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Jul 10, 2011 | 06:46 PM

AirBoss

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 3

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From: Seattle

Heads-Up!

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.

Jul 10, 2011 | 09:04 PM

man4mopar

Road Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 941

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From:

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.

Jul 10, 2011 | 10:32 PM

DCLXVI

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,630

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From: Central FL

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

Jul 29, 2011 | 11:34 PM

AirBoss

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 3

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From: Seattle

Photo of the cracked triple tree clamp assembly.

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

Attached Thumbnails

Heads-Up!-fork-tree-crack-custom-front-end.jpg

Jul 29, 2011 | 11:38 PM

AirBoss

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 3

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From: Seattle

Dealer is a hero

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

Jul 29, 2011 | 11:43 PM

j1mmy

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 4,598

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From: navarre ohio

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

Last edited by j1mmy; Jul 29, 2011 at 11:45 PM.

Jul 29, 2011 | 11:50 PM

blackmopar

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 682

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From: fallbrook, socal

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!