I don't know how typical this is, but recently I noticed that the plastic fuel tank on my '07 M695 had become distorted in a couple of places. It got longer so the latch was pressed up against the ignition cylinder and was difficult to operate, it got wider so the rubber bumpers no longer matched up with the frame, and it got a bit wavy in the knee cutout areas. Ducati stepped up to the plate and replaced it under warranty. The replacement tank is straight and purdy...just like new! Check them plastic tanks if you got any warranty left!!
BK
I had not even thought about that being the reason my tank bumpers no longer match up to the frame. Wow. Too bad my warranty is up... Think DNA would do a good will warranty??? That'd save me a winter paint job as well!! ;D
they actually have a large amount of play built into them just loosen them up but keep them tight enough to move by hand. then tighten them down.
Back to work man! ;D
*WHIP!!!!
There's not even close to enough play in both of them put together to make my bumpers match up anymore. Already tried. Several times. Might help explain why that chunk of paint came off down to the primer by the latch.
Back to work to you!! [coffee]
im more like this right now
(http://i21.tinypic.com/2mza8b8.gif)
I've seen quite a few distorted plastic tanks.
If you've just gotten a brand-new one, perhaps adjusting the latch so it's just *snug* may help it keep it's shape longer.
Chchadder, wouldn't hurt to ask for a goodwill warranty, you know they're not going to call *you* and offer one up.
Worst they can do is say no.
And, yeah, the adjustment of the rubber pads isn't near enough to cope.
Mine is alittle wavy, but also has 3 (so far) bubbles appearing in random places. Will check w/ dealer when I'm ready to give it up for a few months.
Also have alot of paint bubbling on the engine cases.
2006 and Out Of Warrenty. Will post results.
I advise any of you in the US to check your plastic tanks regularly, there have been quite a few reports of sportclassic tanks sagging and coming off their mounts resulting in claims against Ducati,some covered by warranty,some not.
As far as I can see this may be due to the proportion of ethanol in the fuel sold in the US as I haven't heard of any issues outside the US.
I'd imagine the plastic used in fuel tanks would be the same across the range,perhaps on the classic range its just more noticable due to the way they are mounted.
The tank on my bike warped at the fuel pump mounting flange and caused a leak - also had a weird cellulite-like surface at the knee indents. Don't know what caused it, just got another fuel tank and went on. It will be a real pain if it happens again with the new tank. What to do with the old tank? I thought about running it through a bandsaw, using it as a flower pot, etc. I'd like to repair it somehow but it's such a bizarre defect I don't know if it can be repaired.
I think Acerbis make the plastic fuel tanks so perhaps ask them about it? They make a lot of plastic tanks so should know if there is a problem.
......or have Ducati switched suppliers and the material is wrong?
Acerbis had a large stand at the milan show and current plastic ducati fuel tanks were on display in all their glory. [thumbsup]
Quote from: BK_856er on November 18, 2008, 07:50:51 PM
I don't know how typical this is, but recently I noticed that the plastic fuel tank on my '07 M695 had become distorted in a couple of places. It got longer so the latch was pressed up against the ignition cylinder and was difficult to operate, it got wider so the rubber bumpers no longer matched up with the frame, and it got a bit wavy in the knee cutout areas. Ducati stepped up to the plate and replaced it under warranty. The replacement tank is straight and purdy...just like new! Check them plastic tanks if you got any warranty left!!
BK
What did you do to get a new one? Just talk to your dealer? What was the process? Did they ask for pictures or the tank first? I have been wanting to do this while I am still in warranty.
Quote from: Heath on November 22, 2008, 08:02:35 PM
What did you do to get a new one? Just talk to your dealer? What was the process? Did they ask for pictures or the tank first? I have been wanting to do this while I am still in warranty.
I have a good rapport with my dealer, where I originally purchased the bike, and they in turn seem to have a good rapport with DNA. I first outlined my observations in an email to my dealer and requested that the tank be inspected for a possible warranty claim. Later I brought the bike in and pictures were taken as requested by Ducati. After about a week the dealer received authorization to replace the tank, which was then ordered by them, and a few days later it was on hand. They only needed the bike for a half day to perform the swap. I don't know if any single aspect triggered the approval, but in my case I could no longer operate the latch, so it was more than a cosmetic issue. My dealer had not seen this issue before. The whole thing was handled very professionally and efficiently.
BK
hmmm.....My tank latch is basically inoperable. I have to use a screw driver to get it on and off. been like that since i got the bike, except i went down on the bike twice already. :/
think i got a chance?
I am curious if anyone that had a tank replaced had it happen to them again.
Unfortunately I don't like to deal with my local Ducati dealer but the one I do like is only an hour away...that's not too bad I guess.
The new "plastic" tanks are actually nylon. In my research for the tanks I make, I've spent a good bit of time studying the Acerbis new monster tanks. It's strange to learn they are changing shape, their tanks are pretty heavily made. I'll have to ask my plastic people about nylon (and bring up one of those) the next time I meet with them to try and learn what could cause that.
Chris
I have had the same issue as described, tank is longer and the latch is a huge pain to operate now. The knee cut-outs have also started to do the wavy thing. Unfortunately I am well out of warranty. I don't think much of it but if can cause leaking near the pump then maybe it is worth getting replaced. Carbon maybe?
Quote from: Heath on November 23, 2008, 10:37:06 PM
I am curious if anyone that had a tank replaced had it happen to them again.
...
Exactly one year later and I can answer this question. My replacement tank started to show the signs of warping. I sent pics to my dealer and within a couple of hours a new tank was approved and ordered. The replacement tank arrived in less than one week and I picked up the fixed bike today. FWIW, I ride exclusively on the weekends, buy gas at one location, and during the week the tank is always nearly empty. I took care to use the minimum latch snugness per speeddog. Naturally I would much prefer to have a tank that maintains its original shape indefinitley, but I have been pleased with how Ducati and my dealer have handled my particular situation so far.
BK
Ugh. I hate this.
My tank keeps getting harder and harder to unlatch. It's really pissing me off.
I'm up for my 6k service in the spring, so I will be having it looked at then. It's really aggravating.
I'm out of warranty, but as stated, it can't hurt to get it looked at and at least try to get a new one.
If all else fails, I'm going carbon.
Mine warped @ the fuel pump flange. Caused a little leak onto the vert head. Out of warranty, bought a new tank myself. Didn't even think of wrangling with DNA over it as I bought used so I didn't have a dealer to query on my behalf. New tank is holding up as far as I can tell. Way to go Ducati for doing their homework on US fuel compatibility.
geez hearing these stories, i'm surprised that the metal tank ducati's aren't in bigger demand.
thank heaven i have a metal tank.
The tank should be covered by the emissions warrantee, which is more than the standard 2 year warrantee; 5 years if I remember correctly.
There is a thread in General discussing the issues as well as this...
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=25074.0)
My dealer notice the problem when I brought a new to me 2005 S2R in for belts & a valve check. They got DNA to good will warranty a new tank without me even asking. In less than a week the new tank was in and it took them all of 30 minutes to change the tanks out.
The shop was D&D Cycles in Pensacola, Florida. Very professional and fair service. [thumbsup]
mine was replaced no problem it is under the emmisions warranty. Hope we can find a solution to the ethanol problem! 2008 tri s4rs.