So I have a crack in my upper TT. Obviously, it needs to be replaced. Before I dive into my shop manual, I wanted to ask: is this something I can do in my garage or do I need a pro (more importantly, his specialty tools)? And how does this happen? Big front impact? Should I expect to find frame or fork damage, too? The bike rides well - wheel rim isn't bent, no handling problems or vibrations. Perhaps just a weak part? Thoughts?

 

bring it to a welder and have him mend it

 

I'm going to replace it. I am just wondering if this is just a freak breakage of an old part or a potential sign of something worse. I haven't noticed anything else wrong with the front end yet.

 

Bad casting

 

Unless the bike was in an accident, no obvious reason to think this is a sign of other problems. Pull it apart and either get it welded or replace it.

 

From the looks and the crack going into the stem area I'm going with impact at some point in history. Just the outside cracking could be bad casting or handle bars installed wrong or too tall, when it goes past the gap to the inside also start looking hard around the neck area and the lower tree for signs it's been worked over or hammered on.

 

Well, I bought a new triple tree. Arrived today. As I start to break this down, I'll be able to better inspect the forks - especially where the bearing races are - to make sure there is no impact damage on them (or anywhere else). Thanks!