Ducati Monster Forum

Chris Kelley hard at work on resurfacing the Cycleworks Monster Track Tank Mold:

(http://new01.ugc.ducati.kontain.com/photo/20120111/prod_5bcb6c42-bdef-48cd-bbf9-652d1ceebe1e/tb_640x480.jpg)

Next task : get the scratches from the grind out of the finish and polish! He is also going to try adding some texture to the sides of the tank where your hips and thighs would go to keep you from slipping in a turn. This same texture has been added to around the filler neck to prevent gas runoff, drops or fumes from smudging the finish. Cheers!

 Is this for the injected bikes also?

Could you bake a logo in the plastic during production - it would be 'cloudy', but better than nothing...

Ribbed for my pleasure!   :D

What's the outlet nozzle size going to be? I know stock is 5/16, was hoping for 3/8 or bigger.

HI Guys,

I'm going to try and get Chris to answer your technical questions :) I send him an email so he should be able to answer in a few days if not sooner.

Thanks for your interest!

-Candice

^ Sweet, thanks

He's the "size matters" guy and I'm the "ribbed for pleasure" guy. [laugh]

Actually, still not 100% sure about the textured sides. AKA ribbed for his pleasure. I did a texture around the filler cap and we'll see how that turns out. If it looks good then I'll see about doing the sides.
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It was specifically designed to be a direct replacement for the nylon Monster tanks as fitted to 620, 695, S2R800, and S2R1000.

We have an fuel flange plate machined just for us that allows our tank to be used with metal tank'd efi Monsters as well as carbureted Monsters.

The "seat notch" is designed with the EFI bikes in mind, however it is relieved at the top of the seat so the tank is at least compatible with carb'd seat pans' pointy leading edges.
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What kind of logo? Hopefully, not one that would require impossible-to-get licensing?

The way to do this would be to etch the logo in the mold itself. Then it's always located correctly. There's also the concept of polyethylene graphics... one kind goes in the mold along with part creation. The other can be applied with a blow torch after manufacture. The latter kind of graphic could be made like this: "eDUCATIon" then the customer could choose to alter the graphic if they don't like eons.
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For your 01 M750? Ummmmmmm... does it have a 350 cid Chevy V8 in it?

The way our adaptor plate works for the carb'd bikes is via 1/4" npt fittings. You can buy or make any 1/4" npt fitting you wish to try. This one would work: 1/4" npt elbow to 3/8" hose (http://www.amazon.com/Spectre-5946-Chrome-90-Degree-Fitting/dp/B00062ZDB8/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1326525666&sr=1-1-catcorr)

after the die grinder...

Hours of block sanding with 60, 80, 120, 150, 180, 220, and 240 grit emery cloth... then 150 then 120 until the lines went away then back up 1 step at a time to 240.

Then hours of wet sanding 400, 800, 1000 grit. Then tried 1500 but the lines wouldn't go away so back to hand sanding then block sanding 800 and 1000 for all of today until all the lines went away...

And here's where it's at Friday night:
(http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/c/pics/Fuel_tanks/Monster/Development/1000gr_wet_sand.jpg)

Tomorrow, I'm going to pick up some 1200 grit on my way into work then back at the block+hand sanding more and more and more. I've got 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 paper in stock. I'll keep going up the grit numbers until it either has no effect or I run out.

Given that it's only at 1000 now, the higher grits should make it damn near mirror-like. Then , when it comes time to break out the cotton wheels and rouge, there will hopefully be little work left to do.

;D Chris

No, but it will have a turbo  ;D

A 2v 750 with a turbo? Why? At least start with a bigger valve motor (like a 900, 1000 DS, or any of the 4v's)!  But that is unrelated to this topic and I am indeed interested in seeing your doomsday machine.


Chris,
Got a pic of the flange for carbies anywhere?  I'm rolling around on the idea of doing a Monster/Trackster still, and I've got a nice 888 tank, but perhaps a CA-Cycleworks mtt43 is an all around better and easier idea.

Cause I can

[subscribed]   [thumbsup]

Is this new tank a replica of the stock tank on the monsters you mentioned above or is it gonna be a "re-vamp" of the old CA-Cycleworks track tank?

(http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/33434739+w750+st0/122_1005_01_o+ducati_monster+left_side_view.jpg)

Still won't need any more flow but you could stand to use either our fuel flange or an OEM S2R one so you can put some pressure behind the gasoline... however, if this is something you're serious about, people have found and solved all the normal problems with boosting a bike. :)

And yeah, start with a 696, 796, 1000, or 1100 engine and you're going to start at 50% more hp. Or get the set of MPB Testarosso Red Heads that I've got on the shelf. They're from an S2R 800 and have 900ss carby cams in them. These heads on an otherwise stock engine with keihin fcrs will be around 85 hp on your otherwise stock 750 engine.
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(http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/c/pics/Fuel_tanks/Monster/Development/mtt_fuel_flange.jpg)
(http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/c/pics/Fuel_tanks/Monster/Development/flange_hose_routing.jpg)
The 2nd pic shows how we configure the flange for use with metal tank'd EFI monsters. You can provide your own fuel pump to save $.

