Front forks collapsed on 2010 KX 450F

[BC boy]

Been out for three rides and on the last ride the front forks completely collapsed. I mean all the down, I have never seen anything like it before. Riding out was interesting to say the least in close to 3 feet of powder and about 4 inches of ground clearance.

The bike is a 2010 KXF 450 F, I was told my bike does not have air forks so I am wondering why the springs didn't hold up the bike.

There was no oil on the ground or on the ski or any signs of leakage around the forks and I could not see any damage and I did not hit anything,

I am at a loss as to what is going on.

I rode down real slow , first gear when I got on the hard pack. I am guessing having to ride 10 miles or so with the forks completely collapsed didn't do them much good.

When we got loaded up we picked up the front of the bike and the forks fully extended but when we let go they went all the way down again and stayed there,

Any help/ ideas would be appreciated. i

 

[drummerdave]

Im snowbike illiterate, but it sounds like you might've actually broken your fork springs.
If all the oil blew/leaked out, the springs alone should still keep the forks extended.
If they're not extending under load, but they will gravity extend (or you can pull them out w/out too much trouble), broken fork springs sounds to me like the only likely cause (or, not knowing what exactly the insides of a KX fork looks like, possibly whatever mechanism the springs might rest against could've broken. I still think springs).

If they were locked in place, I'd guess you had a mechanical failure and something is jammed, but since you say they'll extend if you pick the front end up, I doubt it.

 

[jskattum606]

maybe whoever you bought the bike from switched to air forks from a 13+ bike. Dont think it would be possible for a spung fork to do this.

I had a 13 kawi and the forks went flat snowbiking. Did exactlly what you are describing

 

[TheHilltophood]

It would help if you could tell us what type of forks you have on your bike.

It is possible to break a fork spring and have the two parts "screw together"... this would explain why there's no resistance to compression.

Or they were switched for air forks and you lost pressure.

 

[SnoFro]

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Like TheHilltophood said the only way a spring loaded fork could do that is if both springs broke and screwed, but it wouldn't of been instant. You should of notice it going soft. It is more likely you have air forks. (no springs) Pop the caps off and have a look.
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[Cpt.Ron]

I suspect...

Like Jskattum said, I suspect that the previous owner swapped out the original forks for some newer air forks. Can't see how you would break both fork springs such as to have zero lift left in them...

 

[Rush44]

Pretty easy to tell if you have the air forks... is there a valve stem on the top of the fork? If not you have thrashed springs.

 

[hollycow]

If they are twin chamber Showas you could have blew the spring seats on the cartridges past the small snap rings that hold them in place. They are made of aluminum and known to be a weak point. If you have a revalve done by Factory Connection they will always sell you steel replacements. Probably not required for your average trail rider but recommended for MX, and I guess now snowbikes...

 

[hollycow]

Actually I think its a steel spacer they install between the spring seat and the clip to reinforce the seat, instead of the seat its self. Charged me $20. My riding buddy had that bike so I'm pretty sure they come with the Showas

https://www.suspensiondirect.com/product/KFHCH24/24mm-Cartridge-Spring-Perch-Clip-Holder-ea/