Finally got the time to pick up the new bike. Went through all the hoopla which is standard with a newbie, and managed to absorb some of it.  My main concern, was that I wanted to take it out for my first blast on a stunning Saturday morning.  As usual, Mark and Blair at Adelaide Bike Works were fantastic in explaining all of the many new innovations on the 2017 models.  Got out of there and decided to head off to Goolwa via Clarendon and Ashbourne. This thing handles like it's on rails and is the most responsive Harley I've ever ridden.  In love straight away! One problem, though. The factory screen is virtually useless . The wind buffeting over 80 k is hopeless.  Enjoying the sunshine and the twisties, but kept smelling burnt oil,  which I put down to new bike smell. Got to Goolwa for a pasty.  When I got off,  the first thing I noticed was oil dropping off the bottom of the primary and the stink of burning oil. Around the pushrods side, there was fresh oil splattered everywhere over the motor and trans, and all over the right hand pannier. Looking closer,  it looked like the oil dripping from the primary was blow back from the leak around the rear push rod block.  A quick phone call to Alex at ABW, and a hasty retreat back to the dealership before they closed. So much for a nice leisurely Satdy cruise. On arrival,  I was met by Blair and Alex,  and the SG was whisked away to diagnose the problem. I think they thought I was shirty, but there was no way ABW was at fault in this instance. I could not have been more impressed with their concern and desire to fix the issue. After a while Blair informed me that the rear pushrod block gasket had failed( a freakish thing in a brand new bike) , and would need to be replaced. In the same instant, Blair offered me his SG (that I had test ridden before I got mine) for the weekend , without hesitation.  I said, I wasn't fussed about a replacement, but more concerned about mine being fixed properly without rushing. ( I also felt guilty of depriving the boss man of his ride for the weekend!) He then said, "What about taking the demo Road Glide until yours is fixed, and then we swap over when it's finished." No problems with me, as I've always wondered what the RG with its fixed fairing would be like to ride. Anyways, I've got the big blue bugger for the weekend. Certainly strange compared to the 'Glide, and jumping straight off the m8  back to the twin can 103 is like chalk and cheese in regards of smoothness. As I keep saying,  "grab a ride on any of the m8 versions of HD and you'll be amazed at how good it is. Straight away there will be doom Sayers heralding first model gremlins. A small issue, easily resolved, handled by a very competent dealership that will bend over backward to make sure problems are resolved quickly, without fuss, and without leaving an owner with a bad experience. I'll keep you filled in on what happens...............

 

 

Congrats on your new ride Winger .... Pity about the dramas at pick up ,, but all seems to be sorted to your satisfaction ....

I take it the gasket that failed was the lifter cover gasket ??? ... They would have had to remove the rocker cover to remove pushrods, so this gasket could be replaced , not a big job, but a pain in the arse all the same for the dealer ....

Did you keep the Fatboy ,, or did you trade it ??? Cheers ....

Bad luck mate , but the team at Bikeworks will have it all fixed in no time .

Mark and Blair at Adelaide Bike Works looked after me and my new bike just fine last year good mob there 
 

Good on ya Wingers, keep up the testing so they have it right in time for me to buy the 2018 model.

Interesting re the wind buffeting Winger, how tall are you? Im looking at taking one for a test ride soon and have heard the screen as small as it is works well. Albeit that was the dealer that told me they work well. Thinking about changing from the fatty to an SG.

Screen is easily fixed. They can't make a screen to fit everyone. Glad you're liking it and the dealer is sorting that issue for you. Get rid of the fatty?

They did tell me there were taller/higher screens available now that I think about it so that may be an option.

Feel for you mate after all the waiting and ribbing but congrtas on the new ride. Stock screens look good but thats about it. I have a couple of screens if you want to try them out. I think they will fit the red ones too

Traded the fatty, Mark. Have never had any reason to bad mouth the ABW folks. Great people that treat you like family.

Good stuff winger. I was the same as you. Had a fatty and then test rode a streety. Then I had to have one only decided I wanted the road glide instead. Great bikes.

That is a sweet looking bike winger. I love the red, enjoy mate and hopefully i will join you soon in ownership. Thanks for the photo.

Hey Winger ,, You will have to give her a bit of a work out, and take her on the Snowy run in January. so I can buy you that JD I owe you !!!!! She looks good mate !!!!!

Very very nice Winger. 

no doubt about it winger,that is certainly red,and looks nice to.mate test rode an m8 and said it was veery nice.

Geez Winger. Give it a rest will ya. Sick of hearing about the new bike 

You bought my dream bike! Very very nice.

Great looking ride mate -- that red is spot-on.

Colour is more Orange in the sunlight ...

Hey Winger, how did you go with your bike mate? Hope you have got it back, or will very soon.

I'm about to order one in the same colour. Can't believe the missus ok'd it only catch was, is she wants the king tour pak fitted with the wrap around back rest and touring seat - bike will be stock otherwise, not game to ask for anything else.


cheers

DocGreen