Safe Tips: Motorbike Goes Through Waterlogged Area in Bali

So, you’ve landed in Bali, ready for a tropical adventure, and you’ve rented a scooter from us at Cinchy to explore the island’s beauty. 

But on September 10 2025, Bali saw some heavy rains and now, you might encounter a few waterlogged areas on the roads. 

It's a bit of a tricky situation, and you might be wondering, "can a motorbike go through high water?" or "what happens if a scooter gets water in the engine?".

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This article is here to help you navigate those puddles safely. Remember, your safety and the well-being of your Cinchy scooter are our top priorities.

How Much Water is Safe to Cross?

This is the most crucial question you need to ask yourself. The general rule of thumb for a motorbike is to not cross water that is deeper than 10-15 cm. But how can you tell?

One of the easiest ways to estimate is to look at the curb or sidewalk height. 

If the water level is below this, it’s generally considered safe. Another simple method is to check if the water is less than half the height of your tires.

Most importantly, you need to be aware of your scooter's vital components. 

If the water reaches or exceeds the height of your exhaust pipe, air filter, CVT (for automatic scooters), or footrests, then you are taking a significant risk. 

Forcing a motorbike through a waterlogged area that deep can lead to serious damage. 

For example, a phenomenon called "water hammer" can occur, where water gets into the engine's combustion chamber, and the piston tries to compress the water, which it can’t, leading to catastrophic engine failure. 

This is not something you want to experience during your holiday.

Safe Riding Tips for a Waterlogged Road

Okay, let’s say you’ve found a puddle that seems safe to cross. Here are some tips to make sure your motorbike goes through a waterlogged area without any issues.

1. Assess the Situation and Don't Rush

First, observe other vehicles. Do you see many other motorbikes or scooters stalled in the water? Are people turning around to find another route? 

If so, it’s a big red flag. It’s always better to find an alternative route than to risk your bike and your safety. 

Remember, riding a motorcycle in a flood is extremely dangerous and should always be avoided.

2. Maintain a Steady, Low Speed

Once you've decided to proceed, keep your speed slow and steady. Avoid accelerating or decelerating abruptly. 

You don't want to create a big wave that pushes water up into your engine or exhaust. The key is to keep a consistent, low speed to prevent the engine from stalling.

3. Keep Your Bike Upright

Your scooter is designed to be ridden upright. Leaning or tilting can allow water to enter the exhaust or air filter. 

Keep your body and bike as straight and vertical as possible. This also helps you maintain balance.

4. Never Stop in the Water

Try to cross the water in one go. Stopping in the middle of a puddle is a bad idea, as it significantly increases the risk of water entering the engine and exhaust. 

If you absolutely have to stop, make sure to do so only after you’ve cleared the waterlogged section of the road.

5. Keep a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles

Give yourself and others plenty of space. Cars, trucks, and even other bikes can create waves that can throw you off balance or push water into your bike.

6. Post-Puddle Care

After successfully making it to the other side, don't just forget about the ordeal. If you can, take your motorbike to a "cuci motor" (motorbike wash) as soon as possible. 

Mud and dirt from floodwater can stick to your bike's undercarriage and vital components, leading to rust and long-term damage.

To make sure you’re not missing every steps you need to care of when accidentally riding through waterlogged area, you can read this guide: 

Riding Motorcycle in Bali's Flood: Post-Flood Care Guide

Motorcycle Flood Damage in Bali You Need to Be Aware Of

A Special Note for Cinchy Customers

At Cinchy, we pride ourselves on providing well-maintained and safe scooters. We regularly service our motorbikes to ensure they are in excellent condition. 

This is why it’s very important for us to be clear about this: if you ride a Cinchy motorbike, you must avoid floodwaters. 

Forcing a motorbike to go through a deep, waterlogged area is considered a rider's negligence. 

In such cases, any resulting damage to the motorbike will not be covered by insurance, and you will be held responsible for the repair costs.

We want you to have a stress-free holiday, so if you are ever in doubt about a road, or if you feel unsafe, please don't hesitate to contact our team. 

We offer 24/7 Service, and we are ready to assist you. Whether it’s finding an alternate route or providing guidance, we are here to help.

Experience the Cinchy’s Difference Scooters

With Cinchy, getting around Bali is easy and safe. We offer a simple and fast rental process. 

All you need is your valid ID (Passport or KTP), a valid driving license (International or SIM C), your round-trip flight tickets, and hotel bookings.

Our competitive prices and various rental packages are designed to fit your needs, whether you need a bike for a day, a week, or a month.

• Daily Rental: Starting from IDR 95,000/day (~US$5.84 or AU$9)

• Weekly Rental: Starting at IDR 560,000 (~US$34.44 or AU$53.38)

• Monthly Rental: Starting at IDR 1,500,000 (~US$92.24 or AU$142.97)

We also provide everything you need for a comfortable ride: a quality helmet, disposable hair nets for hygiene, a convenient phone holder, and even a free raincoat or poncho in case of sudden downpours. 

Our free motorbike delivery and pickup service in major urban areas of Bali adds to your convenience.

Choose Cinchy for a safe, hassle-free, and memorable time exploring the Island of Gods!

👉 Rent a Scooter in Bali with Cinchy Now 👈