My Front Axle just broke | 2018 GP 300

[VintagePhill]

The Axle luckily broke during a slow hillclimb, but the crash would have been nasty if it had happened 20min earlier since we were riding fast downhill sections with big jumps.

There were no signs of beginning failure during the front tire change I performed a few hours prior. It is unbelievable that the axle even held up for so long, as the thickness of the most stressed section where it ultimately broke is no more than 1mm. I hope this was just a manufacturing error, but if every Axle is designed this poorly, everybody should check theirs for any signs of wear. But I also wouldn't know how to properly check for fractures on the inside of the Axle....



Luckily there was a quick fix to replace the original Axle with a stronger more sustainable alternative.

 

[Wbdisco]

That’s wild!

 

[swazi_matt]

wow, that looks extremely thin for an axle.

But looks like you have a solution that will reduce your carbon footprint

 

[gasgasman]

There was a recall on these axles.
Dealership should have notified you.

 

[VintagePhill]

Yeah well i bought the bike used, and at that point GasGas was already acquired by KTM.

The replacement Axle I just received doesn't seem to be made any better, the overall thickness is 2mm and the notch where the first Axle broke is exactly at the same point where maximal shear force is applied by the front wheel bearing...

Was there a new Parts number for the recall? I couldn't find any information on broken Axles on google.