TOPIC:

Hi everybody, was changing fork oil in my 81 LTD and noticed these small cracks in the axle boss. Maybe a dumb question but is this cause for concern or possibly just surface imperfections from the factory?

Seems they lowered their quality control standards in the later years. What does the other side look like? If all that is it shouldn't be a problem. 
Steve

The right side looks good, no surface cracks. However, it's a different casting design then the left fork. It's boss clamps down on the axle and looks more solid. 
I have a spare set of forks from an 82 1100 and found the same thing. Left side boss has the same surface cracks. 

Casting flaws. You can smooth them out if it bothers you. That's what they use do at the factory. 

I agree look like a casting flaw.