Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special - 2012 Specifications and Reviews
The 2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special appeals to riders seeking aggressive styling and modern performance in a cruiser package. Known for its muscular V-Rod engine, low-slung stance, and distinctive blacked-out appearance, it delivers attitude-driven cruising with contemporary features like electronic instrumentation and LED lighting. Best suited for experienced riders who prioritize presence and character over comfort.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2012 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Straight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield |
| Greenhouse gases | 147.6 CO |
| Fuel consumption | 6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg) |
| Driveline | Primary Drive Gear, 117/64 ratio Final Drive Belt, 72/28 ratio. High-performance carbon-fiber drive belt. |
| Clutch | 9-plate, wet, Assist and Slip |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Lubrication system | Pressurized, dry-sump |
| Fuel control | DOHC |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore x stroke | 105.0 x 72.0 mm (4.1 x 2.8 inches) |
| Compression | 11.5:1 |
| Torque | 115.26 Nm (11.8 kgf-m or 85.0 ft.lbs) @ 7000 |
| Engine details | Liquid-cooled, Revolution, 60° V-Twin. Overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder, solid tappet with shim-under-bucket lash adjustment. |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1250.08 ccm (76.28 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Black, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe |
| Rear brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS. |
| Front brakes diameter | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. 4-piston calipers. Optional ABS. |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 240/40-R18 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 120/70-ZR19 |
| Rear suspension travel | 74 mm (2.9 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Preload adjustable shocks. Polished, one-piece cast aluminum with black powder-coat finish swingarm. |
| Front suspension travel | 102 mm (4.0 inches) |
| Front suspension | 43 mm Inverted fork |
| Trail | 130 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 34.0° |
| Frame type | Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails; MIG welded |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 4.70 litres (0.31 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 18.93 litres (5.00 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,702 mm (67.0 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 122 mm (4.8 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,365 mm (93.1 inches) |
| Seat height | 650 mm (25.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 303.9 kg (670.0 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 288.9 kg (637.0 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Vivid Black, Black Denim, Sedona Orange |
| Factory warranty | 2 years, unlimited mileage. |
| Electrical | Sealed, maintenance-free battery, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca |
| Light | 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam headlight |
| Instruments | Electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometer |
| Starter | Electric |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | This power cruiser suits riders with some prior experience who want to handle a torquey, heavy V-twin confidently at low speed and in traffic. |
| Purpose | It's built for muscular straight-line thrills and boulevard presence rather than corner-carving or long-distance touring. |
| Rider Fit | The low 650mm seat height makes it approachable for shorter riders, though the substantial 300+ kg wet weight demands care when maneuvering at a standstill. |
| Character | It has a raw, drag-bike-inspired attitude with strong low-end torque, a low-slung stance, and aggressive styling that rewards throttle confidence. |
| Not Ideal For | It's not a good fit for riders seeking off-road capability, upright touring comfort, or nimble flickable handling in tight corners. |
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 all model year 2012 and certain model year 2013 VRSCDX motorcycles manufactured from June 14, 2011, through August 1, 2012. The license plate bracket assembly's mounting screws may loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender. This condition may lead to contact with the rear tire which could cause the license plate bracket to rotate, possibly damaging the rear brake line.
Risk: If the license plate bracket contact with the rear brake line remains undetected, it may affect rear brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash, which could lead to injury or death of the rider.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 6, 2012. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →
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