Aftermath

[gamechngr]

Well sandy did a number to our area. Some neighborhoods are completely wiped out. While others just lost power. Those like me have basements flooded, cars flooded and garages flooded. Think of the horror as the water kept rising and knowing what's in the garage! Next morning we went into the garage and all you could do was stand there and say wtf. Not knowing what damage was done (the trike looked clean) I started her up and water poured out of the exhaust pipes, salt water! I shut the engine off immediately and water still continued to drain out. So I called insurance folks and received a claim number. Haven't heard from them yet. Now there is that lovely orange color growing all around the inside of the mufflers.
In conclusion, I am wondering if the exhaust system and worst case the engine should be replaced or would the insurance co. just total the trike?
P.S. the aluminum rims are showing signs of pitting and not sure if the trikes tubular frame has been compromised from salt water inside the tubes.

 

[tjmac49]

Sorry about your bad luck. Hurricanes suck! I hate when there is one in the Gulf. Hope they total your trike so you can start anew. Good luck with your recovery!!!!

 

[Gorilla]

I think you need to have them replace the trike. If the water was that high it did get in the frame.

 

[msocko3]

I bet they'll total it, there are too many what if's when it comes to something that has been in salt water or even fresh water.

 

[rmrc51]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with what everyone else has already stated,,,. The trike should be totaled. Take it from a former Coastie (Coast Guard). Salt water will ruin anything mechanical/electrical if not flushed, cleaned and lubricated immediately.

I'm also an ex Long Islander. (I lived there most of my life) I've been looking at many photos of all the areas I know. My sincere best wishes and prayers to all of you up there.

 

[screwball]

Dit it start?? Can you tell how deep the water was and for long it was submerged. For the most part, water can't get in where oil can't get out. If the water was below the injection intake or the exhaust ports in the heads you might be safe. Check to see if there is any water in the oil resevour. I believe the frames on the trikes are dipped, not sprayed so you may have some protection on the inside.

I say all this because most automotive insurance isn't 'replacement value'. After any deductable you can get the 'fare market value' of the depreciated scoot. If the motor, trans, and rear end are OK, you might be better off cleaning the hell out of the scoot. Boats are in salt water most of their lives

Good Luck, hope things work out for the best.

 

[gamechngr]

Insurance is calling it a total loss. Have full replacement value with options installed all covered. It sucks since I was just getting to love this machine. Other than heat issues which I was going to deal with this winter it ran great.
So now I have to start the shopping process again. Only problem I'm not crazy about the 2013 colors. Hope some other options might come out in the next few months.

 

[Sloufoot]

Insurance is calling it a total loss. Have full replacement value with options installed all covered. It sucks since I was just getting to love this machine. Other than heat issues which I was going to deal with this winter it ran great.
So now I have to start the shopping process again. Only problem I'm not crazy about the 2013 colors. Hope some other options might come out in the next few months.

See what the insurance will sell it back to ya for. Make it a second project...:Trike1:

 

[msocko3]

See what the insurance will sell it back to ya for. Make it a second project...:Trike1:

That could be all kinds of ugly, salt water has been in the frame, the electrical system and I'm pretty sure its in the transmission right now. The frame is a bad deal because its not water tite, unless you can flush it real good rust will start from the inside out. The OP would have to get a smoking deal from his insurance company on the buy back of the trike.

 

[Sloufoot]

Yeah, if you have to let it set for a month before you can get things cleaned out, trash it. But if you could get everything cleaned up right away I wouldn't be afraid of it. But you have to get things flushed & cleaned like Bearings & bushings & all oil systems flushed right away.
It doesn't sound like it got over the engine, & a quick drain & check for water on all the boxes would tell ya. But like You say It needs to be cheap !

 

[gamechngr]

I think at end of day I'm going to take the insurance money and plop it on a new trike. I also have a 2003 ultra that is totaled too.

 

[rwhgme]

As a bicycle racer that owns a steel frame, very expensive bicycle, I bought and used a product called Frame Saver. You spray it inside tubing and it prevents and tops rust. It may help...

 

[Skeet7373]

If you will go with a 12, look at Buy and Sell New & Used American V-twin Motorcycles - ChopperExchange and make some calls to see if the dealers listed still have a Big Blue Pearl/Black, just and idea. I was just looking at some pics of your TG and it sure was "purdy"...

 

[Skeet7373]

Well, duh, they still have the Big Blue Pearl and Vivid Black. I ride black, its just easier.

 

[dadorfman]

All the comments related to the cosmetic and the structural. All that rust and corrosion can be addressed with enough RustEco. What about water damage to the electrical system? Houses damaged by Sandy's surge can't get power until the wiring is replaced.

 

[gamechngr]

Insurance paid full retail so went and bought 2013. Sorting out what options to add.
Decided not to pursue trike. Frame was submerged but not engine. Plus it was picked up and was never able to run fresh water where needed.