Two-wheel Lowdown: 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout

Perhaps a shrink can explain sometime why crows, brook trout and people like shiny things. But until then, know that the Harley-Davidson CVO Breakout attracts an audience like a shimmering lure zaps a rainbow out of the aspen shadows. The Breakout—new for 2013 from Harley's Custom Vehicle Operations in Milwaukee—is a dazzling interpretation of the popular Softail. It features a tuned 1,802-cc OHV V-twin, six-speed gearbox, rangy 67.3-inch wheelbase and the most relaxed seating this side of a La-Z-Boy. Bottom line: It's a cruiser rather than a carve-'em-up apex hunter.

But what really distinguishes the CVO Breakout are its show-quality paint and components. From the unique wheels and fenders to the handlebar and engine covers—virtually everything is chromed, metal flake or polished.

It also thoroughly grabs attention from nearly everyone. After one ride, we parked at a caf

By John L. Stein