2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring vs 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
77.3 kW / 105.9 hp @ 5400 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
395 kg / 869 lbs
2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B 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 kg / 725 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2010 - 112012
Make ModelTriumph Rocket III TouringHarley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy
Dimensions
Seat Height730 mm / 28.7 inLaden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in
Wheelbase1705 mm / 67.2 in1635 mm / 64.2 in
Height1182 / 46.5 in (excluded quick release screen & mirrors)-
Length995 mm / 39.1 in (including levers (widest fixed part)2396 mm / 94.3 in
Width995 mm / 39.1 in (including levers (widest fixed part)-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity22.3 Litres / 5.9 US gal / 4.9 Imp gal18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-526.0 kg / 1160 lbs
Oil Capacity-3.3 Litres
Wet Weight395 kg / 869 lbs329 kg / 725 lbs
Performance
Max Power77.3 kW / 105.9 hp @ 5400 rpm-
Max Torque203Nm / 200.7 kgf-m / 150 ft.lbs @ 2500 rpm134 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 98.8 ft. lbs @ 3500 rpm
Engine
Displacement2294 cc / 140 cu in1690 cc / 103.1 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler
Bore x Stroke101.6 x 94.3 mm98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression Ratio8.7:19.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Exhaust-Chrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injectionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
IgnitionDigital inductive type via electronic engine management Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate-
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin spineMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded
Suspension - Front43mm Upside down forks41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust covers
Suspension - RearChromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preloadHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shock
Rake32° 31°
Trail152 mm / 6.0 in147 mm / 5.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipersSingle 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80 -R16140/75R17 67V
Tyres - Rear180/70 -R16200/55R17 78V
Wheels-Optional Style Type Mirror Polished Chrome, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum (front and rear)
Wheels - FrontAlloy 25-spoke, 17 x 3.5inSilver, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum
Wheels - RearAlloy 25-spoke, 16 x 7.5inSilver, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring

The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring edges out the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy thanks to its higher torque, liquid cooling, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 203Nm vs 134 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.
  • Larger displacement: 2294 cc vs 1690 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - Advantages

  • Lighter: 329 kg vs 395 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: Laden 635 mm vs 730 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring vs 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring and 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring uses Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is powered by Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler.
Which is lighter, the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is lighter at 329 kg compared to 395 kg for the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring - a difference of 66 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has the lower seat at Laden 635 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring sits higher at 730 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring has the edge in higher torque and liquid cooling, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.