Hello all.  Wonderful site.  My dad has an LS650 that was flooded in hurricane Rita.  It sat in roughly 20" of salt water for about 24 hours.  A couple of months later while visiting him I installed a new battery and cleaned all the electrical connections that I thought might have been under water.  Nada, nothing.  It has been sitting ever since.

Do you guys think that it can be fixed or is it a lost cause.  I don't mind spending some time and money on it as I would like to use this as a learning experience.  BUT I don't won't to spend the time and money for nothing.  Any opinions?

Thanks,

Stuart

Its been awhile now so I am not sure but I don't think that I was getting anything.  No lights, no nothing.  Keep in mind that I am somewhat mechanically inclined but know nothing about working on motorcycles.  If possible I want to fix it as a learning experience.

Thanks again.

That's right, change the oil, and after that, you have to get your electrical system in order. With the key in the on position, all your lights should light up. Your starter is probably shot, I think 20" of water will have it completely immersed, not good. Check fuses, and lower electrical connections. The seat height on the Savage is about 27" anything lower than that needs to be inspected, electrically speaking. Your carb may have seen some water as well. With 20" of water, Savage on sidestand, I would say the carb would have seen some water...I have a feeling it may be more trouble to fix than it's worth...unless you're REALLY willing to do so.

Unfornately you won't know what needs replacing till you take it apart.  

No lights in the middle position of key switch....  hmmm .... are the fuses good?  

As for the starter, it's an easy check.  Two bolts...  slide towards right side  and lift.  Then while holding securely (in a vise??) apply 12v (positive to stud, negative to casing).   Only do it for a second ot two.  Should spin..

There was a flood at a Guzzi meeting & the bikes that were underwater were totalled. It was freshwater. You might save the bike, but it will be a labor of love. I suspect that if you took a part time job & saved the earnings you could buy a bike with fewer labor hours involved than the hours it will take to save that 650.