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Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline is a stripped-down cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its low 24-inch seat height and lightweight 309.6kg frame make it accessible for varied rider sizes, while the minimalist design and blacked-out aesthetics appeal to those who prefer a raw, vintage aesthetic. Known for combining retro chopper styling with contemporary Harley engineering, it delivers authentic cruiser character with everyday ridability.

Capacity
1688.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
289.6 kg
Seat height
610 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
Speed 40Agility 35Comfort 55Off-road 5Touring 40Road manners 60
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering30%
City riding45%
Daily riding50%
Touring40%
Two-up55%
Track5%
Best for
Built for stylish, torquey boulevard cruising and short-to-medium rides rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for
A blacked-out, minimalist Softail with strong low-end torque, deep exhaust presence, and classic Harley cruiser attitude.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders wanting 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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 610mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline, 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

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
133.8 Nm (13.6 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption
5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio
0.2970 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
1689 mm
Overall length
2362 mm
Seat height
610 mm
Dry weight
289.6 kg
Wet weight
309.6 kg
Fuel capacity
18.90 litres
Ground clearance
133 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
Rear suspension
Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over
Front wheel travel
143 mm
Rear wheel travel
91 mm
Rake (fork angle)
30.0°
Trail
123 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
90/21-MH54
Rear tyre
200/55-R17
Other
Color options
Vivid Black, Black Denim, Big Blue Pearl/Vivid Black, H-D Orange/Vivid Black
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 →

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline has a Capacity of 1688.0 ccm (103.01 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline have?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline has a Power of 86.0 HP (63.3 kW).

How many gears does the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline have?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline has a Torque of 133.8 Nm (13.6 kgf-m or 98.7 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM.

How much does the Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline weigh?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXS Softail Blackline has a Dry weight of 289.6 kg (638.5 pounds).

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