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

[Dave328]

Just filed my complaint with the NHTSA. Thought I had filed it before, but didn't. On the bright side I go pick up my bike today, and DNA is going to replace my tank protector.

<edit>
Interesting talk with the svc mgr when I picked up the bike today. He said the new tanks coming out right now are made with a thicker mold of the same plastic. He was told the added thickness would keep the expansion/rippling at bay. Also, he said they have replaced the fewest  tanks on Monsters. They've already swapped out a bunch of Sport Classics, and even some 898/1098's. Triumph has also joined the party with a bunch of Speed Triples. I would bet the third party supplier is in for a world of hurt from Ducati SpA. FWIW, the part price on my invoice for the tank was $1875! 

[Greg]

Can't remember if I originally filed with NHTSA or not, anyway, just filled out the form and got back the emailed confirmation 

[victor441]

FWIW Triumph switched back to steel tanks a few years ago and their plastic tanks were also made by Acerbis IIRC...though from what I've read Triumph plastic tank problems were not nearly as common as on Ducs

<edit>
Interesting talk with the svc mgr when I picked up the bike today. He said the new tanks coming out right now are made with a thicker mold of the same plastic. He was told the added thickness would keep the expansion/rippling at bay. Also, he said they have replaced the fewest  tanks on Monsters. They've already swapped out a bunch of Sport Classics, and even some 898/1098's. Triumph has also joined the party with a bunch of Speed Triples. I would bet the third party supplier is in for a world of hurt from Ducati SpA. FWIW, the part price on my invoice for the tank was $1875! 
[/quote]

[jacksplat]

I have the same problem with my 06 s2r1000. I filed a report with the NHTSA.
Has anyone in manhattan had this problem? Which dealer did you go to?
It would be TREMENDOUSLY helpful if we could have a list of dealers in different states who have repaired these tanks under warranty. It'll be an invaluable resource for newbies like me with the same problem and it'll help reward good dealers.

[ducatiz]

I have the same problem with my 06 s2r1000. I filed a report with the NHTSA.
Has anyone in manhattan had this problem? Which dealer did you go to?
It would be TREMENDOUSLY helpful if we could have a list of dealers in different states who have repaired these tanks under warranty. It'll be an invaluable resource for newbies like me with the same problem and it'll help reward good dealers.

A few guys here are in Manhattan.  Don't bother with Corsa, go to Rockwell's.

[He Man]

A few guys here are in Manhattan.  Don't bother with Corsa, go to Rockwell's.

+1, dont go to Corsa. Thinking about them touching my bike is equivalent to this. I actually I think this is a great comparision of whats going on there half the time.

like a ketchup bottle

Rockwell is much better

[Mojo S2R]

FWIW Triumph switched back to steel tanks a few years ago and their plastic tanks were also made by Acerbis IIRC...though from what I've read Triumph plastic tank problems were not nearly as common as on Ducs

<edit>
Interesting talk with the svc mgr when I picked up the bike today. He said the new tanks coming out right now are made with a thicker mold of the same plastic. He was told the added thickness would keep the expansion/rippling at bay. Also, he said they have replaced the fewest  tanks on Monsters. They've already swapped out a bunch of Sport Classics, and even some 898/1098's. Triumph has also joined the party with a bunch of Speed Triples. I would bet the third party supplier is in for a world of hurt from Ducati SpA. FWIW, the part price on my invoice for the tank was $1875! 

Holy crap $1875.  For that much dough I wonder if they would rather replace mine with a CF DP tank instead.  I wouldn't have any complaints if they did.

[scduc]

  oh shit that was f'n hilarious

[beancounter]

Done.  Filed my DOT NHTSA complaint

[ducatiz]

New tanks thicker?

If the problem really is ethanol permeation, then thicker material won't help at all.

It just means a longer "gestation" and even less fuel capacity

[Dave328]

New tanks thicker?

If the problem really is ethanol permeation, then thicker material won't help at all.

It just means a longer "gestation" and even less fuel capacity

That's exactly what I was thinking. But I chose to not get into a long debate over it, and go ride.
Considering DNA's response to my clutch failure, I have zero confidence in 99% of what they say.

[He Man]

That's exactly what I was thinking. But I chose to not get into a long debate over it, and go ride.
Considering DNA's response to my clutch failure, I have zero confidence in 99% of what they say.

where do these tech hear these things anyway? I swear if its rumors, its one thing, but if they start blurting it out like they heard it from the CEO, i start walking away slowly.

[duccarlos]

I always ask when I hear rumors. Last one of these was heard from the regional service manager.

[DUCURTI]

My 1st replacement tank was installed this past Tuesday. Couldn't be happier with the timeline... thanks Duc Pond!

They did offer a solution that was guaranteed to solve this problem for good... some sort of coating for $400.

[ducatiz]

My 1st replacement tank was installed this past Tuesday. Couldn't be happier with the timeline... thanks Duc Pond!

They did offer a solution that was guaranteed to solve this problem for good... some sort of coating for $400.

What coating?