I live in Chiang Mai. As it happens I'm in the market to buy a secondhand bike now. Many bikes here were submerged in mud and water for several days. 

 

If the bike is cleaned up... And a mechanic ensures it was cleaned and prepared before starting. Will that bike be just as good as pre flood? 

 

If not... What the warning signs? 

I remember reading that if a bike or car flooded, don't start it immediately, this causes more damage when wet, leave it for a few days or a week in the sun to completely dry, then try..., so perhaps it depends..., was it dried well etc. 

 

Most problem is when water gets from the air filter further up into manifolds..., or all the way up from exhaust to valves, saying that I have seen scooters and bikes running in flood water nearly seat high, no problem..., they are built well these days....! 

6 hours ago, 1happykamper said:

If the bike is cleaned up.

Lots of electronics in today's bikes. 

 

And the wiring/connections etc., moisture hiding places, CORROSION 

 

Run away, don't touch anything flood damaged.

 

Edited October 29, 20241 yr by SAFETY FIRST

18 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Run away, don't touch anything flood damaged.

That's all well and good. The flooded bikes are flooding the secondhand market all around the region.... If it runs fine for a 15 minute test drive how do I know the hidden truth? 

1 minute ago, 1happykamper said:

how do I know the hidden truth? 

You don't. 

 

It could run fine today, the next day won't start 

1 hour ago, 1happykamper said:

That's all well and good. The flooded bikes are flooding the secondhand market all around the region.... If it runs fine for a 15 minute test drive how do I know the hidden truth? 

Crystal ball........

1 hour ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Lots of electronics in today's bikes. 

 

And the wiring/connections etc., moisture hiding places, CORROSION 

 

Run away, don't touch anything flood damaged.

 

Unless you do all the work yourself, 

 

I wouldnt buy a flooded bike

If it very cheap then take a chance...you can get a whole new wiring loom for 1000-2000 baht if it is water damaged and starts to corrode...could be ok for years before failure...or not depending on 'luck"

11 hours ago, 1happykamper said:

I live in Chiang Mai. As it happens I'm in the market to buy a secondhand bike now. Many bikes here were submerged in mud and water for several days. 

 

If the bike is cleaned up... And a mechanic ensures it was cleaned and prepared before starting. Will that bike be just as good as pre flood? 

 

If not... What the warning signs? 

I once bought a flood damaged BMW car....shoulda known better lol

I suppose it might be different with a bike IF I knew no water had entered the engine

I also suppose it's easier with a bike to 'tip it up' and let the water drain out the exhaust pipe lol

have you got a website you can post? as it happens I'm looking for a motorbike......I'm currently in europe and I'm pondering if/when I next go to Thailand and what sort of motorbike I should buy

I'm a iightweight so I only need something like a CFMoto 450MT/NK.......the chinese are leaving the ROW behind with their tech/price offerings at the moment...it looks like CFMoto/Voge etc don't have much of a presence in Thailand sadly 

Edited October 29, 20241 yr by driver52

On 10/29/2024 at 5:24 PM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Lots of electronics in today's bikes. 

 

And the wiring/connections etc., moisture hiding places, CORROSION 

 

Run away, don't touch anything flood damaged.

 

Buyer beware........ 

 

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