2012Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy is an iconic cruiser with solid disc wheels. Its air-cooled 1,690cc V-twin makes 75 hp and 136 Nm through a six-speed gearbox and belt drive. A very low 654 mm seat, 330.2 kg wet weight and 18.9-litre tank give it presence.

Capacity: 1690.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 284.0 kg
Seat height: 654 mm
Power: 75.0 HP (55.2 kW)

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

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Engine capacity	1584.0 ccm (96.66 cubic inches)	1690.0 ccm (103.13 cubic inches)
Power	68.0 HP (50.0 kW)	75.0 HP (55.2 kW)
Torque	125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM	136.0 Nm (13.9 kgf-m or 100.3 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM
Wet weight	—	330.2 kg (728.0 pounds)
Fuel capacity	—	18.90 litres (4.99 US gallons)
Front suspension	—	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	—	Twin shocks
Rear brakes	—	Single disc. 2-piston
Wheelbase	—	1638 mm (64.5 inches)
Compression	9.2:1	9.6:1

Other years 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up60%

Track10%

Best for: Built for style-driven cruising and boulevard presence rather than outright performance or long-distance efficiency.
Built for: A bold, muscular cruiser with iconic Fat Boy looks, a thumping V-twin character, and a commanding, laid-back riding stance.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight nimble handling.

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 654mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson 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 →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1690.0 ccm
Power: 75.0 HP (55.2 kW)
Torque: 136.0 Nm (13.9 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2641 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Performance

Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1638 mm
Overall length: 2395 mm
Seat height: 654 mm
Dry weight: 284.0 kg
Wet weight: 330.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Oil capacity: 3.30 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Rake (fork angle): 31.0°
Trail: 147 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc. 2-piston
Front tyre: 140/75-R17
Rear tyre: 200/55-R17

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	1998	2003	2009	2012	2014	2019
Capacity	1338 cc	1450 cc	1584 cc	1690 cc	1688 cc	1746 cc
Dry weight	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	284 kg	313 kg	304 kg
Seat height	654 mm	654 mm	654 mm	654 mm	635 mm	675 mm
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L