Motorcycle Repair: Harley under water, tail pipe, bearings

Question
My Brother just called from Chahalis.Wa telling me his house and Harley was submerged for a few hours.His House is totaled but what should he do before trying to start it.It has mud up the tail pipe and is laying on its side.


Answer
If you had mud in the tail pipe, then you probably have mud in the bottom end of the motor. About the only thing you are going to be able to do is get the motor rebuilt. If you try to start it the dirt will destroy the bearings
Good luck and happy riding
Mike