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

It's been quite a year, and the Bali flood on September 10th was a big one. 

Maybe you're here on vacation, enjoying the sun, and suddenly got caught in a massive downpour, finding yourself riding a motorbike through a flooded street. 

We've all seen those viral videos of people navigating through high waters, but what happens when you’re the one stuck in it, especially on a rental scooter?

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If your rental scooter unfortunately got caught in a flood, it's a huge bummer. But don’t panic! 

This guide is here to walk you through the immediate steps you should take to minimize damage. 

1. Do Not, Under Any Circumstances, Restart the Engine

This is the most critical rule. No matter how tempting it is to just kick-start or use the electric starter to get out of the water, don't do it. 

Trying to restart a waterlogged engine can lead to catastrophic damage known as water hammer. 

This happens when water enters the combustion chamber. Since water can't be compressed like air, the piston tries to force it down, which can bend or break the connecting rod. 

It's a quick way to turn your rental fun into a very expensive problem.

2. Move Your Scooter to Dry Ground Immediately

As soon as it’s safe, push your motorcycle out of the water. Find a dry, safe place away from the flood. 

Do not ride it out, just push it. This is the first step in preventing water damage to your motorcycle’s electrical system and other vital parts.

3. Give Your Scooter a Thorough Wash

Once you're in a dry spot, give your scooter a good cleaning. Use clean water to rinse off all the mud, dirt, and debris that might be clinging to it. 

Leftover grime can cause rust and clog essential components. 

Use a soft brush and soap for those hard-to-reach areas, and then dry everything thoroughly with a clean cloth. 

This is a key part of how to check and clean a motorcycle after a flood.

4. Check and Change the Engine Oil and Transmission Fluid

One of the first places water can get in is your engine. 

Check the engine oil through the inspection window or by unscrewing the oil cap. 

If the oil looks milky white or grayish-brown, it means water has mixed with it. This oil must be drained and replaced immediately. 

For automatic scooters, you'll also need to check the transmission fluid as it's also vulnerable to water contamination. 

You might need to change the oil a few times to get it completely clean.

5. Dry Out the Electrical System

Water and electronics are a bad combination. 

Check all electrical components like the battery, fuses, wiring, and the ECU (for fuel-injected bikes). 

Carefully dry them with a low-heat hairdryer or an air compressor. 

If your battery comes into contact with dirty floodwater, clean the terminals with a brush and hot water to prevent corrosion.

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6. Inspect the Air Filter and Exhaust Pipe

Open up the air filter box and check the air filter. 

If it's wet, it needs to be dried immediately or replaced with a new one. 

Riding a motorcycle in a flood with a wet filter can draw water directly into the carburetor or fuel injection system. 

Also, make sure your exhaust pipe is free of water. Tilt the motorcycle to the side to drain any trapped water.

7. Check the Spark Plugs and Combustion Chamber

Remove the spark plugs and check for any water inside the combustion chamber. 

Clean the spark plug with a clean cloth. 

With the spark plug removed, gently kick-start the bike a few times (with the ignition off) to push out any remaining water from the cylinder. 

This is a crucial step in the post-flood inspection.

8. Check the Fuel System

Check your fuel tank for any water contamination. If there’s water in it, you'll need to drain and clean the entire tank. 

For carbureted bikes, the carburetor needs to be cleaned. For modern, fuel-injected bikes, it’s best to let a professional handle it.

Got a Cinchy Scooter and Need Help? Call Us Immediately!

We get it, dealing with a floodwater depth you didn’t expect, engine stalls, or any of these issues on a bike you don't own can be confusing and stressful. 

While we've given you a guide, nothing beats a professional eye. 

That's why we at Cinchy are here to help. 

If you’re facing problems while renting our scooter, our team is available 24/7 to assist you. Just give us a call!

A word of advice: at Cinchy, your safety is our priority, and that includes the safety of our scooters. 

Please avoid riding through flooded areas. Pushing your bike through high water, even on low speed with careful control, is never worth the risk. 

If you're hesitant about the floodwater depth or the conditions, it's always better to find another route or wait it out. 

At Cinchy, we’re committed to providing a worry-free experience in Bali. 

Our well-maintained and safe scooters are regularly serviced, and we offer everything you need, from quality helmets to raincoats. 

With competitive prices starting at IDR 95,000 (~US$5.84/ AU$9) a day and a quick and easy rental process, we’re here to make your trip a breeze. 

We even offer a 24/7 service and free delivery/pickup in major urban areas. 

So, if you're in a pinch, you can count on us!

Need to ride in Bali ASAP? Just book our scooter here 👉 Rent a Scooter in Cinchy Now!