Topic: submerged bike...anticipated problems

[gregwaits]

A guy emailed me awhile back about a Honda CM400T he was interested in selling. Since then, a lot of flooding hit his town, and the bike was knocked over by the strong current and then submerged for 3 hours.

Aside from the obvious problems that could arise with the electricals, what else could I expect to be a major problem? Of course I would have to expect the carbs, and the engine to be waterlogged and I'd have to deal with that. And the seat, etc.....major mold issues.

He said "the price is real low now". 

Should I bother, now it has been under water? 

[Cvillechopper]

Depending on how fast she dried out, I'd imagine you'll need to give her (at very least) a top end rebuild with rings, cylinder hone, etc., new wheel bearings, and lots of elbow grease.  I'd think the electrics will be your biggest problem. 

Just thought of this.  Was the flood fresh water or salt.  If salt I'd say you'd have a likelyhood of the frame rusting from the inside out over the years.

What's "real low"?  $50?  $500?

[flatblack]

Run, do not walk, away.  I'm not sure I'd take that if he gave it to me.  Too many unknowns, and it's a relative oddball bike.  Getting it reliable will be a major pain.  It's not collectible enough to make it a show bike.

If it was salt water, you should just start a pool to pick the date/time by which it will have disintegrated...

 

fb

[HITMAN]

It really depends on how long ago this happened and fresh/salt water to determine what damage was done, presuming it was not running when it hit the water is a bonus.  Next would be if any attempt was made to start it without disassembly and flushing, flood water is full of sand and dirt.

If the price is good enough, including a gasket set, disassembly and cerveza.  I'd say you could make it worth some effort.

[seaweb11]

I've said it before.
Sometimes free is to much!

[gregwaits]

It was 3 hours of non salt water. I seriously doubt the bike was actually running when it went under. It was however in running condition.

If the price is low enough, I figure I could tear it apart and sell the parts. ("low" meaning no more than $50!  )

[CrisPDuk]

I've said it before.
Sometimes free is to much!

But that doesn't stop people like us taking them on anyway does it Webby

SOHC4 OC - Waifs and Strays a speciality

3 hours in fresh water isn't going to do it that much harm, If it were me and it was less than £50 ($100) I'd give it a look

[KB02]

It was 3 hours of non salt water. I seriously doubt the bike was actually running when it went under. It was however in running condition.

If the price is low enough, I figure I could tear it apart and sell the parts. ("low" meaning no more than $50!  )

Yeah, That's about how I would feel on the bike, too.