Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible is a premium cruiser designed for riders seeking luxury and versatility. Its distinctive convertible design with removable passenger backrest and pillion transforms it from solo to two-up capable, while the custom leather seat and CVO exclusive graphics showcase premium craftsmanship. Best known for combining classic Softail styling with modern amenities, it appeals to experienced riders wanting upscale touring capability.

Capacity: 1802.7 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 345.2 kg
Seat height: 620 mm
Power: 115.0 HP (84.6 kW)

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

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring80%

Two-up80%

Track5%

Best for: Built as a premium, torque-rich boulevard cruiser for relaxed highway cruising and boulevard presence rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: A big-inch, chrome-laden CVO Softail that delivers strong low-rev torque, a deep V-twin rumble, and unmistakable Harley custom styling.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight nimble machine.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 620mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible, 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: 1802.7 ccm
Power: 115.0 HP (84.6 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 121 CO2 g/km
Torque: 142.4 Nm (14.5 kgf-m) @ 2750 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.3331 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 101.6 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
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: 1631 mm
Overall length: 2410 mm
Seat height: 620 mm
Dry weight: 345.2 kg
Wet weight: 357.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 109 mm
Oil capacity: 2.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 41.3 mm telescopic, chrome upper fork-slider covers
Rear suspension: Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over
Front wheel travel: 117 mm
Rear wheel travel: 51 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 4-piston calipers. ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 4-piston caliper. ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 130/70-R18
Rear tyre: 200/50-R18

Other

Color options: Crimson Red Sunglo with Scarlet Crystal graphics, Abyss Blue with Catacomb graphics, Satin Pewter with Catacomb graphics
Warranty: 24

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 open recall

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.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →