MotoSpecs

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
329.0 kg / 725 lbs
2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20112012
Make ModelHarley Davidson FLSTF Fat BoyTriumph Thunderbird 1600
Dimensions
Seat HeightLaden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase1715 mm / 67.5 in1641 mm / 64.6in
Height-1216mm / 47.9 in
Length2445 mm / 96.2 in2350 mm / 92.5 in
Width-947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-308 kg / 678 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Maximum Load / GVWR526.0 kg / 1160 lbs-
Oil Capacity-4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal
Wet Weight329.0 kg / 725 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Max Power-63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Max Torque124.7 Nm / 92 ft. lbs @ 3000 rpm146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.1 sec
Engine
Displacement1584 cc / 96 cu-in1597 cc / 97.5 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinderFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke95.25 x 111.25 mm103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio9.2:19.7:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)-
IgnitionSingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignitionDigital, inductive type via electronic engine management
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate, wet-
Final DriveBeltToothed belt
Gear Ratios1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.7901st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG welded-
Suspension - Front41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust coversShowa 47 mm forks
Suspension - RearHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shockShowa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload
Rake 31.6°32°
Trail147 mm / 5.7 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliper2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliperSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front140/75R17120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear200/55R17200/50 R17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy and the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 635 mm vs 702 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy and 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy uses Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has the lower seat at Laden 635 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 sits higher at 702 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 stands out for liquid cooling and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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