedmaster is the same class as these two really either. the 1700cc Trimph Thunderbird is a closer match

If I could have the Harley exhausts on the R18 instead of that huge fish tail I'd take one tomorrow (assuming I could afford it)!! Loving the new style videos of late. 👍

Personally, always the breakout 117 for me, love that bike!

I’d have the speed master , looks cool, and best bang for your buck by a long shot.

All of these bikes look amazing! If I had to choose one for my daily commute and weekend trips, I'd go for the Triumph. However, I have to say that the other two are absolutely stunning. It's true that owning a Harley-Davidson makes you feel like you're part of a family. For instance, I recently took my V7 to a rally and had a great time. Although everyone was friendly, the Harley-Davidson enthusiasts were a family.

I’m an American Triumph guy. Brilliant motorcycles. Harley is just way to expensive to own and maintain.

I like them all. Heck i like most all bikes! Never understood this need to hate on others preferred ride... I have a Harley Road King and live in Norway. Never met anyone hating on my bike but certanly met many that cant resist the urge to come up to me at the petrol station just to tell me they would never buy a Harley... But mostly there are people that come and compliment my bike. I think i would be perfectly happy with any of those 3, they all look gorgeous but i would pick the Bonnaville Bobber rather than the speedmaster. Road King rather than Breakout and RnineT rather than the R18 :D

I love the style and ride position of the R18. I’m only 5’7” so always need short-reach pegs which gives it the edge over the HD. If I put them in order of preference: R18, HD117, Speedmaster. However, if I had a choice of all that’s on the market, I’d probably go do the Nightster as I found it the most comfortable riding position for me.

Love them all but I ended up with an R18B and absolutely love it. Every time I get on the bike I find I appreciate every detail of the bike more.

I've been waiting on this 'shoot-out' review ever since you lads teased it a view videos back - excellent work as usual men 👍

I own BMW R18 C And love it ,always draws attention, came from a BMW R1200 rt which was the easiest handling bike,no regrets

Could be me being a huge Triumph fan, but gotta be the Speemaster. Looking at one from 2015 to buy for longer trips with the missus.

One thing to consider maybe for a future video is running costs, depreciation of each of these and servicing costs. The BMW is high but amazing quality service experience as per the cars. Triumph and Harley not so sure... Great video again.

I would go for the R18, love that classic look

Think I’d go with the BMW. It’s the most unique in this group.

Danke für das schöne Video 👍. Die Breakout ist für mich die schönste Harley aus der aktuellen HD Modellpalette.

Break out is good .... LRS 117 with forwards control's is way better. Oh yer, that's what i did .... everyone that rides it go OMG, that's awesome ... Best bike I've EVER owned, and I've had loads

I’d go for the R18 but I’d have to change those fishtail pipes for something slimmer. I do appreciate that some just love the look of them but not me.

I am not a big guy so triumph for me,and i think it suits our NZ roads better, heavy enough for stability but light enough for carving through the corners,

All three are beautiful bike but if I could afford it I'd buy the breakout in a second. I'm a long time Harley fan and, someday, I'll get one once I sorted my license

I am looking at picking up a Breakout now. I like seeing the seating position on that bike for a taller guy and I have about 3 inches on you.

I would go for the Triumph, just because I am to small ( 170 cm ) to ride the two others . Used to ride an Indian Scout, but now converted to a Ducati Multistrada V2S.

I'd go for the R18, looks incredible! Every day is leg day when you don't have reverse gear!

All good looking bikes, but if I choose one to ride (money aside) it is an easy choice: The Breakout.

2023 Breakout 117...The perfect built. Finally Harley did amazing on this one.

Love to also see a mid cruiser comparison. Scout rogue, Honda cmx1000, eg.

I love the BMW, its a pocket battleship. Its just so outrageously hefty. The boxer twin is a work of art, a mobile sculpture. Aesthetically, the Speedmaster has never appealed as it its a bike of two halves, British at the front, american at the back. The Harley, well I can see the appeal, but not especially at that price. One day they might click for me, but not now. Its not often a BMW is the cheaper option.

Love the gym comparison at the beginning! Had me laughing 😂

Prefer the Triumph but the Harley sounds like one of the best Hogs ever made.

HD Breakout is the one I’d buy…BMW R18 is second…Rocket 3 is a distant third.

@ The Ol' Man: Thank you for another great vid, I'm curious when we'll see the first production out of Spain ☀️ To your question: I love the esthetics of the Bonnevilles, but I can't fall in love with the proportions of the Speedmaster. In my perception there is too much motorcycle going on at the back behind the short parallel twin - the overall stance just doesn't exite me. The R18 is gorgeous in every way. But the new Breakout just blews me away to be honest. At a first I thought you can't deny "Baja Orange", but now after your vid I would go for "Atlas Silver Metallic". Oh my god haha! Looking forward very much to your review of the Breakout! Cheers m8

I took my HD Low Rider S 117 M8 for my first ride of the season yesterday, the power on these M8s is ridiculous. The Speedmaster has the same engine my T120 had, smooth and stable. I love the Rocket 3 and it was between that and the Low Rider S for me. I picked the HD only because it's more of a swiss army type, more versatile.

Traded the Ultra for the Speedmaster and it hasn’t disappointed.

Speed Twin would be my pick rather than the Speedmaster