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

[ducpainter]

$835,000 would have paid for a lot of replacement -possibly alloy aftermarket- tanks...

...and what happens if/when e15 is mandated and the problems *accelerate* - the Gubmint has already proven that e15 does no harm 

You're right. It would have gone a long way to keeping the faithful happy.

Call Gerard Gibbs and see what he suggests.

[Bill in OKC]

Call Gerard Gibbs and see what he suggests.

lol Somehow, I don't think he would have my best interests in mind.

[ducatiz]

lol Somehow, I don't think he would have my best interests in mind.

he was your attorney for the matter, why not?

[Curmudgeon]

Since my brain has obviously turned to jelly, I can no longer recall the length of time a vehicle manufacturer is required by law to make replacement parts available. Anyone remember for certain? Was that 5 years? 6 years? 7 years after the vehicle is no longer made?

Just wondering how this might relate to the choice of 6 years from the in-service date of new Ducatis...

Ideally they should keep cranking out parts for 10 - 15 years but the plastic tanks are a vendor item and I've no idea what the arrangement might be between the vendor and Ducati. You can bet the vendor is on the hook for the Federally mandated period for sure unless Ducati is incompetent.

[junior varsity]

he was your attorney for the matter, why not?

+1.  

[Bill in OKC]

As I stated in an earlier post, I feel they were working for Ducati and not for their clients.  I feel they only have $ in mind and I don't have any to give them.  I run real gas in my bike.  I guess my interest (wanted or not) is for the unfortunate souls who must run e10.

[DRKWNG]

As I stated in an earlier post, I feel they were working for Ducati and not for their clients. 

Don't be naive.  Girard Gibbs was working for themselves, and their own financial interests.  Nothing more and nothing less.  That's what class action firms do.

[muskrat]

I must agree with the above statement.  If he cared everyone with a plastic tank would have money in hand.

[Bill in OKC]

Don't be naive.  Girard Gibbs was working for themselves, and their own financial interests.  Nothing more and nothing less.  That's what class action firms do.

That is what I was getting at.  No reason to call and ask them anything, I'm not even sure what the question would be - but I'm pretty sure the answer would be the same no matter what was asked.
I've got my original Monster tank on a shelf nice and dry - a custom painted ebay tank, tail and front fender is on the bike now.  Good steel tanks are hard to find - my 37 year old steel Suzuki tank still works fine.

[muskrat]

Why doesn't someone call?   I can't because I don't have a plastic tank but I I did I'd be harrassing him.

[The Bearded Duc]

I went to the dealer today to have them take a look at my tank for possible replacement.

Admittedly, my tank isn't that bad. There is some rippling on the right side knee recess, some flat spots on the top right of the tank, and it's impossible to unlatch the tank without some serious finagling. Also, it's a dark model so most of the distortion is vaguely visible which, according to the class action papers we all received, might not qualify the tank for a cosmetic replacement. There is no leaking.....yet.   

That being said, it appears that the current fix for tanks in this condition (which I stated in an earlier post in this thread) is a "maintenance kit". It includes larger rubber bumpers so the tank will sit properly on the frame and a more adjustable hinge which moves the tank back making room for the tank latch. The latter will almost guaranty the need for a "smaller" seat. All of this is a way to accommodate for tank expansion rather than alleviating it. Needless to say, I opted not to go with the kit and asked the dealer to send a request to Ducati.

He agreed and candidly expressed his disapproval with Ducati and their resolution for this situation.

Either way, I just wanted to let everyone know what the fix is if your tank doesn't look like an inflated hot air balloon.

Hopefully I'll hear some news, in my favor, in a few days!   

[twolanefun]

I encourage you to send an email to Ducati Customer Service and if you feel this will affect future buying decisions let them know, I did. - Gene

[The Bearded Duc]

I encourage you to send an email to Ducati Customer Service and if you feel this will affect future buying decisions let them know, I did. - Gene

And the outcome of that email?

[twolanefun]

No response yet I sent it last night. But FWIW I really don't care if I get a response. Until the EPA gets it's head out of it's lower posterior or all the states adopt a non-ethanol set aside premium blend I'm just not going to buy any bikes with a plastic tank. Actually I guess I should say anymore bikes with a plastic tank since I already have 2 with a plastic tank. - Gene

[DRKWNG]

Until the EPA gets it's head out of it's lower posterior or all the states adopt a non-ethanol set aside premium blend I'm just not going to buy any bikes with a plastic tank. Actually I guess I should say anymore bikes with a plastic tank since I already have 2 with a plastic tank. - Gene

This.