Obviously not a new bike but something like that is obviously a manufacturers defect. I'd take that picture to a dealer and see if they can get you some help from the factory. Or maybe reach out direct to the factory. Remember, the same guy that made that weld, probably did your whole frame. I'd be looking at every weld on the frame.

As previously mentioned, absolutely no penetration on the down tube. Probably a Monday or Friday bike. Monday, the welder was still hungover from the weekend. Friday he was already drinking the first one in his mind.

 

Just curious...How many of you, after reading this thread, went out to the garage & checked that area on YOUR bike...like I did!?

 

Ill do that in the morning!!

 

Have it repaired by a competent welding shop.

 

Curios to know the year and miles on that bike.

 

the frame parts are probably loaded into a weld fixture and welded robotically. that's a pretty simple weld to do with a robot but that's not saying the robot can't miss a weld like that .

 

Manufacture defect. Speak to dealer or straight to HD headquarters.

 

Front crash guard is attached at lower left. Looks to me like the bike was over on its side (more than once). That weld takes a lot of stress when that happens. But yea, let's call it a manufacturer defect.

 

Appears to have been that way from the get go surprised it hasn't been noticed before now. Obviously it didn't create any handling issues but as others have said repair as soon as possible IMO.

 

Dayum...that's not good at all.