| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled Revolution® V-Twin |
| Oil Capacity | 4.3 L (4.5 qt) |
| Oil Grade | SAE 20W50 |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR 19 |
| Rear Tire | 240/40 R 18 |
| Spark Plug | H-D 10R12A |
| Battery | 65948-00B |
Engineering Highlight: The 2012 10th Anniversary V-Rod (VRSCDX) is a tribute to the original 2002 V-Rod, featuring a unique Brilliant Silver Pearl finish that mimics the original’s anodized aluminum bodywork. However, beneath the skin, it houses the evolved 1250cc Revolution engine, an engineering collaboration with Porsche that marked Harley-Davidson’s first high-performance liquid-cooled production powertrain.
Technical Performance & Handling
The VRSC/12 represents the peak of the V-Rod’s chassis evolution. By 2012, Harley-Davidson had refined the ergonomics, pulling the handlebars back and moving the footpegs slightly rearward compared to earlier muscle variants. The massive 240mm rear tire provides exceptional straight-line stability and power delivery, though it requires deliberate counter-steering in tight technical corners. The inverted front forks and Brembo triple-disc brakes ensure that the stopping power matches the high-revving output of the 60-degree V-twin.
Maintenance Essentials
Maintaining the 10th Anniversary V-Rod requires precision, particularly regarding the cooling system and the high-performance valvetrain. Unlike traditional air-cooled Harleys, the Revolution engine demands strict adherence to liquid-cooling maintenance intervals.
Lubrication and Fluids
The VRSC/12 utilizes a common sump for the engine and transmission. We recommend a high-shear synthetic SAE 20W50. The total capacity is 4.3 Liters. Check the oil level with the bike upright, not on the side stand, to ensure an accurate reading.
Tires and Traction
The contact patch is critical for a bike with this much torque. The 120/70 ZR 19 front and 240/40 R 18 rear must be kept at 36 psi (2.5 bar) and 42 psi (2.9 bar) respectively. Under-inflation on the rear tire can lead to sluggish handling and accelerated cupping of the tread.
Electrical System
The V-Rod is notorious for its tight battery compartment. The 65948-00B battery is the specified fitment. Ensure the terminals are torqued correctly, as the vibration from the high-revving engine can loosen connections over time. For ignition, the H-D 10R12A plugs are gapped specifically to handle the high compression of the 1250cc heads.
MotoSpecsLab Verdict
The 2012 10th Anniversary V-Rod is a collector’s bridge between H-D’s traditional styling and modern liquid-cooled performance. It remains one of the most reliable power-cruisers on the market if the cooling system and high-spec fluids are maintained according to the factory schedule.