So I'm poking around my new 2014 XL1200C, putting on a new shield and other stuff, just kind of having fun and getting to know the bike, the kind of thing you do when you get a new ride.

A buddy comes over and I want to show off the great V&H exhaust note so I crank it up and white smoke starts coming out from somewhere down behind the pipes, near the engine. We're looking around furiously, trying to find out what the hell is going on.

Make a long story short, I finally notice the oil dipstick has popped out. I must have touched it inadvertently. I've never had a spring-loaded dipstick.

At least I assume this is the problem. Anybody else run into this problem or am I the only clumsy oaf in the group?

 

My new 2017 iron started smoking a bit after my first hour+ ride. Found a wet path from somewhere behind the air cleaner, along a fin of the rear cylinder, and drips onto the exhaust causing smoking. I freaked out a bit that my brand new bike might have a head gasket leak. Turns out it was the assembly lube used at the factory had heated up and melted, running out all over. The dealer cleaned it up and it hasn't come back, so I think I'm all good.

 

Sure you have, it's called puberty.

John

 

10 points.

 

what a set-up...good finish (or should I say "Happy Ending")

Growing up, we move from inadvertent to intentional


.

 

So THIS is what it's like over in this forum. Good one.