For carb'd applications, we plug one outlet and put a hose barb fitting on the other outlet.

For BOTH you DO need to supply your own fuel sending unit to plug the hole. Else, you can buy a fuel nut and finger out how to seal the big hole...

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It is the same mold and the end product will appear identical. The difference is once you are within 2 or 3 feet of the tank, the imperfections in the finish (I hope) will not be there. Or at least be greatly minimized.

Note: lots more pics of the Monster Tank are here (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/c/index.php?dir=pics%2FFuel_tanks%2FMonster%2F).

I particularly like the look of a black tank on my red S2R800 (though I am currently running a white tank, my favorite look):
(http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/c/pics/Fuel_tanks/Monster/BlackOnRed/mtt_blk_on_red_1.jpg)

Very very interested... where do i find more info!?

PM sent.
Thanks,
Chris

 [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn]

I'll be one of the first ones in line for one of these tanks.
My bike is on it's 2nd tank and this one's starting to grow, too.

Try low-carb fuel.

620 race for sale in minneapolis...right here

Only if your down for tradzies.. lol

Any update on the tank? My stock tank has a small leak where the hinge is spot welding on so it has got to go!  [bang]

Hi There!

Chris is still working on the mold. It is taking longer than expected. ETA is still Summer of this year.

Wish I had better news.

Take care,
Candice

YIKES! Summer!?! what if I slip him a $20 under the table? I'll definitely need to get some kind of tank before then.

Actually if you have $5000 you could loan us to make a new top to the mold that would be what would get it done the fastest. Unfortunately, there are some variables that make resurfacing the mold extremely time consuming and we don't have the staff or the man power to speed the process. Sorry about this!

Man, real life sucks! Gimme one off one of your Ca-Cycleworks bikes lol. This kills be cause I really wanted that tank but no way can I buy a stock tank now and that one this summer... way too much $$$

We apologize for the inconvenience and will keep you posted.

Maybe I missed it another thread, but what are these projected to run as far as price? What's the capacity? I remember quite a while ago Chris was talking about 5 gallons or so...

Hi,

The pricing we under $600 before the resurfacing. They didn't end up being much bigger than the stock tank at 0.5 more usable gallons which is why it is marketed as a track tank.

Thanks,
Candice

Hello Everyone,

Thank you again for your continued patience and support. After months of work on the Monster tank resurfacing project, Chris, has decided to scrap the top part of the mold and pay for the design and production of a brand new billet piece to replace it. Unfortunately, there is no ETA on this, but Chris has begun the process today. Hopefully, we can get it done by the end of the year.

For those interested in a tank for the S4RS, a fuel flange from an S2R would need to be purchased for the tank to work with your bike, but even then we are not certain it will be 100% compatible. If any of you live in San Diego and would be willing to lend us your S4RS for a brief non-invasive testing session please let us know.

Thank you for your understanding,
Candice
The Cycleworks Team
--
California Cycleworks, Inc
www.ca-cycleworks.com (http://)
619/501-2466

Damn....

The fuel flange location on the s2r style tank cannot be used on an s4rs.  Interference.

With our Monster Track Tank Chris was able to fit it for an S4RS. When we have it back on the market again we will get the picture of the exact set-up.

Interesting.  He must have moved some stuff around under the tank? 

 [clap] Yes!  [thumbsup]

Big Update!

We are replacing the top mold of the tank with one that is to be cut from billet. The drawing is done and an appointment made with the toolmaker!

NOW we need to get an S4Rs into our workshop so I can laser scan (and CMM arm scan) under the tank to see what the truth is with that model. The S4Rs got the 1098 fuel flange because it's the one that the newer, cooler bikes are getting.

Once we confirm the tank will fit and work on the S4Rs, we'll design and commission a fuel flange that's a bolt on. It'll be at least $100 but will use most/all of the OEM components or we can populate it with our own parts (everything but the level sensor).

Thanks,
Chris

Yay!

Do you need access to an S4rs?  I might be able to bring mine down for you if needed.  Let me know.  Mine's an 07.

Joel

Hi Joel,

Yes please, that would be fantastic! Let's get in touch and work out the timing and logistics.

;D Chris

I hear you are concerned about market... my boss is on board with this mod.

I told her I was considering making one out of metal and she said, "I thought you were buying one from that one company! Do that instead of trying to figure out how to make it pretty!"

