Touring Motorcycles

2012Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic

42 fields on record

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic is a cruiser designed for riders seeking classic American styling with modern touring capability. Known for its iconic Hiawatha headlight, comfortable two-up seating, and reliable 6-speed transmission, it appeals to experienced cruiser enthusiasts who value tradition and highway comfort. Its lightweight steel-laced wheels and manageable 810-pound weight make it accessible while maintaining authentic Harley character.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 350.6 kg
Seat height: 678 mm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Engine capacity	1584.0 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)	1688.0 ccm (103.01 cubic inches)
Power	75.0 HP (55.2 kW)	86.0 HP (63.3 kW)
Torque	138.0 Nm (14.1 kgf-m or 101.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM	135.6 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs)
Dry weight	355.0 kg (782.6 pounds)	350.6 kg (772.9 pounds)
Wet weight	—	367.4 kg (810.0 pounds)
Seat height	714 mm (28.1 inches)	678 mm (26.7 inches)
Front suspension	41.3mm telescopic	41.3 mm telescopic
Rear suspension	Air-adjustable	Air-adjustable shocks. Mild steel; two-piece drawn and welded section; forged junctions; MIG welded swingarm.
Front brakes	Double disc. 4-piston fixed caliper. Optional ABS.	Double disc. 4-piston calipers. ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc. 4-piston fixed caliper. Optional ABS.	Single disc. 4-piston caliper. ABS.
Wheelbase	1630 mm (64.2 inches)	1613 mm (63.5 inches)

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding35%

Daily riding60%

Touring92%

Two-up88%

Track10%

Best for: Built for long-distance highway touring in classic cruiser style, prioritizing relaxed cruising and load-carrying over outright speed or sportiness.
Built for: A traditional, torque-rich air-cooled V-twin cruiser with chrome styling and a laid-back riding position that rewards patience over aggression.
Not ideal for: Not suited for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, high-speed performance, or any kind of off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 678mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 135.6 Nm (13.8 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2453 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Lubrication system: Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1613 mm
Overall length: 2393 mm
Seat height: 678 mm
Dry weight: 350.6 kg
Wet weight: 367.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Oil capacity: 3.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded
Front suspension: 41.3 mm telescopic
Rear suspension: Air-adjustable shocks. Mild steel; two-piece drawn and welded section; forged junctions; MIG welded swingarm.
Front wheel travel: 117 mm
Rear wheel travel: 76 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 170 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. 4-piston calipers. ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 4-piston caliper. ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 180/65-16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, White Hot Pearl, Big Blue Pearl/Vivid Black, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant, Silver Pearl, Tequila Sunrise/H-D Orange
Warranty: 24

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2008	2010	2011	2012
Capacity	1573 cc	1573 cc	1584 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc
Dry weight	332 kg	335 kg	355 kg	355 kg	351 kg
Seat height	749 mm	749 mm	735 mm	714 mm	678 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHOct 2011 · 11V506000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Risk: THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

These recalls cover some 2012 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →