2012–2013 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 (FLTRX Road Glide Custom)

The Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 engine served as the standard powerplant for the 2012–2013 FLTRX Road Glide Custom, a motorcycle that solidified its place as a quintessential American factory bagger. As part of Harley-Davidson’s extensive Touring family, the Road Glide Custom was distinguished by its frame-mounted “shark-nose” fairing and a stripped-down, aggressive aesthetic. This particular model period represents the culmination of the Twin Cam engine’s development within the pre-Rushmore era touring chassis, offering riders a significant performance upgrade over its predecessors combined with timeless styling.

The most notable difference from the previous model years was the standardization of the larger engine. Prior to 2012, the Twin Cam 103 was typically available only as an optional upgrade (often part of the “Power Pak”) over the standard Twin Cam 96 engine. By making the 103 cubic-inch motor the new baseline, Harley-Davidson directly addressed customer demand for more torque and passing power, especially for a fully-loaded touring machine. This move provided a tangible boost in performance without altering the fundamental character of the motorcycle.

The Heart of the Bagger: The Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103

At the core of the FLTRX Road Glide Custom for these model years was the air-cooled Twin Cam 103 engine. Displacing 103 cubic inches (1690cc), this 45-degree V-twin was engineered for massive low-end torque rather than high-revving horsepower. Featuring Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), the engine delivered smooth throttle response and reliable performance across various altitudes and temperatures.

The power was managed by a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which provided strong acceleration through the lower gears while allowing for relaxed, low-RPM highway cruising in sixth gear. An integrated oil cooler was standard, helping to manage engine temperatures during long rides or in heavy traffic. The drivetrain was completed by Harley-Davidson’s signature clean and low-maintenance belt final drive system.

Chassis and Handling

The Road Glide Custom was built on Harley-Davidson’s robust touring frame, which had been redesigned in 2009 for increased rigidity and improved handling characteristics. The standout feature of any Road Glide is its frame-mounted fairing. Unlike the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing on models like the Street Glide, the Road Glide’s fairing is fixed to the chassis. This design removes the weight of the fairing and audio system from the handlebars, resulting in lighter-feeling steering and increased stability in windy conditions.

Suspension consisted of non-adjustable 41.3 mm telescopic front forks and air-adjustable rear shocks. The air-adjustable system allowed riders to fine-tune the rear suspension’s preload to account for the weight of a passenger or luggage, optimizing both comfort and control. Braking was handled by a 300 mm dual-disc setup at the front and a single disc at the rear, featuring 4-piston calipers. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as a factory-installed option.

Styling and Features

The “Custom” designation in the FLTRX model name pointed to its specific styling cues. It featured a lowered rear suspension, giving it a slammed, aggressive stance right from the factory. Much of the chrome found on other touring models was replaced with a black powder-coat finish on components like the engine and covers. The bike rolled on Black Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum wheels, a 19-inch wheel at the front and a 17-inch at the rear.

Ergonomics were defined by a low 27.1-inch seat height (laden), a sculpted seat for solo comfort with passenger capability, and handlebars that provided a confident, commanding riding position. The dashboard, housed within the distinctive dual-headlight fairing, included a Harman/Kardon advanced audio system with CD/MP3 capabilities, and electronic cruise control came standard, making it well-equipped for long-distance travel. The rear featured a clean fender with a unique tri-line LED taillight, further enhancing its custom look.

Specifications Table: 2012-2013 Harley-Davidson FLTRX Road Glide Custom