Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob - 2012 Specifications and Reviews

The 2012 Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob is a middleweight cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with modern performance. Known for its distinctive fat 240mm rear tire, low-slung seat, and aggressive stance, it delivers a comfortable yet commanding ride. This bike balances raw Harley character with practical features like electronic instruments and fuel management, making it ideal for both urban cruising and highway touring.

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General information

CategoryCustom / cruiser
Year2012
ModelHarley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemChrome, Tommy Gun 2-1-2 collector 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 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

WheelsMachined, Aluminum Slotted Disc
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 dimensions180/70-B16
Front tyre dimensions130/90-B16
Rear suspension travel54 mm (2.1 inches)
Rear suspensionCoil-over shock. Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded swingarm.
Front suspension travel127 mm (5.0 inches)
Front suspension49 mm with polished aluminum fork triple clamp and dual-rate springs
Trail125 mm (4.9 inches)
Rake (fork angle)29.0°
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 capacity18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)
Wheelbase1,618 mm (63.7 inches)
Ground clearance125 mm (4.9 inches)
Overall length2,329 mm (91.7 inches)
Seat height663 mm (26.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc320.2 kg (706.0 pounds)
Dry weight305.3 kg (673.0 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsVivid Black, Big Blue Pearl, H-D Orange, Black Denim
Factory warranty2 years, unlimited mileage.
SeatOne-piece, two-up Dyna classic seat
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

4.8s
0-60 mph (est.)

Best For

Track15%
City55%
Cornering45%
Daily Riding60%
Touring45%
Passenger55%

Rider Profile

Best ForBest suited to riders with at least some experience handling a heavy, torque-heavy cruiser at low speeds.
PurposeBuilt for style-driven boulevard cruising and short blasts rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Rider FitIts low seat height and wide bars make it accessible, but the substantial wet weight demands confident strength at parking-lot speeds.
CharacterA muscular, fat-tired custom cruiser that trades cornering agility for big V-twin torque and unmistakable Dyna attitude.
Not Ideal ForNot a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering performance, off-road capability, or dedicated long-haul touring comfort.

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

Rider Fit Visualizer

2012 Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob 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 FXDF Dyna Fat Bob, 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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