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.

2012
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General information

CategoryCustom / cruiser
Year2012
ModelHarley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemNew 2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler
Greenhouse gases129.9 CO
Fuel consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
DrivelinePrimary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio. Final Drive Belt, 32/66 ratio.
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Transmission type,final driveBelt
Gearbox6-speed
Cooling systemAir
Lubrication systemPressurized, dry-sump
Fuel systemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Bore x stroke98.4 x 111.3 mm (3.9 x 4.4 inches)
Compression9.6:1
Torque135.60 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500
Engine detailsAir-cooled, Twin Cam 103
Engine typeV2, four-stroke
Capacity:1687.97 ccm (103.00 cubic inches)

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

WheelsBlack 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum with highlighted rims
Rear brakes diameter292 mm (11.5 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. 2-piston torque-free floating. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter300 mm (11.8 inches)
Front brakesSingle disc. 4-piston fixed. Optional ABS.
Rear tyre dimensions160/70-B17
Front tyre dimensions130/70-B18
Rear suspension travel54 mm (2.1 inches)
Rear suspensionNitrogen 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 travel98 mm (3.9 inches)
Front suspension41.3 mm fork with 20 mm cartridge damping and triple rate spring
Trail148 mm (5.8 inches)
Rake (fork angle)29.9°
Frame typeMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded
 
 

Physical measures and capacities

Oil capacity2.80 litres (0.18 quarts)
Fuel capacity17.79 litres (4.70 gallons)
Wheelbase1,595 mm (62.8 inches)
Ground clearance109 mm (4.3 inches)
Overall length2,357 mm (92.8 inches)
Seat height663 mm (26.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc325.7 kg (718.0 pounds)
Dry weight315.7 kg (696.0 pounds)
 
 

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsVivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Ember Red Sunglo
Factory warranty2 years, unlimited mileage.
SeatOne-piece, two-up seat with custom stitching
ElectricalSealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca
InstrumentsTank-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
StarterElectric

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

5.8s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track10%
City50%
Cornering35%
Daily Riding65%
Touring78%
Passenger75%

Rider Profile

Best ForWell 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.
PurposeBuilt as a light-touring cruiser, blending classic Dyna styling with a detachable windshield and saddlebags for weekend getaways and relaxed highway cruising.
Rider FitThe 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.
CharacterA big-torque, air-cooled V-twin with laid-back power delivery that rewards smooth, unhurried riding rather than aggressive throttle inputs.
Not Ideal ForNot 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.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 663mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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⚠ Safety Recalls (1)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Dec 2014 · 14V794000

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 →

Rider Reviews

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