Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FLSTF Softail Fat Boy

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Softail Fat Boy is an iconic cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic style with modern reliability. Known for its distinctive fat tire design, low-slung stance, and throwback aesthetic, it delivers impressive torque and comfortable two-up seating. This heavyweight cruiser excels on cruising and highway riding with its robust construction and timeless appeal.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 314.8 kg
Seat height: 635 mm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW)

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

What’s new for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Softail Fat Boy

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Engine capacity	1584.0 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)	1688.0 ccm (103.01 cubic inches)
Power	75.0 HP (55.2 kW)	103.0 HP (75.8 kW)
Torque	125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM	133.8 Nm (13.6 kgf-m or 98.7 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM
Wet weight	—	328.9 kg (725.1 pounds)
Seat height	690 mm (27.2 inches)	635 mm (25.0 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	Single disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc. 2-piston	Single disc. 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS.

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring60%

Two-up65%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and image-driven riding rather than outright performance.
Built for: A muscular, torque-rich cruiser icon that rewards relaxed throttle rolls and a laid-back riding style over aggressive cornering.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, 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.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 635mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Softail Fat Boy, 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: 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: 0.3272 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 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

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: 635 mm
Dry weight: 314.8 kg
Wet weight: 328.9 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: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 109 mm
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
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, Chrome Yellow, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl, Tequila Sunrise/H-D Orange
Warranty: 24

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	2007	2008	2010	2011	2012
Capacity	1573 cc	1573 cc	1584 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc
Dry weight	315 kg	315 kg	313 kg	313 kg	315 kg
Seat height	698 mm	698 mm	690 mm	690 mm	635 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	19.7 L	19.7 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 →