My brother owns an 07 FXDWG with 6500 miles. I rode it to the shop for him to check on the infamous "clank" in the front end last Friday. The service dept found a large crack (you can easily get your thumbnail into it...) in the lower triple tree clamp assembly next to the bolt on the right fork clamp. Crack starts on top, to the right of the bolt, moves diagonally towards the bolt, then back away and down towards the bottom of the clamp. There was less than 1/8 inch of metal not visibly cracked, but probably compromised.

Has anyone out there seen this before? What was the dealership's response? Thanks.

 

Have not seen it and is a first time hearing of it. I had the original front end on my 06 WG for 20k'sh miles before switching to the springer.

Definately something to look out for though.

 

The clamps were redesigned in '08 I believe. Maybe this is why.

 

Here's a photo of the crack taken from below looking up towards the fuel tank.

 

Big Moose in Portland agreed to replace the clamp assembly at no cost to me in about a nanosecond. Happy Ending.

 

i have seen clamps broke just like that on small 70's bikes from over tightening..even if its over torqued,looks like the redesigned clamps weren't up to the task of a full size bike..that looks like a honda cl100 trailbike fork..i would change to something a lot beefier

 

first ive heard of as well - i dont think the bottom tree was redesigned though was it? i thought just the top. anyway, ive got almost 50k on my 07 (same design) and i know theres tons of guys on here with more than mine on 06 - Im wondering if your bros mighta been over torqued somehow? since it failed right next to the fastener.

just a reminder that a full bike inspection every now and a gain is in order for sure!

 

That is exactly the area that was redesigned. Look at the newer ones, they are thicker in that area.