Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo

42 fields on record

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo is a cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with a low-slung profile and commanding presence. Known for its iconic fat tires, retro design, and accessible seat height of 24.3 inches, this bike delivers authentic Harley character for both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and those transitioning to larger machines. The Fat Boy Lo combines aggressive aesthetics with practical features like electronic instrumentation and a comfortable two-up seat configuration.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 317.5 kg
Seat height: 616 mm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring50%

Two-up55%

Track5%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and image-driven style riding rather than outright speed or cornering agility.
Built for: This bike suits a rider who values classic Fat Boy styling, deep torque off idle, and a commanding, planted highway presence over agility or aggressive performance.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable machine for tight urban lane-splitting.

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 616mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 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 →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 133.8 Nm (13.6 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.3244 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.4 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 with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1638 mm
Overall length: 2395 mm
Seat height: 616 mm
Dry weight: 317.5 kg
Wet weight: 331.6 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 122 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: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 91 mm
Rake (fork angle): 31.6°
Trail: 147 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: 140/75-R17
Rear tyre: 200/55-R17

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Black Denim
Warranty: 24

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

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 →