2012–2013 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 (FLTRU Road Glide Ultra)

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the FLTRU Road Glide Ultra for these model years was the air-cooled Twin Cam 103 V-twin engine. Displacing 103 cubic inches (1690cc), this engine was a step up from the 96 cubic inch motor that was standard on its predecessors. The primary benefit was a marked increase in low-end torque, a characteristic highly valued in heavyweight touring motorcycles. The engine was equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), providing reliable starting and smooth throttle response across a wide range of altitudes and temperatures.

This power was managed through a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which featured a tall top gear designed to lower engine RPM at highway speeds, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride and improved fuel economy on long stretches of road. The Isolated Drive System further enhanced this smoothness by compensating for jolts from acceleration and deceleration, delivering a more refined power transfer to the rear wheel via the signature Harley-Davidson belt drive.

Chassis and Rider Experience

The Road Glide Ultra is built on Harley-Davidson’s robust touring chassis, designed for stability and comfort during cross-country journeys. A key distinguishing feature of the Road Glide family is its frame-mounted “shark nose” fairing. Unlike the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing found on models like the Street Glide and Electra Glide, the Road Glide’s fairing is affixed directly to the frame. This design removes the weight of the fairing from the handlebars, resulting in lighter-feeling steering and reduced rider fatigue, as wind pressure against the fairing does not transfer to the handlebars.

Suspension consisted of 41.3 mm telescopic front forks and air-adjustable rear shocks. This rear suspension allowed the rider to adjust the preload using an air pump to compensate for the weight of a passenger or luggage, ensuring consistent handling and ride comfort under varying loads. The braking system featured 32 mm, 4-piston fixed Brembo calipers front and rear, with an optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available for enhanced safety.

Features and Model Specifics of the 2012–2013 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 (FLTRU)

As the “Ultra” model, the FLTRU came from the factory equipped with a full suite of touring amenities. The aerodynamic fairing housed dual headlamps and a comprehensive instrument cluster. For rider and passenger comfort, the motorcycle included a plush, two-up seat with a full passenger backrest integrated into the Tour-Pak top case.