Flood damage control is no easy task. Throughout the country, flooding can occur anytime, and we could encounter flooding more often than we would like. Sadly, our precious bikes could be victimized by such an event.
You should do a few things if your motorcycle has been submerged in flood water. It may not be the end of its life yet, so gather some tools and prepare for what’s coming next!
Do not start your bike
The advice is clear—don’t start your motorcycle. Flood water may have damaged various parts and caused even more harm if it began to run. Mixed with mud, dust, or other contaminants could enter sensitive areas like electrical systems that cause damage without proper care during the cleaning process. The best way to move your bike after a flood is by shifting into neutral and pushing it.
Remove the battery and dry it off with a towel
By disconnecting the battery, you prevent any ground or electrical issues from occurring. Even if your motorcycle is off, in newer models, it continues to supply electricity for auxiliary systems and sensors to any grounds or electrical issues.
Remove the spark plugs
If there’s water inside your engine, take out the spark plugs. Leaving them in could subject them to further corrosion and make removing later on more difficult if mud has gotten trapped, among other things!
Clean any mud or dirt from the bike with a hose and allow it to dry
Flooded motorcycles are a dirty and dangerous mess. They may not seem like much now, but you’ll thank yourself later when that layer of grime is all scrubbed away! Be sure to use cleaners for any residue and mud in the nooks and crannies of your bike.
Drain all liquids on your Bike
Flooded motorcycles are a real mess, so don’t forget to dry out all the various compartments inside your motorbike before you start working on it. If there is any brown residue around or on either side of an area where flood water may have been able to enter, then chances are high that this part has already absorbed some moisture which needs drying out as quickly as possible!
Drain all liquids on your bike, like oil and coolants, since they have already been contaminated by flood water. Flush it out with cleaner and replace it with new oil and coolant
Conclusion
Being faced with a flooded street and your beautiful motorcycle submerged in water is no easy feat. After all, you did drop a couple of thousand dollars on it. But don’t fret just yet! If you follow the steps we outline here, you may be able to save your bike and get it back up and running as if nothing ever happened. And if not, well, at least you tried.
We sell replacement parts and accessories for all sorts of bikes, so be sure to check out our website when you need something new for yours.
