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

[ducatiz]

Does anyone have any experience with this expanding tank issue dealt with by Ducati dealership in Canada under this extended warranty?  Specifically Vancouver?  Thanks!

Good question, you should start a thread in one of the Canada boards.  I haven't talked to any Canadians regarding this problem and the lawsuit only affected US owners.

[twolanefun]

What is the situation in Canada involving E fuels? - Gene

[ducatiz]

What is the situation in Canada involving E fuels? - Gene

they are required to have an average of 5% in all fuel sold.

[axle167]

they are required to have an average of 5% in all fuel sold.

unless you go to Chevron for the 94 or Shell for their 91, it says on the pump that there are no ethanol in it.

Then again, it also says on the pump that the high prices we are paying are because of taxes and not corporate greed.

[twolanefun]

Then it would appear if there is a problem it is caused by the user/owner who elected to use fuel containing ethanol or am I missing something? - Gene

[ducatiz]

Then it would appear if there is a problem it is caused by the user/owner who elected to use fuel containing ethanol or am I missing something? - Gene

Its a fleet average of 5%.  They can sell up to 10%.

[axle167]

Then it would appear if there is a problem it is caused by the user/owner who elected to use fuel containing ethanol or am I missing something? - Gene

you are missing the link between using ethanol gas and expanding tank as I don't think anyone will elect to knowingly expand their tank.

[twolanefun]

I'm just responding to what you said, "it says on the pump that there are no ethanol in it" unless they are putting ethanol in those blends and lying abut it. Why would I elect to use "Chevron for the 94 or Shell for their 91"? In my state, Virginia, we have very little choice, we have only a few stations with no ethanol, the rest are 10%. Now if we have proof the tanks are expanding with ethanol free fuel, well that would be interesting and another whole thread. - Gene

[MostroS2R]

Where I am, in Ottawa. 91 doesn't have ethanol.
I put shell 91 to be safe. My bike is a 07 and there is no tank problem as of yet.

[Uncle Mofo]

I was driving through Iowa recently they only have ethanol in the 89 gas and clearly marked. It was also cheaper than the 87 & 92.

[twolanefun]

Yeah and other corn prodcuing states are the same way. None of the gas stations I went to in Indy had any E fuel, nor did the 2 stations I stopped at in West Ohio. - Gene

[Uncle Mofo]

Oh no there's ethanol in Indiana's gas.  I had 3 gas tanks replaced.

[Bishamon]

Where I am, in Ottawa. 91 doesn't have ethanol.
I put shell 91 to be safe. My bike is a 07 and there is no tank problem as of yet.

I only use Shell V-Power (91) which has no ethanol in Ontario (I have tested the gas to confirm - I'm sure they will slip it in  at some point before they change the label on the pump).  So far, my Sport 1000 has no signs of expansion, and my Monster seems fine (though the evidence would be tougher to spot on the current gen Monsters).

[mbld]

I'm in Toronto, Ontario.  I picked up a 2007 S2R1000 earlier this summer.  Looks like the tank doesn't sit flush on the frame, but it's only on one side, where it seems to have moved out laterally by a couple of mm -- similar to the examples Ducatiz posted (of the yellow monster), but not as pronounced.

I was curious though, so I got in touch with a local dealer.  They said the problem is being handled differently in Canada.  They will provide a new tank mount kit (free of charge), but would have to charge for the install work.  Or I could do it myself.  Part #69926311A.  It's supposed to consist of new rubber mounts and a bracket that allows for lateral and longitudinal expansion of the tank.  Anyone have experience with it?  I'm wondering if it's worth it.

The only downside seems to be the potential of a seat clearance issue... which if it happens, they would order a replacement seat.

[twolanefun]

The solution sucks doesn't it. That seat will end up being cut down to accomodate the tank swelling, then if the tank ever goes back to original shape the seat won't fit properly.  FWIW this FU band aid approach is all spelled out in the settlement, but it is my understanding that the dealer should do the correction at no cost to you. Seems strange to me that they would allow you to do it, then you could claim the kit if faulty. I'll defer to Ducatiz. - Gene