The following was written by Hoofseun when Puddles drowned her bike a while back.
FIRST THING - Get out the water to a safe place.
The first thing we did was to get Zanda out the water and then to get the
bike out the water.
Lesson learned: During this event the first action by all was to jump in
the water and start helping. The net effect is that cell phones, watches,
cameras that were not in water proofing got damaged.
SECOND THING - Decide what to do?
Decide whether to try and drain water from system next to road or take
bike home.
We decided on the latter as it would be safer and there is no reason that
force the fixing of the bike next to the road, except for showing off my
"technical" skills.
Lesson learned: The better option was to take it home as all tools are
available, no sand from clothes and hands can enter bike. It is also
easier to dry all components and leave it at a safe place.
THIRD THING - Get the bike home
The option was to either call a friend or tow the bike home. We decided
on the latter as it was important to act while there is still a lot of
andrenaline as well as not to further effect the groups ride out.
Lesson learned: Have a good tow strap on "each" bike or at least one in
the group. Must have towed before. Pull away and stand-up immediatedly
(both riders) as it goves more control. Rear bike brake front bike. Take
it "rustig". Can towe through traffic and town.
FOURTH THING - Gather information
Phone as many friends as possible and get information. Decide what works.
There was also and option to take it to dealer next day for them to fix.
Decided aainst it as this is a real situation that can happen anywhere.
Lesson learned - Getting all information before you start gives you better
options.
FIFTH THING - Start working
1) Take the exhaust off and drain all water.
2) Remove, drain and dry and clean all other things like lights etc.
3) Take airbox off and get filter and all water out. 24 Hours later the
air filter was not dry yet.
4) Take spark plugs out.
5) Put bike on its side, even close to upside down to drain all water
that may be caught in funny places.
6) Put dry (petrol free rags) around the spark plug leads - seems right
thing to keep sparks off motor. Keep fire extinguisher handy.
7) Drain water out of air inlets (carburators must be drained)
Turn motor with starter motor to get water out cylinder head.
9) Drain fuel.
10) Check engine oil colour (it was fine after recovery but white after
above process).
11) Drain all oil from engine.
12) Remove oil filter and throw away.
13) Stand overnight to drain.
SIX THING - Start wrapping up
1) Buy enough good oil.
2) Buy two engine oil filters.
3) Buy one air filter.
4) Fit new oil filter.
5) Add new oil to the right level.
6) Let bike idle for 10 minutes.
7) Drain engine oil.
Clean oil filter.
Redo process 4 to 8 four times.
9) Fit new oil filter.
10) Add right oil.
11) Put new air filter back.
SEVENTH THING
1) Test all components.
2) Have checked by knowledgeable person.
3) Test ride for two weeks as it is a good commuter and nice excuse to use
the wifes bike.
Lessons learned: Do a good job as you will have to rely on the bike in
some future trip. Do not be in a hurry. Standard air filter does not dry
that easily. No water in oil after recovery does not mean no water in oil
after cleaning water from cylinders. Draining oil one cycles does not
clean wall water. Oil filter takes a lot of water with oil.
And as Riel said, at string water crossings, stop and plan for it and
have someone ready assist in case of mishap.
Biggest lesson: If in doubt that you will make it, do not do it. There
are always other alternatives.
Topic: Milddog's DRZ pimp thread (Read 9119 times)
