F650GS Crash in Destruction Bay, YT - Catastrophical Forks Failure
 

Photos from my crash in the Yukon last week (clear day, bit windy, smooth pavement, and thankfully not much traffic, forks broke and front wheel came off). I was riding a 2002 F650GS. I sustained a compound fracture to my left forearm and another bone in my left hand. My Motoport gear w/i back and chest protector, Helimot gloves, Arai helmet and Daytona boots protected me from any other harm. I had to be airlifted to Seattle for surgery. I am out of the hospital now, but my bike and gear is still in Destruction Bay, YT. Yeah, I know.

This was the last day of my 3500 mile Seattle-Alaska ride but a hell of a way to end the grand adventure.


http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...Bike/bike1.jpg



http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...ike/forks1.jpg



http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...ike/wheel1.jpg




http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...ike/wheel2.jpg



http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...brokenbits.jpg



http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...Bike/road1.jpg




http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...Bike/rider.jpg



EDIT BY ANNIEGS: I changed this one to a link 'cuz it's a bit graphic (broken arm).
http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling...nBike/arm2.jpg


Rest of the crash photos: http://red-baroness.net/Motorcycling/images/BrokenBike/

We googled a bit and found this on the ChainGang site: http://faq.f650.com/FAQS/ForksMaintFAQ.htm#GS%20Catastrophic%20Fork%20Failu re


If anyone knows about any similar incidents with the GS, please contact me or comment here.

Oooof!


Heal fast

accident
 

red baroness,hope you have a complete recovery.how did you like the yukon?

The Yukon was grand!

Holy cow! The forks just came apart? Not the only incidence of this, either, from the link.

So glad you're ok. Hang in there! :D

Well shit on shinola....... :huh

That made my butt pucker.

I'm glad it warn't worse, you had someone with you, and that someone was an EMT. Sarah is a pretty cool one, and us Portlanders were looking forward to meeting you some time - without the injury. Heal fast and well - and best wishes.

Wow - ouch!!!!!!

Destruction Bay was one of my favourite spots in YT(such a coolhandle)

Heal up fast

Your wheel just up and fell off? WTF?!?

I'm glad to hear you weren't hurt worse, and that it happened near the end of your trip.

You know, if you gotta crash, what better place than somewhere named "Destruction Bay"?

Ack ...:eek1

:eek1 That pic of your arm lookin all funny is :huh:eek1 Hope you heal well and fast!

all hail the mighty gods of kevlar...
 

Yowchie get off. Heal fast.

jim

Had the bike been wheelied a lot or something? That seems like an unusual failure.

I sure am glad you are okay - sorry about the nasty arm injury. Heal up fast!

I know what its like ...kind of
 

That sure looks like it hurts!:eek1 Hope you are doing better. I crashed in the Yukon about a month ago and was also flown to Seattle. I walked away but sustained 3 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, completely separated collarbone, badly sprained left wrist. I didnt feel nearly as much pain as your arm looks to me! That really strange how the bike came apart. Had it sustained any front end damage in the past? This is my bike after my crash.

http://vonleeb.smugmug.com/photos/334042137_gWfb6-L.jpg
I was near Carmacks and the EMS people were great! I dont know how you feel about it but it was so beautiful up there and I had such a great time I would do it again even if I knew I would get hurt . Good luck and I hope you heal fast!

Lee

one more thing
 

I am so glad to see you had all your gear on. I was fully geared up in my crash and it saved me! You are a good example of how well protective gear can us.

:eek2


Damn. Not sure I'll ever look @ my bike the same way after seeing the pictures of your forks. Damn.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery RB. Get yourself a new bike and come on up in '09.