Plastic Tank problems: Discussion thread, see info thread sticky for updates

[twolanefun]

There is a Customer Service Link on the DNA website, you'll needto know your code - PITA, which sjould be on a Red Card they sent you after your purchased the bike. - Gene

[wengr]

Thanks for the reply. I don't recall getting a red card with a code or anything from them in the mail, but I'll look into it.

[duccarlos]

The red card comes with the bike, not in the mail. It should have come with your keys.

[Curmudgeon]

The red card comes with the bike, not in the mail. It should have come with your keys.

Currently there is an owner's card with your name on it which has nothing to do with the code card which comes with the bike. At one point I was able to print off a copy of that card online using my VIN #. Might be worth a try.

[wengr]

Ok. I found the red card and called Ducati USA who told me they knew nothing about my bike. Said the dealer must not have submitted or submitted incorrectly. As expected they both blame the other for the delay. But the real problem is they claim that I do not need a replacement tank, but instead a different mounting kit. This seems completely unacceptable to me, as this thank has expanded back into the seat, also forward to where you cannot unlatch and lift it, and to the sides to where the rubbers are not seated on the frame but half off. Also the bar at full lock contacts the tank on the left hand side. Can something be done, or do we just have to accept whatever they say? Thanks in advance. 

[duccarlos]

Did the dealer say that they would install the rubber mounts? In various cases they went that direction first. The dealer does not make that call. They send Ducati photos and based on those they decide if they should replace it. I would consider taking the tank to another dealer.

[Skybarney]

Does anyone know if Ducati fixed this problem with the newer models or can us folks with 2012/2013 bikes expect trouble as well?

[wengr]

Thanks for the reply. Ducati says that the dealer never requested a replacement tank because the dealer decided it does not need replacement. I suspect that is untrue and Ducati drags their feet waiting for the deadline to come. I don't see how a new mounting kit is going to help the front to back issues.

[The Bearded Duc]

Thanks for the reply. Ducati says that the dealer never requested a replacement tank because the dealer decided it does not need replacement. I suspect that is untrue and Ducati drags their feet waiting for the deadline to come. I don't see how a new mounting kit is going to help the front to back issues.

The new mounting kit comes with a new tank latch bracket that moves the tank further back towards the seat, then the resolve is a new, shorter seat. At least that's what was told to me when I had my tank replaced.

Supposedly, the tanks have an absorption threshold. Meaning they are supposed to only expand a certain amount and the new mounting hardware is supposed to account for that threshold.

[twolanefun]

Does anyone know if Ducati fixed this problem with the newer models or can us folks with 2012/2013 bikes expect trouble as well?

The newer models have a fuel cell behind the tank covers, what you see is not a tank but a cover. The fuel cell underneath that cover can expnd, distort etc... and it is designed not to affect the cover. That is the engineering and the theory and as far as I know no one with a new monster has reported a problem with this new design. -  Gene

[Skybarney]

Thanks Twolane!   

[wengr]

The new mounting kit comes with a new tank latch bracket that moves the tank further back towards the seat, then the resolve is a new, shorter seat. At least that's what was told to me when I had my tank replaced.

Great. And what if I want the Corbin that I've been planning on? And what if I obtain a proper size tank later, will they have taken my current seat? I wonder if there is some sort of dispute process?

Supposedly, the tanks have an absorption threshold. Meaning they are supposed to only expand a certain amount and the new mounting hardware is supposed to account for that threshold.

Yes of course. I take that to mean that by the time it expands into the short seat, the 18 month window will have passed. I'd take it to another dealer but I really feel that Duc is blaming the dealer when they are making the determination. Fwiw, this is a mint bike with 875 miles on it. Anyway thanks for the info.

[The Bearded Duc]

Great. And what if I want the Corbin that I've been planning on? And what if I obtain a proper size tank later, will they have taken my current seat? I wonder if there is some sort of dispute process? Yes of course. I take that to mean that by the time it expands into the short seat, the 18 month window will have passed. I'd take it to another dealer but I really feel that Duc is blaming the dealer when they are making the determination. Fwiw, this is a mint bike with 875 miles on it. Anyway thanks for the info.

I'd push the dealer to make the claim, then have the tank coated. The coating will cost you around $200 but, IMHO, that's nothing for piece of mind. There's no guarantee the coating will work 100% but mine is going strong for about a year now and others have reported much longer.

[wengr]

I'd push the dealer to make the claim, then have the tank coated. The coating will cost you around $200 but, IMHO, that's nothing for piece of mind. There's no guarantee the coating will work 100% but mine is going strong for about a year now and others have reported much longer.

Yeah, that's what I'll do. I'm sure the dealer makes as much money or more for the tank swap so I don't see why they would hesitate. In the event that I do get a new tank, I will certainly consider coating. Thanks for the advice.

[duccarlos]

The dealer will eventually get reimbursed by Ducati. DNA might take a little while to pay them back so smaller dealers have been known not to want to do the leg work.