A WARNING - Check your Handle Bar Stays ......Immediately!!!!!

[Bluesman]

While working on my GTR just happened to notice what I thought was a hair on the left hand stay, it was a crack that was not far off right the way through. No idea how this has happened, the bike has never been down in the six years I've owned it. Possibly some form of stress fracture. I've attached some picture evidence. Thought it was worth notifying everyone on here.

[Kwikasfuki]

I can understand if it's been dropped but otherwise it must be a manufacturing defect. Can't think how else that would happen

[Bluesman]

  the fact that it could be a manufacturing defect is why I posted it on here. Dread to think what might have happened.
I've obviously replaced mine.

[Boomer]

Common problem when someone ties down the bike to a trailer or in a van using the handlebars. The bar can't handle the vibrations and will crack or snap.
It is incredibly unlikely to be a manufacturing defect as these are cast risers.

[Bluesman]

I can see that causing a problem, mine hasn't been tied down at all. 
Very strange.

[Boomer]

That is a stress fracture, not a casting defect. Maybe a previous owner strapped it or dropped it?