Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo - 2012 Specifications and Reviews

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo is a cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with a low-slung profile and commanding presence. Known for its iconic fat tires, retro design, and accessible seat height of 24.3 inches, this bike delivers authentic Harley character for both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and those transitioning to larger machines. The Fat Boy Lo combines aggressive aesthetics with practical features like electronic instrumentation and a comfortable two-up seat configuration.

2012
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General information

CategoryCustom / cruiser
Year2012
ModelHarley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo
 
 

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemDenim Black and Satin Chrome, over/under shotgun exhaust with dual mufflers
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 controlDOHC
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
Torque133.84 Nm (13.6 kgf-m or 98.7 ft.lbs) @ 3000
Engine detailsAir-cooled, Twin Cam 103B
Engine typeV2, four-stroke
Capacity:1687.97 ccm (103.00 cubic inches)

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

WheelsBlack, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum
Rear brakes diameter292 mm (11.5 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Front brakes diameter292 mm (11.5 inches)
Front brakesSingle disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS.
Rear tyre dimensions200/55-R17
Front tyre dimensions140/75-R17
Rear suspension travel91 mm (3.6 inches)
Rear suspensionHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over
Front suspension travel130 mm (5.1 inches)
Front suspension41.3 mm telescopic, beer can covers
Trail147 mm (5.8 inches)
Rake (fork angle)31.6°
Frame typeMild steel tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded

Physical measures and capacities

Oil capacity3.30 litres (0.22 quarts)
Fuel capacity18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)
Wheelbase1,638 mm (64.5 inches)
Ground clearance122 mm (4.8 inches)
Overall length2,395 mm (94.3 inches)
Seat height616 mm (24.3 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc331.6 kg (731.0 pounds)
Dry weight317.5 kg (700.0 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsVivid Black, Big Blue Pearl, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Black Denim
Factory warranty2 years, unlimited mileage.
SeatTwo-piece, two-up Softail seat with removable pillion
ElectricalSealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca
Light55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
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

5s
0-60 mph (est.)

Best For

Track5%
City55%
Cornering30%
Daily Riding60%
Touring50%
Passenger55%

Rider Profile

Best ForBest suited to riders with some prior experience handling heavy, low-slung cruisers, since its mass and limited ground clearance demand deliberate, unhurried inputs.
PurposeBuilt for laid-back boulevard cruising and image-driven style riding rather than outright speed or cornering agility.
Rider FitA tall or long-legged rider will appreciate the low 616mm seat height and easy reach to the ground, but the substantial dry weight over 300kg means low-speed maneuvering and parking lot U-turns require confidence and strength.
CharacterThis bike suits a rider who values classic Fat Boy styling, deep torque off idle, and a commanding, planted highway presence over agility or aggressive performance.
Not Ideal ForNot a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable machine for tight urban lane-splitting.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo Rider Ergonomics Assessment

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

Feet:

At 616mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB Softail Fat Boy Lo, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 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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