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2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy Overview
For 2012, Harley-Davidson offers the FLSTF Fat Boy as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1690 cc on tap. The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is built around a Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler engine, a compression ratio of 9.6:1. Out on the road, the FLSTF Fat Boy delivers 134 Nm @ 3500 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2012 FLSTF Fat Boy tips the scales at 329 kg, carries a 18.9-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of Laden 635 mm and spans a 1635 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 28.4 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy spec sheet below.
2012 FLSTF Fat Boy - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Accessible seat height: At just Laden 635 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
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Large fuel range: With a 18.9-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the FLSTF Fat Boy - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the FLSTF Fat Boy keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the FLSTF Fat Boy comes from Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
Single 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust covers up front and Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shock at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Belt final drive keeps day-to-day maintenance minimal on the FLSTF Fat Boy - just periodic tension and wear checks rather than the regular cleaning a chain demands.
Frame & chassis check
The Mild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The FLSTF Fat Boy's 329 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
FLSTF Fat Boy - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept FLSTF Fat Boy settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a FLSTF Fat Boy's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the FLSTF Fat Boy's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy have?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy uses a Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler engine with 1690 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy weigh?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy weighs 329 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy make?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy produces 134 Nm @ 3500 rpm of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has a 18.9-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 315-377 km between stops.
Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has a seat height of Laden 635 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy have?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy uses Single 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper at the front and Single 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy use?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy runs 140/75R17 67V front and 200/55R17 78V rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy have?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy Spec Evolution
The Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy was produced across 8 model years (1995-2012). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1995 |
1998 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
| Wet Weight |
320 kg / 706 lbs |
320 kg / 706 lbs |
329.0 kg / 725 lbs |
329.0 kg / 725 lbs |
329.0 kg / 725 lbs |
329.0 kg / 725 lbs |
329.0 kg / 725 lbs |
329 kg / 725 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, V-Twin, Twin Cam 103B Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylinder, with Integrated Oil-Cooler |
| Seat Height |
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Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in |
Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in |
Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in |
Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in |
Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in |
Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
19 Litres / 5.0 US gal |
19 Litres / 5.0 US gal |
18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal |
18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal |
18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal |
18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal |
18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal |
18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal |
| Displacement |
1337 cc / 81.5 cu-in |
1337 cc / 81.5 cu-in |
1584 cc / 96 cu-in |
1584 cc / 96 cu-in |
1584 cc / 96 cu-in |
1584 cc / 96 cu-in |
1584 cc / 96 cu-in |
1690 cc / 103.1 cub in. |
| Wheelbase |
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1715 mm / 67.5 in |
1715 mm / 67.5 in |
1715 mm / 67.5 in |
1715 mm / 67.5 in |
1715 mm / 67.5 in |
1635 mm / 64.2 in |
| Brakes - Front |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292mm disc 4 piston caliper |
Single 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
Key Specifications
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
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
134 Nm / 13.7 kgf-m / 98.8 ft. lbs @ 3500 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal
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Full 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy Specifications
Year
2012
Make Model
Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy
Seat Height
Laden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in
Wheelbase
1635 mm / 64.2 in
Length
2396 mm / 94.3 in
Fuel Capacity
18.9 Litres / 5.0 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR
526.0 kg / 1160 lbs
Oil Capacity
3.3 Litres
Wet Weight
329 kg / 725 lbs
Displacement
1690 cc / 103.1 cub in.
Engine Detail
Four 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 Stroke
98.4 x 111.1 mm
Compression Ratio
9.6:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Exhaust
Chrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Induction
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition
Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
Starter
Electric
Final Drive
Belt
Gear Ratios
1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Mild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded
Suspension - Front
41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust covers
Suspension - Rear
Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shock
Rake
31°
Trail
147 mm / 5.8 in
Brakes - Front
Single 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
140/75R17 67V
Tyres - Rear
200/55R17 78V
Wheels
Optional Style Type Mirror Polished Chrome, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum (front and rear)
Wheels - Front
Silver, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum
Wheels - Rear
Silver, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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