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

[NorDog]

Weel you don't have to go that far, many of the new models have covers underneath is an ugly fuel ceel that may or may not expand but you'll never know it. FWIW the new 848 SE, which looks to be a really nice bike,  has an Alum tank and it turns out for $1K you can get one for nay 848 from Ducati. - Gene

Such a deal.

[junior varsity]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121130/AUTO01/211300415/AAA-urges-EPA-halt-approval-E15-vehicles

[krista]

As Ethanol is rolled out and deteriorates rubber fuel system parts, we will see a LOT more "car-b-ques" in a handful of years. It's a great method to eliminate old cars; no one will want to replace the entire fuel system with one that's been fluorinated to help with Ethanol resistance. BTW, the key word is "help"...

[hbliam]

This is exactly why I sold my S4RS two weeks ago (to a dealer btw).  It was on its third tank.  On the day that I took it in to finalize the deal I noticed that that one was warping and swelling too.

What did they say when you pointed that out?

[hillbillypolack]

What did they say when you pointed that out?

Who cares?  In the words of Ducati: 'it's your problem now, sucker.'

[muskrat]

So sad you had to sell it for that very reason Nordog.   
So where is the new tank Ducatiz was working on?   

[ducatiz]

Working out issues with the hinge.  I don't want a leaky hinge alu tank.

[muskrat]

everyone can live with that. 

[NorDog]

What did they say when you pointed that out?

"Caveat Emptor"

[hbliam]

"Caveat Emptor"

Wow.

Glad I didn't buy it. You didn't bother telling me either.

[Dry Martini]

Wow.

Glad I didn't buy it. You didn't bother telling me either.

After all this time and the countless stories of gas tank woes, you should be fully aware of ANY plastic gas tank problems.

[NorDog]

Wow.

Glad I didn't buy it. You didn't bother telling me either.

It was not discovered until the day I took it to the dealer.  The dealer went over the entire bike with a fine tooth comb and knew exactly what he was buying.

I would not have knowingly sold the bike with a swollen tank to someone.

So, FTR, I didn't tell you the tank was swollen when you considered buying it 5 to 6 months ago, because, well, the tank was fine last summer.  Heck, it was fine at the beginning of November.

[NorDog]

After all this time and the countless stories of gas tank woes, you should be fully aware of ANY plastic gas tank problems.

Well, there is that.

[mitt]

Well, there is that.

I assume that used monsters in the years between metal tanks and skins will not hold much residual value if people do any homework before purchasing.

[Dry Martini]

I assume that used monsters in the years between metal tanks and skins will not hold much residual value if people do any homework before purchasing.

I doubt it. For someone that has done their home work, they know that coating the tank works and is not all that expensive, and will use it to get a couple hundred knocked off the price.

This problem is not unique to Ducati. Triumphs and Aprilias are affected as well...