🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

FLHRC Road King Classic

Year:

2012

Type:

Motorcycle

Product Name:

Harley Davidson FLHRC Road King 2012 Service Manual PDF Download

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic is a premium, full-size touring motorcycle, renowned for its classic styling, comfort, and long-distance capability. It targets riders who appreciate traditional cruiser aesthetics blended with modern touring amenities.

Competitive Analysis:

Competes primarily with other large-displacement American V-twin touring motorcycles, such as models from Indian Motorcycle, and to a lesser extent, other premium touring bikes from Japanese manufacturers that offer similar comfort and features but often with a different aesthetic and engine philosophy.

Key Features:

Classic cruiser styling, large-displacement V-twin engine, comfortable rider and passenger seating, ample luggage capacity (leather-covered hard saddlebags), wind protection (often via a detachable windshield), smooth ride, and extensive customization potential.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete repair, overhaul, and maintenance of Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic (2012 model year).

Page Count:

Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for this model and year's service manual).

Manual Type:

Service Manual / Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Transmission, Clutch, Primary Drive, Chassis, Suspension (Front and Rear), Brakes (Front and Rear), Wheels and Tires, Bodywork, Fairings, Instruments, Lighting, Accessories, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication), component disassembly and reassembly, diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting, fuel system servicing, brake system repairs, suspension adjustments, clutch and primary drive service, engine tuning, carburetor/fuel injection adjustment, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, special tool usage, overhaul procedures.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their resolution, troubleshooting flowcharts for common electrical faults.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, cylinders, crankshaft, camshafts, valves), and reassembly with specified clearances and torque values.

Suspension Service:

Front fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil level and viscosity recommendations. Rear shock absorber removal and installation, troubleshooting of suspension components.

Brake System Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for caliper disassembly, piston replacement, seal servicing, master cylinder overhaul, brake line bleeding, and ABS system bleeding procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic rider maintenance checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures for electronic systems.

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes information on using Harley-Davidson's official diagnostic tools (e.g., Digital Technician Lite/Pro) for advanced diagnostics and module programming.

Torque Specifications:

Extensive list of all critical torque specifications for engine, transmission, chassis, and accessory mounting points, ensuring correct assembly and preventing component damage.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 V-twin

Displacement:

1690cc (103 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

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

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Valve Train:

Overhead valve (OHV), 4 valves per cylinder (2 per head)

Power Output:

Estimated 70-80 HP (typical for Twin Cam 103 at the crank)

Torque Output:

Estimated 96-100 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (typical for Twin Cam 103 at the crank)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane

Fuel Tank Capacity:

6.0 gallons (22.7 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Cruise Drive

Gear Ratios:

1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.934, 4th: 3.989, 5th: 3.530, 6th: 3.071

Primary Drive:

Hyphoid gear, 1.348:1 ratio

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, 9-plate, wet clutch

Final Drive:

Carbon belt, 32/66 tooth ratio

Features:

Smooth shifting, comfortable gear spacing for touring, overdrive 6th gear for reduced engine RPM at highway speeds.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

98.0 in. (2489 mm)

Width:

37.0 in. (940 mm)

Height:

52.4 in. (1330 mm)

Wheelbase:

63.2 in. (1605 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.1 in. (130 mm)

Seat Height Laden:

27.5 in. (700 mm)

Handlebar Width:

37.0 in. (940 mm)

Saddlebag Capacity:

Approx. 2.2 cu ft. total

Dry Weight:

780 lbs (354 kg)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 818 lbs (371 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1360 lbs (617 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash test ratings like automobiles. Safety relies on design, rider skill, and adherence to maintenance.

Active Features:

Dual-piston front and rear disc brakes, integrated ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on FLHRC, Dunlop Dunlop D402 tires (designed for touring), stable chassis geometry.

Passive Features:

Halogen headlights, LED tail lights, turn signals, reflective elements, durable frame construction, comfortable ergonomics reducing rider fatigue.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/Weather Band radio with CD player (often located in the left saddlebag). Bluetooth connectivity may be an optional add-on or integrated into aftermarket head units.

Speaker System:

Fairing-mounted speakers, typically 2 or 4 speakers depending on options.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Cruise control is often standard or a common option.

Connectivity Features:

Limited built-in connectivity; often relies on aftermarket accessories for smartphone integration or advanced navigation.

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, gear indicator (if equipped), and various warning lamps. Often includes a prominent fuel gauge and trip odometer reset.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months

Subsequent Service:

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

Engine Oil Change Interval:

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

Transmission Oil Change Interval:

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

Primary Chain Case Oil Change Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)

Drive Belt Inspection Interval:

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

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant (SAE 20W-50) or equivalent API SG, Jaso FD rated oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change

Transmission Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 85W-140 hypoid gear oil.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

20-24 US fluid ounces (0.6-0.7 L)

Primary Chain Case Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent SAE 85W-140 hypoid gear oil.

Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:

20-24 US fluid ounces (0.6-0.7 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Known Issues:

Some Twin Cam 103 engines can experience oil consumption or 'cathedral' port head issues (less common on stock 2012 models). Primary chain tensioner wear is a common maintenance item. Leaks from seals or gaskets can occur with age and mileage. ABS sensor issues can arise if not properly maintained. Chrome pitting on components can be an aesthetic concern.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson boasts over a century of motorcycle manufacturing, originating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for its iconic V-twin engines and strong rider community, it represents American motorcycle culture.

Model Evolution:

The Road King line, introduced in 1994, evolved from earlier Harley-Davidson touring models like the FLHT models. The 'Classic' (FLHRC) designation typically signifies added styling cues such as the leather-covered saddlebags, chrome accents, and often a windshield.

Production Years:

The FLHRC Road King Classic has been in continuous production since its introduction, with model year updates reflecting changes in engine technology (e.g., evolution from Evolution to Twin Cam, and then Twin Cam 103), emissions standards, and styling refinements.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA and York, Pennsylvania, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific annual awards for individual model years are rare for production motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Road King series consistently receives accolades for its comfort, touring capability, and iconic styling in industry reviews and rider surveys.

Ratings:

Consistently ranked highly by motorcycle publications and owner satisfaction surveys for its blend of classic styling and touring performance.