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

[ducpainter]

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.

The process is spelled out in the class action.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43639.0

[wengr]

The process is spelled out in the class action.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43639.0

I have read and reread that thread. Actually it's the update #3 info in the second post of that thread which lead me to believe I would be getting a new tank -
UPDATE #3 10-Aug-2010 What is known so far:

"1.  Ducati is replacing every tank that comes in with any significant deformation.  The main things to look for are a) spreading on the frame mounts (one rubber bumper on each bottom side) b) ripples in the surface or c) pressing against the keyswitch"

Mine has spread frame mounts and is pressing on the ignition and the seat but they still refuse replacement.

[ducpainter]

I have read and reread that thread. Actually it's the update #3 info in the second post of that thread which lead me to believe I would be getting a new tank -
UPDATE #3 10-Aug-2010 What is known so far:

"1.  Ducati is replacing every tank that comes in with any significant deformation.  The main things to look for are a) spreading on the frame mounts (one rubber bumper on each bottom side) b) ripples in the surface or c) pressing against the keyswitch"

Mine has spread frame mounts and is pressing on the ignition and the seat but they still refuse replacement.

That was before the judge ruled on the class action. Ducati was replacing tanks pretty much no questions asked.

Ducati is now only doing what was settled upon in the class action, and I can't blame them.

They were acting in good faith until then and IMO their good faith was much better for owners than the settlement.

[wengr]

I see. That is unfortunate for me, but I see what you are saying.
It does seem odd however to have a settlement which leaves the defendants soley in charge of determining outcomes with no dispute process.

[ducpainter]

I see. That is unfortunate for me, but I see what you are saying.
It does seem odd however to have a settlement which leaves the defendants soley in charge of determining outcomes with no dispute process.

The only winner in that action was the attorney for the plaintiffs.

[DRKWNG]

The only winner in that action was the attorney for the plaintiffs.

This

[wengr]

Dealer has had the bike for six weeks, and all Ducati has allowed is new rubber mounts under the tank. You cannot even lift the tank on this bike without unbolting and removing the plastic piece around the ignition switch. Ducati claims it's the dealers call. Dealer says it's Ducati's call. Pathetic.

[ducatiz]

Dealer has had the bike for six weeks, and all Ducati has allowed is new rubber mounts under the tank. You cannot even lift the tank on this bike without unbolting and removing the plastic piece around the ignition switch. Ducati claims it's the dealers call. Dealer says it's Ducati's call. Pathetic.

You need to call Ducati directly and send them photos and/or take it to another dealer.

[wengr]

I have been in contact with Ducati directly, and despite being polite and respectful got nothing but a brick wall.
The next nearest dealer is quite aways from here, so I am hesitant, especially because I suspect Ducati is making the determination. It may come to that however. I'm the original owner, and I was considering adding a MS1200s, but this experience makes that seem like a poor idea.

[ducatiz]

It sounds more like the dealer is not doing their homework correctly and either not giving Ducati the measurements or photos properly.

I've not heard of a tank that is that bad not being replaced.

[twolanefun]

Problem is this process is not easy between the dealer and Ducati, as it is with many things with Ducati these days. The dealer has to contribute his time/efforts, no compensation, and the labor associated with the fix may not cover the actual work that is involved. It turns out to be a bad deal for all involved, excpet for the ethanol lobby and the EPA. - Gene

[krista]

It turns out to be a bad deal for all involved, excpet for the ethanol lobby and the EPA. - Gene

You're SO right. I've seen other things like this off-and-on in my 20 years in the moto industry. I call this an "everyone loses" situation... so all parties have to be flexible. IMHO, Ducati North America will do you right, keep a good attitude and don't quit trying. I've personally known a lot of people at DNA and every one of them cares. (cared?)

[Ak1nza]

@wengr

My dealer told me that in some instances Ducati rejected a tank replacement and approved the tank mounting and bracket kit.  Resubmission of the claim after a few weeks after showing no improvement with the tank mounting and bracket kit lead to successful replacements.

So perhaps it's just a process here you have to follow.  YMMV but my dealer was pretty confident that all tanks with issues would get replaced as well FYI.

[Dry Martini]

@wengr

My dealer told me that in some instances Ducati rejected a tank replacement and approved the tank mounting and bracket kit.  Resubmission of the claim after a few weeks after showing no improvement with the tank mounting and bracket kit lead to successful replacements.

So perhaps it's just a process here you have to follow.  YMMV but my dealer was pretty confident that all tanks with issues would get replaced as well FYI.

Yeah, no! The closet Ducati dealer is a 200 mile round trip for me. I am not going to accept a bracket kit that will not work and then go back for a tank that is probably not any better than the one I have. So with that in mind, I will just coat my tank with Caswells sealer.

[ducatiz]

Yeah, no! The closet Ducati dealer is a 200 mile round trip for me. I am not going to accept a bracket kit that will not work and then go back for a tank that is probably not any better than the one I have. So with that in mind, I will just coat my tank with Caswells sealer.

There is a process they are following.  The bracket is done first to see if the tank's expansion is below a certain amount.  If the tank expands beyond that, they will replace the tank, with a slightly smaller one. 

If you are coating a tank with caswell's, then you need to prep it and that means you need to take it off the bike, rinse and clean it, and let it sit for about a month in a dry place with moving air.  gasoline/ethanol/water has to have a chance to get out of the inner surface.  if your tank has been in use for a long time, i would say don't coat it as you will never get the absorbed gas/alcohol out and over time the coating will de-laminate as that stuff works its way out.

coat only a brand new tank or a tank that has seen little use.