Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special appeals to riders seeking aggressive styling and modern performance in a cruiser package. Known for its muscular V-Rod engine, low-slung stance, and distinctive blacked-out appearance, it delivers attitude-driven cruising with contemporary features like electronic instrumentation and LED lighting. Best suited for experienced riders who prioritize presence and character over comfort.

Capacity: 1250.1 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 288.9 kg
Seat height: 650 mm
Power: 107.5 HP (79.1 kW)

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

What’s new for the 2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Dry weight	293.0 kg (646.0 pounds)	288.9 kg (636.9 pounds)
Seat height	690 mm (27.2 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)
Front suspension	Wide, 49mm custom fork	43 mm Inverted fork
Rear suspension	Preload adjustable	Preload adjustable shocks. Polished, one-piece cast aluminum with black powder-coat finish swingarm.
Front brakes	Double disc. 4-piston. Patented, one-piece floating rotor.	Single disc. 4-piston calipers. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc. 4-piston. Uniform expansion rotor.	Single disc. 4-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%

Cornering45%

City riding50%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up45%

Track35%

Best for: It's built for muscular straight-line thrills and boulevard presence rather than corner-carving or long-distance touring.
Built for: It has a raw, drag-bike-inspired attitude with strong low-end torque, a low-slung stance, and aggressive styling that rewards throttle confidence.
Not ideal for: It's not a good fit for riders seeking off-road capability, upright touring comfort, or nimble flickable handling in tight corners.

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 650mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special, 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: 1250.1 ccm
Power: 107.5 HP (79.1 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 148 CO2 g/km
Torque: 115.3 Nm (11.8 kgf-m) @ 7000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 6.40 litres/100 km (15.6 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.3721 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 105.0 x 72.0 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Pressurized, dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: 9-plate, wet, Assist and Slip

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1702 mm
Overall length: 2365 mm
Seat height: 650 mm
Dry weight: 288.9 kg
Wet weight: 303.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 122 mm
Oil capacity: 4.70 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails; MIG welded
Front suspension: 43 mm Inverted fork
Rear suspension: Preload adjustable shocks. Polished, one-piece cast aluminum with black powder-coat finish swingarm.
Front wheel travel: 102 mm
Rear wheel travel: 74 mm
Rake (fork angle): 34.0°
Trail: 130 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 4-piston calipers. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre: 240/40-R18

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Black Denim, Sedona Orange
Warranty: 24

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	1131 cc	1250 cc	1250 cc	1250 cc	1250 cc
Dry weight	292 kg	292 kg	292 kg	293 kg	289 kg
Seat height	668 mm	668 mm	650 mm	690 mm	650 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 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

EQUIPMENTOct 2012 · 12V503000

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all model year 2012 and certain model year 2013 VRSCDX motorcycles manufactured from June 14, 2011, through August 1, 2012. The license plate bracket assembly's mounting screws may loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender. This condition may lead to contact with the rear tire which could cause the license plate bracket to rotate, possibly damaging the rear brake line.

Risk: If the license plate bracket contact with the rear brake line remains undetected, it may affect rear brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash, which could lead to injury or death of the rider.

Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 6, 2012. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

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 →