The billet top mold is done and we're picking it up tomorrow (Friday). I'll polish it quickly and have it to the rotational molding facility next week. Then we can fill up my van with tanks to take to get fluorinated.

First batch will probably be all black tanks and a limited run of 40 tanks. We'll see how that all shakes out and go from there.

After 3 solid days of work, I'm wishing I had asked the toolmaker to leave the tool the same as when it left the CNC!! :P  I have most of the waves out now. There's a "path" where a small tool went a bit wild and stopped to dig in on 3 different contours which for important lines in the tank!! Power tools suck! No matter what, they always leave behind marks or grooves that take time to remove. I had to use my own tools a little to knock down some areas and got that done today.

If I can get through the 120/150 grits, life should get easier and faster with each later step...

Nice! Got all the waves and trenches gone! Done with the dry sanding (60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 200, 240, 400, 500 grit) and now on to the wet sanding. A few minutes with the 600 grit is looking amazing. Hoping to have mold to the plant this week. Once we get a tank on a bike then we'll order 40 or so to go for fluorination...

If all goes according to plan they will be paintable, but do you think that the paint will stick well enough to use StompGrip/TechSpec pads? 

Yes. Fluorination improves surface adhesion in addition to acting as a vapor barrier.

New blog post with pictures of Chris polishing: http://ca-cycleworks.com/blog/mtt43update2/ (http://ca-cycleworks.com/blog/mtt43update2/)

Chris has finished polishing and the Monster tank mold was successfully dropped at the plastics plant for test runs! We will keep you posted!

MTT43 Sample tank completed.

See below for pictures of our first attempt at using a material inside the tank to fill the pores and allow us to paint it. The next step is letting gas sit in it and see if it starts to bubble the paint. After we confirm this method works and customers can paint the tanks we will release this new version for purchase.

Still hoping for an end of the month completion date, but more like next month sometime.

(http://new01.ugc.ducati.kontain.com/photo/20130219/prod_f86fdc4e-7b60-438f-8295-00a8befef326/tb_640x480.jpg)

(http://new01.ugc.ducati.kontain.com/photo/20130219/prod_0c37cc48-4998-4c7f-8ab3-dc2e34603863/tb_640x480.jpg)

I would be keen to pick up a S4RS version!

So if read this right, it will fit 1st gen carb models ? And basically the outlet is the same as EFI models only missing the pump ?

how have i missed this thread?  very interested!

Nice going Ca Cycleworks! Once again you guys are looking out for your customers and the community. [clap]
I know 2 others besides myself that are sold.

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the interest! The latest: Some very small holes due to porosity showed up on the bottom of the mold, resulting in odd bubbles forming in the underside of the tank. So they're sending the mold to a repair shop to get a plate welded over that area. "Small problems" like this is why nothing ever gets done "on time". There are always issues and gotchyas that come along.

I have approved the result of their process so once this bubble problem is sorted out, they'll start on a big run of tanks we can sell.

Thanks,
Chris

Status check?

Thanks for your post. I saw it and called our rep. The mold is back and due to start running black tanks.

Sweet!  Thats good news.

Did the new top mold change the capacity at all?  (the answer doesn't matter, other than to satisfy my curiosity)

I doubt it will. It's almost hard to tell a difference between them other than the new version has softer angles.

Nice! They ran 8 tanks. The plant is going to do their post-operations on one of them and send it to us to make sure they get it right. I'll mount up the parts from my S2R's tank to it to confirm everything is ok.

They're actually quite happy about the yield: normally 1 or 2 might not come out of the mold correctly and be bad parts. Getting 8 of 8 on a first run is kinda special.

;D Chris

Tanks are in!

The finish is pretty amazing, especially the red. They're on the site and able to be purchased. I did a video today about them. Once ready, we'll link to it on the product page.

We are contacting the ancient back order people first.

We will not be fluorinating them, so they are still not paintable. The fluorination people are now saying 9 ~ 12 months until the process is finished for PE tanks.

Thanks!
Chris
;D

that gives me time to save for one in flat black . .  ;D

Got some pics somewhere? (I'll head over to the website myself to see of course)

Work for carb models too, right? (I remember there being some nifty adapter plate)

Yup, a few $ more for carb'd models. We have a fuel plate with the raised threads for the sending unit and 2 1/4" NPT female thread ports. For carb'd bikes, we block one port and put a 90 degree hose fitting on the other one.

There are pics on our site (http://ca-cycleworks.com/products/tanks) and ...

Pic from facebook (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151377248021366&set=a.10150962952141366.406014.144922416365&type=1&theater):
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/920796_10151377248021366_1274358748_o.jpg)

Nice!

For more info about what is new with our Monster Track Tank MTT43 check out our latest video:

Ducatitech.com Monster Track Tank MTT43 Tech Talk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huC4rBLp5z4#)