Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible - 2012 Specifications and Reviews

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible is a premium cruiser designed for riders seeking luxury and versatility. Its distinctive convertible design with removable passenger backrest and pillion transforms it from solo to two-up capable, while the custom leather seat and CVO exclusive graphics showcase premium craftsmanship. Best known for combining classic Softail styling with modern amenities, it appeals to experienced riders wanting upscale touring capability.

2012
4 stars Average rating: 4 from 2 votes
.

General information

CategoryCustom / cruiser
Year2012
ModelHarley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible
 
 

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemChrome, shorty-dual exhaust with chrome mufflers and muffler shields
Greenhouse gases121.3 CO
Fuel consumption5.23 litres/100 km (19.1 km/l or 44.98 mpg)
DrivelinePrimary drive chain, 34/46 ratio. Final Drive Belt, 32/68 ratio
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Transmission type,final driveBelt
Gearbox6-speed
Cooling systemAir
Lubrication systemPressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler
Fuel controlDOHC
Fuel systemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Valves per cylinder2
Bore x stroke101.6 x 111.3 mm (4.0 x 4.4 inches)
Compression9.2:1
Torque142.38 Nm (14.5 kgf-m or 105.0 ft.lbs) @ 2750
Engine detailsAir-cooled, Twin Cam 110B
Engine typeV2, four-stroke
Capacity:1802.69 ccm (110.00 cubic inches)

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

WheelsMirror Chrome Stinger Custom Wheels
Rear brakes diameter292 mm (11.5 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. 4-piston caliper. ABS.
Front brakes diameter292 mm (11.5 inches)
Front brakesSingle disc. 4-piston calipers. ABS.
Rear tyre dimensions200/50-R18
Front tyre dimensions130/70-R18
Rear suspension travel51 mm (2.0 inches)
Rear suspensionHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over
Front suspension travel117 mm (4.6 inches)
Front suspension41.3 mm telescopic, chrome upper fork-slider covers
Trail147 mm (5.8 inches)
Rake (fork angle)32.0°
 
 

Physical measures and capacities

Oil capacity2.80 litres (0.18 quarts)
Fuel capacity18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)
Wheelbase1,631 mm (64.2 inches)
Ground clearance109 mm (4.3 inches)
Overall length2,410 mm (94.9 inches)
Seat height620 mm (24.4 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc357.4 kg (788.0 pounds)
Dry weight345.2 kg (761.0 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsCrimson Red Sunglo with Scarlet Crystal graphics, Abyss Blue with Catacomb graphics, Satin Pewter with Catacomb graphics
Factory warranty2 years, unlimited mileage.
SeatCustom leather seat, removable passenger pillion, and detachable stylized passenger upright and backrest pad with distressed brown leather (satin pewter only) or reptile inserts
ElectricalSealed, maintenance-free battery,
Light55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
InstrumentsDigital speedometer and analog tachometer. Time of day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
StarterElectric

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

5s
0-60 mph (est.)

Best For

Track5%
City40%
Cornering30%
Daily Riding60%
Touring80%
Passenger80%

Rider Profile

Best ForBest suited to experienced riders who are comfortable managing a heavy, low-slung cruiser at low speeds and in traffic.
PurposeBuilt as a premium, torque-rich boulevard cruiser for relaxed highway cruising and boulevard presence rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Rider FitThe low 620mm seat height makes it approachable for shorter riders, but its substantial 357kg wet weight demands confident low-speed balance and upper-body strength when maneuvering or parking.
CharacterA big-inch, chrome-laden CVO Softail that delivers strong low-rev torque, a deep V-twin rumble, and unmistakable Harley custom styling.
Not Ideal ForNot the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight nimble machine.

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

Rider Fit Visualizer

2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible Rider Ergonomics Assessment

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

Feet:

At 620mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTSE3 CVO Softail Convertible, 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.

Find bikes that fit your height →

⚠ 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

Add a Comment


Please Login or Register if you would like to leave a comment.