Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback is a versatile cruiser designed for riders seeking comfort and practicality without sacrificing classic styling. Its low seat height and accessible ergonomics make it ideal for shorter riders, while the advanced electronic instrumentation and ample fuel capacity cater to long-distance touring. The Switchback is best known for bridging the gap between traditional cruiser aesthetics and modern functional features.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 315.7 kg
Seat height: 663 mm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 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%

Cornering35%

City riding50%

Daily riding65%

Touring78%

Two-up75%

Track10%

Best for: Built as a light-touring cruiser, blending classic Dyna styling with a detachable windshield and saddlebags for weekend getaways and relaxed highway cruising.
Built for: A big-torque, air-cooled V-twin with laid-back power delivery that rewards smooth, unhurried riding rather than aggressive throttle inputs.
Not ideal for: Not a good match for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or outright top-end speed.

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 663mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback, 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 →

Range and running costs

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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: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 130 CO2 g/km
Torque: 135.6 Nm (13.8 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2724 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: 1595 mm
Overall length: 2357 mm
Seat height: 663 mm
Dry weight: 315.7 kg
Wet weight: 325.7 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.80 litres
Ground clearance: 109 mm
Oil capacity: 2.80 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 fork with 20 mm cartridge damping and triple rate spring
Rear suspension: Nitrogen charged 36 mm monotube damper with 5 step preload adjustable dual rate spring. Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded swingarm.
Front wheel travel: 98 mm
Rear wheel travel: 54 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.9°
Trail: 148 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 4-piston fixed. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 2-piston torque-free floating. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 130/70-B18
Rear tyre: 160/70-B17

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Ember Red Sunglo
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 →