I agree. The iron head design is beautiful. One bolt and no paper gasket.
I'm feel certain that was a cost cutting move. No groove need be cut.
Paul, how did you get the primary case off? I was going to take the case off when I changed the oil, but could only get out a small amount. It seemed that there were wires attached. At least it appeared that way. I could see a wire and when gently pulling the case off the wire seemed to stretch, actually tightened up a little. So I differed the chore until later rather than force it and break a wire.
I haven't done it yet. I'm just accumulating parts for the first service, (the gasket is on back-order by the way). Funny thing. I don't know if it's because its a 2008, but I have a neat little drain plug on the primary case near the shift lever. Great idea for keeping the mess at a minimum, but I havent seen it on any other RE until now. Might be a new feature. Anyway, I'll need the gasket as I have to adjust the chain.
I thought I read somewhere, maybe Snidal's, to be careful of wires connected to the case cover coming from the alternator. The more expert guys could answer this, but it should pop right off. I dont believe there is a ground wire inside the case which would prevent it from being removed. I'm here at work and don't have my Snidals,s CD loaded to this PC, but I'll check tonight unless someone beats me to it.