Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys, am getting ready to sink some serious $$$$ into my new-to-me S4RS, just wanted your opinion or experience before I pull the trigger.

The tank on the bike I bought is expanding something fierce, and it's already been replaced under warranty, as well as coated. So now I want an aluminum tank to solve the problem once and for all and to make it unique.

Beater wants $2,700 for a hand-built tank and says it'll take 4-5 months to make and shop from Japan. That seems like a lot but I'm willing to spend it if it'll fit true and be bullet proof when it gets here. Does anyone have experience with these guys? I've searched around and not seen one person who's actually done the deal, though I assume someone must have gone this route?

Anyone, anyone? Bueller?

If you want aluminum for its light weight, go with an ETI Fuecel carbon kevlar tank.  I sacrificed a stock EFI tank to have one made, so he should be able to supply you one without having to send him your stock tank.  Price is about the same, and the weight savings is about eight and a half pounds - one of the best bang-for-buck ways to lose a lot of weight besides a lithium battery.  It's not a carbon tank, though - there's no carbon weave, so it needs to be painted.  

http://www.eti-fuelcel.com (http://www.eti-fuelcel.com)

The site says he only has carb'ed tanks, but that's not the case.  Lots of people have them on their race bikes, but as far as I know, only I and Kopfjager have them on their monsters.  I think he's happy with his, and I know I'm happy with mine.  Losing that much weight that high up really makes a difference in the way the bike handles.

One in the UK

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=52625&highlight=beater+tank (http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=52625&highlight=beater+tank)

That uk bike looks perfect the way it is! Glad to get that aluminum tank and just clear coat it.

Of course, I wish there were a cheaper alternative. Or a faster route to go -- 4-5 months is a long time to wait, and even longer now that I've seen it!

Keep in mind that aluminum is not immune to the effects of ethanol particularly when the fuel gets old and has moisture in it.

Do a search online.

Will do, thanks ducpainter.

It was me from the uk who bought a beater ally tank.
Still not thought how to paint it.
Was worth the wait.

4-5 months is nothing if you just keep riding. If I had the expendable cash I would do it. I love my S4RT and hope to not sell it for a long time.