Can bikes go through water?
Discussion
I was out riding today and came across a large red sign that said FLOOD. I came to the 'flood' after about 10m and it was 2 areas of standing water, maybe 2-5mm deep. Fine I thought, just go through it. I go round another corner and another FLOOD sign meets me. I kept going, thinking it would be the same, and it did start like that. Then it suddnly got quite deep. I realised it was maybe 6-8 inches deep, and about 20-25 meters long. I had no idea whether I could go through it or not, though about my nice working (well, mostly working) electrics, then thought "f:censored:k it, lets see what happens".
I got out the other side with no problems, checked my brakes, everything seems to be ok expect for the large amounts of gramm and mud covering my bike now (will be washed properly tomorrow :D ).
For future reference, should bikes go through water and if so whats the deepest you can really go through for road/sports bikes, not trailies etc?
I got out the other side with no problems, checked my brakes, everything seems to be ok expect for the large amounts of gramm and mud covering my bike now (will be washed properly tomorrow :D ).
For future reference, should bikes go through water and if so whats the deepest you can really go through for road/sports bikes, not trailies etc?
On a practical level, keep the exhaust and air intake out of the water and the bike will be ok in an emergency. You sussed the brakes, which is good 
As for the electrics, most usually run high, but brake light and alternator connections are quite low down. A spray with WD-40 wouldn't go amiss. If you intend to make a habit of it, you should consider fairly regular re-greasing of the wheel bearings and swing arm pivots.
Don't forget though, you can't always see if the road has been partially washed away under the water, so take it steady
As for the electrics, most usually run high, but brake light and alternator connections are quite low down. A spray with WD-40 wouldn't go amiss. If you intend to make a habit of it, you should consider fairly regular re-greasing of the wheel bearings and swing arm pivots. Don't forget though, you can't always see if the road has been partially washed away under the water, so take it steady
Rawwr said:
Question: What would you do if you got too far in?
TBH, I don't have a clue. I know the road well as its the route to my favourite biking road
so knew the road didn't dip down too much. But thats why I'm asking basically, because I don't know how deep I can go or what to do if I get stuck. BliarOut said:
On a practical level, keep the exhaust and air intake out of the water and the bike will be ok in an emergency. You sussed the brakes, which is good
Don't forget though, you can't always see if the road has been partially washed away under the water, so take it steady
I don't plan on making a habit of it! I hadn't even thought about what to do if I met a flooded road before as cars just drive round/through it slowly.
Sorry for this, but where is the air intake?
m1spw said:
Question: What would you do if you got too far in?
TBH, I don't have a clue. I know the road well as its the route to my favourite biking road
BliarOut said:
On a practical level, keep the exhaust and air intake out of the water and the bike will be ok in an emergency. You sussed the brakes, which is good
Don't forget though, you can't always see if the road has been partially washed away under the water, so take it steady
I don't plan on making a habit of it! I hadn't even thought about what to do if I met a flooded road before as cars just drive round/through it slowly.
It's model specific, but follow the inlet tract and you'll find it... Probably under the seat on y our bike. Alternatively, just keep going deeper until the engine stops.....
mistreated the bike a bit , never washed it when i got home , still going strong today in the hands of my mother 
Yeh years back rode thru so deep it went in the top of my boots! 
Made sure exhuast was above the water level tho
Rode V V slowly tho so it didnt hit the electrics & it was very odd to ride thru, like a big jar of treacle.
Lots of steam too
Drove thru the next day in deisel discovery & it was up at the height of the front bumper! glad i didnt try & ride though it quite that deep!
Made sure exhuast was above the water level tho
Rode V V slowly tho so it didnt hit the electrics & it was very odd to ride thru, like a big jar of treacle.
Lots of steam too
Drove thru the next day in deisel discovery & it was up at the height of the front bumper! glad i didnt try & ride though it quite that deep!
When my Africa Twin is out on the trails, I have regularly been though water in in-excess of 3feet deep. Stand up on the foot pega, Keep the throttle steady and try not to fall off !.... The bow wave has come up to the front lights, but as long as I dont get water over the tank (my airfilter is the same height as the filler cap) im ok.
Biggest problem is hitting small stones and having to stop. In that case, switch off asap, and prepare to get wet!
Biggest problem is hitting small stones and having to stop. In that case, switch off asap, and prepare to get wet!
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff