MotoSpecs

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103° Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
329.0 kg / 726 lbs
2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20122012
Make ModelHarley Davidson FLSTN Softail DeluxeTriumph Thunderbird 1600
Dimensions
Seat HeightLaden 622 mm / 24.5 in Unladen 670 mm / 25.9 in702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase1635 mm / 64.2 in1641 mm / 64.6in
Ground Clearance114 mm / 4.5 in-
Height-1216mm / 47.9 in
Length2400 mm / 94.4 in2350 mm / 92.5 in
Width-947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-308 kg / 678 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Maximum Load / GVWR526.0 kg / 1160 lbs-
Oil Capacity3.3 Litres4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal
Wet Weight329.0 kg / 726 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Max Power-63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Max Torque132 Nm / 98.8 ft. lbs @ 3250 rpm146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.1 sec
Engine
Displacement1690 cc / 103.1 cu-in1597 cc / 97.5 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103° Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-CoolerFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke98.4 x 111.1 mm103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio9.6:19.7:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)-
IgnitionSingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignitionDigital, inductive type via electronic engine management
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate, wet-
Final DriveBeltToothed belt
Gear Ratios1st 9.311 2nd 6.454 3rd 4.793 4th 3.882 5th 3.307 6th 2.791st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded-
Suspension - Front41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust coversShowa 47 mm forks
Suspension - RearHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shockShowa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload
Rake 32.1°32°
Trail147 mm / 5.8 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliper2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - FrontMT90-16 72H120/70 R19
Tyres - RearMU85B16 77H200/50 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe edges out the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 622 mm vs 702 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1690 cc vs 1597 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 146 Nm vs 132 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe and 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe uses Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103° Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe has the lower seat at Laden 622 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 sits higher at 702 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 stands out for higher torque and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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