[Baam5774]

Went creek riding yesterday. Got into some fairly deep water. How deep can I go? Got into water up to my knees or maybe just a little higher. Probably nothing compared to some of you guys!!! Just want to make sure I don't get something wet that shouldn't be!

[crfsonly]

that's pretty deep...especially if you were standing at the time. being in water that deep is always a potential problem waiting to happen. usually water that deep is hard to see what you are riding over...so, you run the risk of suddenly hitting a large rock or hole and sinking your bike. the main thing is you don't want the water level to reach the carb or air box.

ken

[Baam5774]

Guess I better wait for the creek to go down a little more before attempting that one again!

The water was pretty clear. I could see bottom. So I could see where the water was the most shallow. I also looked for big rocks and what not so I was sure not to drown it.

I am probably over exaggerating the depth of the water. I was pretty wet afterward, but I think most of it was from water splashing up on me. I was sitting the first time I went through it.

Guess I will be checking the airbox soon!! Will it be obvious if water got in it? I rode for quite awhile afterward without any issues??? Don't know if that is a good sign or not! Just don't have a lot of places to ride in my area other than some gravel pits (not exactly allowed) and the creek. So when I saw the water was down considerably from a few weeks ago I figured I would give it a shot.

Thanks for all your help.

[crfsonly]

check your engine oil and if it's milky brown then water got in the crankcase...this is a very bad situation and should be resolved before running the motor again. check the air filter too. if it ran well after your water adventure i doubt you got any wanter into the cylinder.

ken

[Baam5774]

Pulled the stick and checked the oil last night. It was dark, so I think I am safe. The air filter was pretty clean also as the bike is new. I think I am safe. The water was probably knee high or just a tad higher if I were to walk in the creek not on the bike. So probably 2 to 2 1/2 feet at the most. Bike ran fine last night. Cleaned the filter and chain and good to go!

Thanks for all your help!

[124]

It is funny you posted this. 3 weeks ago we went "up north" here in Michigan for the 1st of the bi-annual men's weekend trail ride. We explored a new trail that we've been eyeballing for a few years. Springtime with and good snowfall this winter had water levels in MI pretty high. A beaver had built a dam right next to the trail and the water was over the trail with a slight current trickling over the dam. It was deep. We are talking over the waist deep. Being troopers, I said we are not turning back. No way around, only one way through. Pin it to win it, right? Wrong. The only 2 bikes that made it through without drinking water was my old 00' RM250 and a 1991 DR250. It was a sight to see. Everyone went over the seat for a short distance and 7 of the 9 bikes died. After 20-30 kicks all the bikes came to life and the ride went on (with 5 more mudhole crossings that would give pro GNCC guys trouble). If you've never smelled some backwoods black MI mud, you're lucky. It stinks bad!!

Anyway the jist of the story was everyone (except for the RM and DR)pulled in some water. After changing the oil and filter, it was fine. The tranny oil (or what was left of it) looked like a vanilla milkshake. Not good, but minimal damage done if the oil is changed immediately.

Water is not a good thing to get inside of your engine/trans. Just make sure if you have to cross water that submerses the engine (especially if the bike stalls and sits without moving in the water) change the oil ASAP. Remember as good as it looks, it is not a real vanilla milkshake!!