Topic: Cracked triple tree- how safe?

[Odge]

I am in the process of trying to install a wixom fairing and I noticed that the top left triple clamp is cracked all the way through. I have lined up a new top triple clamp but it will take a few days to arrive. How bad an idea is it to keep riding until I can fix it? Also are there any special difficulties in replacing the top triple tree?

[rhinoracer]

If it wasn't a bad idea you wouldn't be having second thoughts now, would you

[Odge]

Guess not-I just can't stand the idea of commuting in my car for a week.

[Steve F]

Imagine laying in a hospital bed for 10 times that... 

[Johnie]

I agree with Rhino and Steve...park it.  You are placing unexpected forces on that tree and expecting the other areas to pick up the slack.  The tree was designed to withstand the forces in a triple uniform pattern. You may not have a problem but why chance it.  It you do experience a failure it will not be like spilling milk on the table but could be your life. 

[bryanj]

I take it you mean where it clamps to the top of the fork tube, in which case park it ALSO look at the parts fiche as there ought to be a special washer in the gap on the clamp bolt to stop the bolt being over tightened and breaking the clamp

[Odge]

Sound advice- I'll drive the car for the time being. Anyone know what is involved in removing the top triple tree- Is it difficult?

[Johnie]

Sound advice- I'll drive the car for the time being. Anyone know what is involved in removing the top triple tree- Is it difficult?

Pretty easy job and you can even stand up doing it.  May want to pack the bearings as long as you have it out.  I still have ball bearings on mine and they were a bit dry.  On my KO I was able to pack the top and bottom without removing the forks and using a small jack to raise the neck a bit to get at the lower bearings.  The biggest pain is getting the handle bars out of the way with all the cables attached to it.  And like Bryan said, watch for the special washer with the cut-away side that goes in the clamp area on top.

[Odge]

Thanks for the advice about replacing the triple tree. I know that I have never greased the bearings, and who knows how long it was before that, so I better have a look. There are some very helpful people on this forum!

[WFO]

Sound advice- I'll drive the car for the time being. Anyone know what is involved in removing the top triple tree- Is it difficult?

There ya go no sense killing yourself if you don't have too also major rep for the sleestack avatar.

[fmctm1sw]

A cracked top clamp is the perfect gift for the ex-wife or in laws...

[Odge]

I'll remember the gift idea. Also points for recognizing a sleestack!