The 2012–2017 Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 103 (FXDWG Wide Glide) is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson. As a member of the Dyna family, it was characterized by its traditional styling, dual external rear shock absorbers, and rubber-mounted Big Twin engine. The Wide Glide model, specifically, was distinguished by its chopper-inspired aesthetics, featuring a raked-out front end, a slim 21-inch laced front wheel, and forward-mounted foot controls. This generation marked a significant period for the model, as it came standard with the larger and more powerful Twin Cam 103 engine, solidifying its position as a performance-oriented cruiser in the Harley-Davidson lineup until the discontinuation of the entire Dyna platform after the 2017 model year.
History and Development
The Wide Glide nameplate has a long history within Harley-Davidson, first appearing in 1980 on the FXWG Shovelhead model. It was designed to capture the essence of the custom chopper scene of the 1960s and 70s, offering that style directly from the factory. After a hiatus, the FXDWG Wide Glide was reintroduced in 2010 as part of the Dyna family, initially equipped with the Twin Cam 96 engine.
The most significant update for this iteration arrived in the 2012 model year. Harley-Davidson made the decision to upgrade the standard engine for most of its Dyna and Softail models, including the Wide Glide, from the 96-cubic-inch (1,584 cc) version to the more potent Twin Cam 103 (1,690 cc). This change represented the primary difference from the 2010-2011 models. The new engine provided a noticeable increase in torque, offering improved acceleration and passing power, which was a welcome enhancement for a motorcycle of its size and weight. The 2012 model also featured subtle styling updates, including a black “Tommy Gun” 2-into-1-into-2 collector exhaust and blacked-out detailing on the engine and wheels, reinforcing its aggressive, custom look. The model continued with this configuration, receiving primarily new paint schemes and graphic options each year until its final production run in 2017.
Design and Features of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Twin Cam 103 (FXDWG Wide Glide)
The design of the FXDWG Wide Glide is its most defining characteristic. It was engineered to emulate the classic long-and-low chopper profile.
Front End: The “Wide Glide” name comes from the wide-set triple clamps that hold the 49mm front forks at a significant rake of 34 degrees. This geometry pushes the front wheel far out in front of the rider, contributing to the bike’s distinctive profile and straight-line stability. The front wheel itself is a large, 21-inch steel-laced (“spoked”) wheel, a hallmark of classic chopper design.
Rider Ergonomics: The riding position is stretched out and aggressive. Low-rise, internally-wired handlebars are mounted on black risers, requiring a slight forward lean. The foot controls are mounted far forward, creating a “feet-first” posture that complements the bike’s cruiser identity. The solo seat is low, with a passenger pillion attached directly to the rear fender, which is topped with a minimalist, blacked-out sissy bar.
Styling: The Wide Glide is known for its bold paint and styling cues. A popular and iconic option was the flames graphic on the fuel tank. The rear fender is “bobbed,” or shortened, for a stripped-down look. The battery box cover and other components were often finished in wrinkle-black, contrasting with the chrome elements.
Powertrain and Chassis
At the heart of the 2012–2017 Wide Glide is the air-cooled Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine. This engine is rubber-mounted to the frame, a key feature of the Dyna platform that isolates the rider from the engine’s strong vibrations at idle, yet allows the rider to feel the engine’s character when underway. The engine produces a significant amount of torque at low RPMs, making it well-suited for city cruising and highway roll-on acceleration.
Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission and a carbon-fiber reinforced belt drive system. The transmission is designed with a tall sixth gear, lowering engine RPMs at highway speeds for a more relaxed and efficient ride.
The chassis is a traditional mild steel, tubular frame that serves as the backbone of the Dyna platform. Its defining visual and functional feature is the pair of exposed, coil-over shock absorbers at the rear. This setup provides a more traditional look and a different ride feel compared to the hidden-shock Softail frame that would eventually replace the Dyna line. While the long wheelbase and raked front end provide excellent stability, they make the Wide Glide less nimble in tight, low-speed maneuvers compared to other models in the Dyna family like the Street Bob or Low Rider.
Specifications Table
| Category | Specification | Details |
| :— | :— | :— |
| General | Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| | Model | Dyna Wide Glide |
| | Model Class | Dyna |
| | Model Year | 2012–2017 |
| | Type | Cruiser / Factory Custom |
| | Maximum mass | 1085 lb. (492 kg) |
| | Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Performance | Max. power | Approx. 75 Hp / 5000 RPM (Varies by tune) |
| | Max. torque | 98.8 ft-lb (134 N•m) / 3000 RPM |
| | Min. turn diameter | N/A |
| | Top designed speed | Approx. 115 mph (185 km/h) |
| Size | Length | 96.3 in. (2445 mm) |
| | Width | 35.2 in. (895 mm) |
| | Height | 44.7 in. (1135 mm) |
| | Wheelbase | 67.5 in. (1715 mm) |
| | Seat height (laden) | 25.5 in. (648 mm) |
| | Ground clearance | 3.9 in. (99 mm) |
| | Curb weight | 683 lb. (310 kg) |
| Engine | Type | Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™, 45° V-Twin |
| | Displacement | 103.1 cu in (1690 cc) |
| | Bore × Stroke | 3.87 in. × 4.37 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 Controlled |
| | Lubricating system | Pressurized, dry-sump |
| | Oil capacity | 3 qt (2.8 L) |
| | Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 Harley-Davidson H-D 360 |
| | Coolant capacity | N/A (Air-cooled) |
| | Coolant type | N/A |
| | Idle speed | 1000 RPM ± 50 RPM |
| Transmission | Transmission type | 6-speed Cruise Drive®, manual |
| | Clutch type | Wet, multi-plate, manual |
| | Driving system | Belt drive |
| | Primary reduction ratio | 1.737 |
| | Final reduction ratio | 2.125 |
| | Gear ratio | 1st: 3.337; 2nd: 2.313; 3rd: 1.771; 4th: 1.407; 5th: 1.175; 6th: 1.000 |
| Chassis | Tire size | Front: 80/90-21; Rear: 180/60B17 |
| | Rim size | Front: 21 in. Steel Laced; Rear: 17 in. Black Steel Laced |
| | Capacity of fuel tank | 4.7 gal (17.8 L) |
| | Fuel consumption | Approx. 42 mpg (5.6 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | Battery | 12V / 19 Ah |
| | Headlight | 55W/60W Halogen |
| | Position Light | Halogen |
| | Turning light | Incandescent Bulb |
| | Tail light | LED |
| | Front fog light | N/A |
| Shock Absorbers | Front travel | 5 in (127 mm) |
| | Front rebound damping | Unadjustable |
| | Front compression damping | Unadjustable |
| | Rear travel | 3.1 in (79 mm) |
| | Rear rebound damping | Unadjustable |
| | Rear compression damping | Unadjustable |
| | Rear spring preload** | 5-step adjustable |
