Of course. Here is a full article about the 2012–2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 103B (FLS Softail Slim), written in the requested style and format.
The 2012–2017 Harley-Davidson Softail Twin Cam 103B (FLS Softail Slim) is a cruiser motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson. Introduced for the 2012 model year, the Softail Slim was designed to evoke the minimalist, stripped-down “bobber” motorcycles of the post-World War II era. It combined vintage styling cues with the modern performance of the Twin Cam 103B engine and the signature Softail chassis, which hides the rear suspension for the clean look of a classic hardtail frame. The “FLS” model designation places it within Harley-Davidson’s large-frame touring family lineage, adapted to the Softail platform.
The Softail Slim entered the lineup not as a direct replacement for a previous model, but as a new variant that distilled the Softail essence into a more raw and elemental form. Compared to other Softails of the era, such as the Fat Boy or Heritage Softail Classic, the Slim featured a more pared-back aesthetic. It eschewed passenger accommodations, bulky fenders, and excessive chrome in favor of a solo seat, chopped fenders, and a narrower rear profile. This deliberate reduction in components gave it a distinct identity and catered to riders seeking a clean, old-school look without sacrificing modern reliability.
Design and Styling
The core of the Softail Slim’s appeal lies in its authentic bobber styling. The model is characterized by several key design elements intended to replicate the look of custom bikes from the 1940s and 1950s.
Key features include:
“Hollywood” Handlebar: A gloss black handlebar with a distinctive cross-brace, reminiscent of those used on classic Harley-Davidson models from the late 1940s.
Minimalist Fenders: Both the front and rear fenders are “chopped” or shortened, exposing more of the tires and contributing to the bike’s stripped-down look.
Solo Saddle: The bike came standard with a low-slung solo seat, reinforcing its identity as a machine built for the lone rider. The seat height is notably low, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.
“Cat’s Eye” Console: The fuel tank is adorned with a simple, retro-style “cat’s eye” console that houses the speedometer, keeping the top profile clean and uncluttered.
Blacked-Out Components: Many parts that were traditionally chrome on other Harleys were finished in black on the Slim, including the wheel rims, air cleaner cover, headlamp, and oil tank. This contrast between black and chrome-plated powertrain components became a signature of the model.
Powertrain: The Twin Cam 103B Engine
The heart of the 2012–2017 Softail Slim is the air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin Twin Cam 103B engine. The “103” refers to its displacement in cubic inches (1,690 cc), while the “B” signifies that it is the counter-balanced version of the Twin Cam engine. This was a critical feature for the Softail family, as the engine is rigid-mounted directly to the frame. The dual counter-balancers quell the engine’s primary vibrations, allowing for a smoother ride at highway speeds without isolating the rider entirely from the classic V-twin feel.
The engine was paired with a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, providing comfortable RPM levels for highway cruising. Fueling was managed by an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system. Over its production run, the engine saw a notable update. For the 2016 model year, the Softail Slim was upgraded to the High Output Twin Cam 103B, which featured a high-flow airbox and camshaft to improve torque and acceleration. Electronic throttle control and cruise control also became standard equipment in 2016.
Chassis and Handling
The Softail Slim is built on Harley-Davidson’s iconic Softail frame. The design utilizes two shock absorbers mounted horizontally beneath the transmission, out of sight. This arrangement mimics the rigid, un-suspended “hardtail” frames of vintage motorcycles while providing the comfort of modern rear suspension.
The bike’s handling characteristics are defined by its low center of gravity, low seat height, and wide tires mounted on 16-inch wheels. While not designed for aggressive cornering like a sportbike, it offers stable and predictable handling suitable for cruising on city streets and open highways. Its relatively low weight compared to other big-twin Harleys made it feel more manageable at low speeds. Beginning with the 2014 model year, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became a standard feature, significantly improving braking safety.
Specifications: 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim (FLS)**
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Softail Slim |
| Model Class | Softail |
| Model Year | 2012–2017 (Specs based on 2016 model) |
| Type | Cruiser / Bobber |
| Maximum mass (GVWR) | 1160 lb. (526 kg) |
| Maximum passengers | 1 (Stock) |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | Approx. 75 Hp (56 Kw) @ 5010 RPM (Harley does not officially publish HP) |
| Max. torque | 97.4 ft-lb (132 N•m) / 3125 RPM |
| Min. turn diameter | N/A |
| Top designed speed | Approx. 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 92.5 in. (2350 mm) |
| Width | 38.9 in. (988 mm) |
| Height | 43.5 in. (1105 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64.4 in. (1635 mm) |
| Seat height (laden) | 23.8 in. (605 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.9 in. (125 mm) |
| Curb weight (in running order) | 700 lb. (318 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Air-cooled, High Output Twin Cam 103B™ |
| Displacement | 103.1 cu in (1690 cc) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.87 in. × 4.374 in. (98.4 mm × 111.1 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Ignition control system | ECU Ignition |
| Lubricating system | Dry-sump with oil cooler |
| Oil capacity | 3.5 qt (3.3 L) |
| Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil |
| Coolant capacity | N/A (Air-cooled) |
| Coolant type | N/A (Air-cooled) |
| Idle speed | 1000 RPM ± 50 RPM |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 6-speed Cruise Drive® |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-plate, manual |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.353 (34/46) |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.063 (32/66) |
| Gear ratio | 1st: 3.337; 2nd: 2.313; 3rd: 1.719; 4th: 1.391; 5th: 1.188; 6th: 1.000 |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: MT90B16 72H; Rear: MU85B16 77H |
| Rim size | Front: 16 in.; Rear: 16 in. Black Steel Laced |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 5.0 gal (18.9 L) |
| Fuel consumption | Approx. 42 mpg (5.6 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V Sealed, maintenance-free |
| Headlight | Halogen 55W low beam, 60W high beam |
| Position Light | N/A |
| Turning light | Incandescent bulb |
| Tail light | Combination stop/turn/tail lights |
| Front fog light | N/A (Accessory) |
| Shock Absorbers | |
| Front travel | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
| Front Suspension | 41.3 mm telescopic fork |
| Rear travel | 3.4 in (86 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Hidden horizontal-mounted coil-over shock |
| Rear spring preload | Adjustable |
