🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLSTF Softail Fat Boy

Year:

2012

Model Code:

FLSTF

Sub Model:

Fat Boy

Vin Character 8:

D

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Cruiser Motorcycle

Brand Identity:

Iconic American cruiser, known for its distinctive styling and V-twin engine.

Competitors 2012:

Other Harley-Davidson models (e.g., Heritage Softail Classic), Indian Motorcycles, other cruiser brands like Honda Shadow series, Yamaha V-Star series, Suzuki Boulevard series.

Styling:

Wide front tire, chromed-out styling, teardrop fuel tank, distinctive Fat Boy profile.

Engine:

Harley-Davidson's Twin Cam 103 V-twin engine.

Chassis:

Softail frame with hidden rear suspension for a hardtail look.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete service, repair, and maintenance for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Softail Fat Boy.

Engine Coverage:

Twin Cam 103 (1690cc) engine

Transmission Coverage:

6-speed Cruise Drive transmission

Chassis Coverage:

Softail frame, suspension (front and rear), wheels, brakes, steering.

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, charging system, instrumentation, security system.

Body Coverage:

Fuel tank, fenders, seating, handlebars, mirrors, exhaust system.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for Harley-Davidson service manuals).

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and camshaft service, oil pump and oil filter service, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled design).

Fuel And Ignition Systems:

Fuel injection (EFI) system diagnosis and repair, throttle body service, fuel pump and fuel filter replacement, ignition system troubleshooting, spark plug service.

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Transmission disassembly and assembly, clutch service, final drive (belt drive) inspection and adjustment, primary drive system.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front fork disassembly, service, and fork seal replacement; rear shock absorber service and replacement; swingarm and pivot bearing service; steering head bearing service.

Braking Systems:

Brake caliper service, brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleeding, master cylinder service, ABS system (if equipped) diagnosis.

Electrical And Lighting:

Battery service, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor service, lighting system diagnosis and repair (headlight, taillight, turn signals), horn, instrument cluster.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., Digital Technician).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, belt tension checks, brake fluid checks, tire pressure checks.

Component Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, carburetor/fuel injection system overhaul.

Electrical Repairs:

Wiring harness repair, component replacement (sensors, switches, actuators), charging system troubleshooting.

Suspension And Wheel Service:

Fork seal replacement, suspension adjustments, wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing.

Brake System Service:

Brake caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS component testing.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and complex issues, including electrical system faults and engine performance problems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and trouble code interpretation.

Specifications:

Torque values for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Exploded views of components, detailed diagrams of electrical systems, step-by-step repair illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Resolution:

High (suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams).

Quality:

Digital reproduction of official factory service manual quality.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 V-twin

Displacement:

103 cu in (1690 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in x 4.38 in (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Valve Train:

Pushrod-actuated, overhead valves with hydraulic lifters

Fueling:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Horsepower Est:

Approx. 75-80 HP (at crankshaft, may vary)

Torque Est:

Approx. 95-100 lb-ft (at crankshaft, may vary)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane

Fuel Tank Capacity:

5.0 US gal (18.9 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Cruise Drive

Primary Drive:

Duplex chain, 34/46 ratio

Final Drive:

Belt drive, 32/66 ratio

Clutch:

Hydraulic, 9-plate, wet clutch

Transmission Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson transmission lubricant or Syn3 (SAE 50)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

2.7 US qt (2.5 L)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

96.5 in (2450 mm)

Overall Width:

38.2 in (970 mm)

Overall Height:

49.8 in (1265 mm)

Seat Height Laden:

26.2 in (665 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.1 in (130 mm)

Wheelbase:

64.4 in (1635 mm)

Dry Weight:

690 lbs (313 kg)

Wet Weight Est:

739 lbs (335 kg)

Front Tire:

Dunlop MH90-21 54H

Rear Tire:

Dunlop D407 180/55B18 82H

Front Wheel:

16-inch (cast aluminum, solid disc design)

Rear Wheel:

17-inch (cast aluminum, solid disc design)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certifications:

Meets or exceeds industry safety standards for motorcycles.

Braking:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Optional ABS available.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, amber incandescent turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel frame and swingarm.

Security System:

Factory-installed security system with proximity-based fob (standard on many models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Not typically equipped with a factory-installed audio system on the FLSTF model, designed for a purer riding experience.

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and indicator lights. Odometer and trip meter display.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Usb Ports:

Not standard.

Bluetooth:

Not standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Subsequent Service:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months.

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months.

Transmission Oil Change:

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months.

Primary Chain Case Oil Change:

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) SAE 20W-50, or other Harley-Davidson approved 20W-50 motorcycle oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 US qt (3.8 L) with filter change

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Complaints:

Potential for oil leaks from seals (e.g., primary cover, transmission seals), exhaust pipe corrosion, starter clutch issues (less common on Twin Cam 103 compared to earlier engines), clutch lever adjustment.

Diagnostic Focus Areas:

Checking for DTCs related to the crank position sensor, cam position sensor, and fuel injection system.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in 1903.

Iconic Status:

One of the most recognizable motorcycle brands globally, synonymous with American freedom and rugged individualism.

Fat Boy Introduction:

Originally introduced in 1990, the Fat Boy became an instant icon with its unique styling.

Softail Platform:

The Softail chassis, featuring hidden rear suspension, was pioneered by Bill Davis and licensed to Harley-Davidson.

Engine Progression:

Evolution of Harley-Davidson engines, culminating in the Twin Cam series used in this era.

Manufacturing Location:

Typically manufactured in York, Pennsylvania, or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Significant Changes 2012:

The 2012 model year saw the introduction of the Twin Cam 103 engine as standard on many Softail models, including the Fat Boy.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The Fat Boy has consistently been one of Harley-Davidson's best-selling and most iconic models, widely recognized for its distinctive styling and association with popular culture (e.g., 'Terminator 2').

Customer Satisfaction:

Generally high customer satisfaction for its styling, comfort for cruising, and the robust Twin Cam engine.