Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic

42 fields on record

The 2012 Heritage Softail Classic appeals to cruiser enthusiasts seeking authentic retro styling with modern reliability. Known for its classic 1940s aesthetic combined with contemporary comfort features, this middleweight cruiser delivers the iconic Harley-Davidson experience with a manageable seat height and accessible riding position. Steel laced wheels, chrome detailing, and available two-tone paint schemes define its timeless character.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 331.1 kg
Seat height: 648 mm
Power: 94.0 HP (69.1 kW)

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

What’s new for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Engine capacity	1584.0 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)	1688.0 ccm (103.01 cubic inches)
Torque	125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM	131.4 Nm (13.4 kgf-m or 96.9 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Wet weight	340.2 kg (750.0 pounds)	345.2 kg (761.0 pounds)
Seat height	688 mm (27.1 inches)	648 mm (25.5 inches)
Fuel capacity	19.70 litres (5.20 US gallons)	18.90 litres (4.99 US gallons)
Front suspension	41.3mm telescopic, beer can covers	41.3 mm telescopic, beer can covers
Front brakes	Single disc. 4-piston. Optional ABS.	Single disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc. 2-piston. Optional ABS.	Single disc. 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Compression	9.2:1	9.6:1

Other years 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring75%

Two-up75%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and classic-styled long-distance touring rather than speed or sport riding.
Built for: A traditional, heavyweight American cruiser with big V-twin torque, classic styling, and a relaxed, unhurried riding character.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering ability, high-speed performance, or any 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 648mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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: 94.0 HP (69.1 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 131.4 Nm (13.4 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2839 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Lubrication system: Pressurized, dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1638 mm
Overall length: 2400 mm
Seat height: 648 mm
Dry weight: 331.1 kg
Wet weight: 345.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Oil capacity: 3.30 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Mild steel tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded
Front suspension: 41.3 mm telescopic, beer can covers
Rear suspension: Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over
Front wheel travel: 109 mm
Rear wheel travel: 91 mm
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 130 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: MT90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl, White Hot Pearl, Ember Red Sunglo/Merlot Sunglo, 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	2000	2003	2006	2009	2012
Capacity	1449 cc	1449 cc	1442 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc
Dry weight	335 kg	335 kg	326 kg	326 kg	331 kg
Seat height	644 mm	697 mm	648 mm	648 mm	648 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19.7 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERDec 2014 · 14V794000

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2012 FXST103, FLSTC, FLSTC103, FLSTF, FLSTF103, FXDL, FXDWG, FXDWG103, FXDC, FXDB, FLSTN, FLSTN103, FLSTC103Shrine, FLSTFB, FLSTFB103, FXS, FXS103, FLS, FLS103, FLD, FLD103, FXDF, and FXDF103 Dyna and Softail motorcycles manufactured August 22, 2011, through February 24, 2012. In the affected motorcycles, the threads for the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder may corrode.

Risk: If the threads corrode, a sudden loss of brake fluid could result, causing a loss of the front brakes, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the master cylinder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0163 and 0164.

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 →