The Super Glide Custom in Vivid Black (MSRP $12,999). Other colors include Big Blue Pearl, Two-Tone Ember Red Sunglo/Merlot Sunglo, Two-Tone Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl, and custom color options.
The Super Glide Custom in Vivid Black (MSRP $12,999). Other colors include Big Blue Pearl,
If you were paying attention you might have caught the words “almost all,” we say almost all because two models, the Dyna Super Glide and Dyna Street Bob still feature the 96ci mill. When we inquired as to why the Street Bob and Super Glide didn’t get the 103 treatment, the response was that these bikes have a low intimidation factor and lowest price point (MSRP $12,999) of the Big Twins therefore making them the main entry points into the Big Twin family and H-D didn’t want to add the 103 and change that.
We’ve spent some time throttling around the 103 in some of the Touring models and it’s definitely an improvement in power over the 96, even on these heavier bikes. Loaded up with gear, the Touring bikes outfitted with the 103 motor with ease and smoothly in Sixth gear and have enough remaining oomph to make a flat surface pass. However, when it comes to making an uphill big rig pass, we’ve experienced times when dropping down to Fifth gear was necessary to safely get ahead of the pack. Now with the 103 in the lighter Dyna and Softail line, we are talking about some real noticeable power. As we mentioned earlier, we really enjoyed our time on the Switchback and while it might not seem like a lot, the additional 7 ci of displacement really made the bike a blast to ride and killed ascending mountain roads with ease.
But Wait There’s More!
OK so we talked about the new bikes and the larger engine, which you would think would be enough for one year, but wait there’s more. Here are some of the other new notable changes and upgrades for H-D’s 2012 lineup.
The Fat Boy Lo in Big Blue Pearl (MSRP $17,034). Other colors include Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, and Black Denim.
The Fat Boy Lo in Big Blue Pearl (MSRP $17,034). Other colors include Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver Pearl, and Black Denim.
The Dyna lineup received the same CAN Bus electrical upgrade that the Softails got last year. This upgrade includes a reduction in wiring complexity, upgraded odometer display with more diagnostic capacity, RPM and Gear indicator, updated hand control key caps with reduced effort actuation, Flash-to-pass function and toggle hi/lo beam, and trip switch on the left-side hand control. The Dyna line will also now have the ability to receive the factory-installed Security Package option. Pairing anti-lock brakes with the hands-free security fob and proximity-based Smart Security System, this optional upgrade helps provide peace of mind on and off the road. The Security Package option (MSRP $1,195) is also available for all 2012 V-Rods, Softails, and Touring models. The upgrade comes standard on all CVOs and the Road Glide Ultra, Electra Glide Ultra Limited, and Road King Classic.
To further enhance rider comfort and ergonomics, the Fat Boy and Fat Boy Lo received a new 1-1/4-inch reduced-reach handlebar. The Fat Boy now has the same low and narrow seat as the Lo. This seat further enhances comfort and gives the rider that “in the bike” seating position. The O2 sensors have been updated and are more compact so they are less obtrusive and are heated to help improve run quality while the engine warms up. The Softail Deluxe and Heritage Softail will be available with new optional tubeless Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Wheels.
All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will also have the same wheel option. This option features a new aluminum rim with a unique inner profile. The inner tube has been replaced with a new rim seal and molded valve stem. The tubeless Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option will make for easier tire replacement and emergency roadside repair while also providing lighter weight and less spin inertia equating to better handling. Due to the heavier loads, duty cycle, and less air-cooling the Touring models experience—aside from the 103ci engine—all Touring models come with an oil cooler as well.
With six Sportsters in the 2012 lineup, there’s bound to be a bike (or two) that appeals to everyone. To help it stand out amongst its brethren, the Forty-Eight now has its name blasted on its tank in large script rather than the word Sportster. The lineup received new Michelin rubber with the XR1200 getting a set of Scorcher 11 tires and the rest of the XL models outfitted with Scorcher 31 tires.