Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Fat Boy Special

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Fat Boy Special is an iconic cruiser designed for riders seeking classic American styling with modern reliability. Known for its aggressive stance, distinctive bullet-hole disc wheels, and low-slung seating position, it delivers the authentic cruiser experience. The powerful engine paired with a 6-speed transmission makes it ideal for both highway cruising and city riding.

Capacity: 1690.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 313.0 kg
Seat height: 680 mm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Fat Boy Special

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Engine capacity	1584.0 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)	1690.0 ccm (103.13 cubic inches)
Power	75.0 HP (55.2 kW)	103.0 HP (75.8 kW)
Torque	126.0 Nm (12.8 kgf-m or 92.9 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM	not listed
Dry weight	318.0 kg (701.1 pounds)	313.0 kg (690.0 pounds)
Front suspension	41.3 mm telescopic, beer can covers	not listed
Rear suspension	Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over	not listed
Front brakes	Single disc. 4-piston	Double disc
Compression	9.2:1	9.6:1

Other years 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding55%

Touring55%

Two-up50%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and style-driven weekend rides rather than outright performance.
Built for: A bold, muscular custom cruiser that rewards relaxed throttle-rolling torque over aggressive cornering.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp handling, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

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

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1690.0 ccm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3291 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1630 mm
Overall length: 2390 mm
Seat height: 680 mm
Dry weight: 313.0 kg
Wet weight: 330.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 125 mm
Oil capacity: 3.10 litres

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 31.6°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Front tyre: 140/75-R17
Rear tyre: 200/55-R17

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	2011	2012
Capacity	1584.00 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)	1690.00 ccm (103.12 cubic inches)
Dry weight	318.0 kg (701.1 pounds)	313.0 kg (690.0 pounds)
Seat height	680 mm (26.8 inches)	—
Fuel capacity	18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)	18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)