Are you sure it was dead. I thought mine had gone dead because the security light had stopped flashing. As soon as I moved the bike to put it on a charger it came to life and lit up like a christmas tree. After checking the owners manual I see that it turns the security light off if it sits in storage so the battery doesn't go dead. Mine is set for 20 days but appearantly this is adjustable.

 

I have a 98 glide Bought brand new in september of 97 still have the original battary in it no battary tenderhas been used . starts right up after 2 months not being riden you left the lites on the acces. where the key is on

 

More than likely it didn't get a deep cell charge. Charge it and you should be fine. I've bought heavy equipment battery's from the manufacturer and had the same experience, should'nt be a big deal. New batterys do fail but checking is easy. Meter the battery voltage with the bike running to see that the alt. is working and check the voltage after its turned off. If its above 13.5VDC with the bike off the battery is taking a charge and should be okay. If you don't want to be bothered roll it back to the dealer.

 

You didn't happen to shut it down in the "Acc." position(key switch)did you? You can take the key out but power will stay on in that mode.