Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback - 2012 Specifications and Reviews
The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback is a versatile cruiser designed for riders seeking comfort and practicality without sacrificing classic styling. Its low seat height and accessible ergonomics make it ideal for shorter riders, while the advanced electronic instrumentation and ample fuel capacity cater to long-distance touring. The Switchback is best known for bridging the gap between traditional cruiser aesthetics and modern functional features.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2012 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | New 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler |
| Greenhouse gases | 129.9 CO |
| Fuel consumption | 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg) |
| Driveline | Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio. Final Drive Belt, 32/66 ratio. |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Lubrication system | Pressurized, dry-sump |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Bore x stroke | 98.4 x 111.3 mm (3.9 x 4.4 inches) |
| Compression | 9.6:1 |
| Torque | 135.60 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 |
| Engine details | Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1687.97 ccm (103.00 cubic inches) |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Black 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum with highlighted rims |
| Rear brakes diameter | 292 mm (11.5 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 2-piston torque-free floating. Optional ABS. |
| Front brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. 4-piston fixed. Optional ABS. |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 160/70-B17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 130/70-B18 |
| Rear suspension travel | 54 mm (2.1 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Nitrogen charged 36 mm monotube damper with 5 step preload adjustable dual rate spring. Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded swingarm. |
| Front suspension travel | 98 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Front suspension | 41.3 mm fork with 20 mm cartridge damping and triple rate spring |
| Trail | 148 mm (5.8 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 29.9° |
| Frame type | Mild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 2.80 litres (0.18 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 17.79 litres (4.70 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,595 mm (62.8 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 109 mm (4.3 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,357 mm (92.8 inches) |
| Seat height | 663 mm (26.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 325.7 kg (718.0 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 315.7 kg (696.0 pounds) |
| | |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Ember Red Sunglo |
| Factory warranty | 2 years, unlimited mileage. |
| Seat | One-piece, two-up seat with custom stitching |
| Electrical | Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca |
| Instruments | Tank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/Gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, 6-speed indicator light |
| Starter | Electric |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | Well suited to riders who already have some experience with heavy cruisers, though its manageable low seat height and torquey engine make it approachable for confident newer riders too. |
| Purpose | Built as a light-touring cruiser, blending classic Dyna styling with a detachable windshield and saddlebags for weekend getaways and relaxed highway cruising. |
| Rider Fit | The low 663 mm seat height and moderate weight make it accessible for shorter riders, but the substantial mass demands deliberate effort at parking-lot speeds and in tight maneuvers. |
| Character | A big-torque, air-cooled V-twin with laid-back power delivery that rewards smooth, unhurried riding rather than aggressive throttle inputs. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good match for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or outright top-end speed. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (1)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2012 FXST103, FLSTC, FLSTC103, FLSTF, FLSTF103, FXDL, FXDWG, FXDWG103, FXDC, FXDB, FLSTN, FLSTN103, FLSTC103Shrine, FLSTFB, FLSTFB103, FXS, FXS103, FLS, FLS103, FLD, FLD103, FXDF, and FXDF103 Dyna and Softail motorcycles manufactured August 22, 2011, through February 24, 2012. In the affected motorcycles, the threads for the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder may corrode.
Risk: If the threads corrode, a sudden loss of brake fluid could result, causing a loss of the front brakes, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the master cylinder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0163 and 0164.
Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →
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