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

[DrDesmo]

I don't think they did any harm.  If anything, it shows a costly attempt to keep bikes in running shape while they seek a solution.

I believe the problem in finding a replacement is two fold:  1, alternative materials are not as easy to homologate and/or paint to the same quality as the original and 2, the original material would be just fine if they could use some sort of barrier coating for the inner layer which would not prevent the original tank from being homologated.

The main materials used for gas tanks are layered HDPE and PEX.

HDPE is not finishable to the same quality.

PEX is more problematic to finish. 

I don't know of any other materials being used in gas tanks besides PA6. 

To play devil's advocate for a minute, why hasn't my 10+ year old Falco tank (Plastic, awesome finish) and/or my Sprint ST's tank had any adhesion / expansion issues?  Both plastic, both ethanol fuel, etc.  More genuine curiosity than anything... Keep up the good fight 

Cheers,
Adam

[herm]

I believe the problem in finding a replacement is two fold:  1, alternative materials are not as easy to homologate and/or paint to the same quality as the original and 2, the original material would be just fine if they could use some sort of barrier coating for the inner layer which would not prevent the original tank from being homologated.

i imagine another issue is getting a new material tank certified as OEM (or equivalent) for the purposes of EPA/NTSB/...not to mention California compliance.

[arai_speed]

While reading my latest copy of RRW - they have a small column on new 2011 models - two of them being the 1198 and the 1198SP - aside from the difference in suspension between the base and SP model.  The SP model also gets a larger tank (4.75-gallon vs. 4.1-gallon) and...drumroll please....an ALUMINUM fuel tank as opposed to a "composite tank" found on the base model.

So if you don't want any tank expansion problems on your next Duc - just fork out the cash for the $22K MSRP on the SP model and you'll be set!

[NorDog]

Couldn't they just design some drop in fuel cells?  It could cure the problem and have the benefit of an added safety factor.

[DrDesmo]

While reading my latest copy of RRW - they have a small column on new 2011 models - two of them being the 1198 and the 1198SP - aside from the difference in suspension between the base and SP model.  The SP model also gets a larger tank (4.75-gallon vs. 4.1-gallon) and...drumroll please....an ALUMINUM fuel tank as opposed to a "composite tank" found on the base model.

So if you don't want any tank expansion problems on your next Duc - just fork out the cash for the $22K MSRP on the SP model and you'll be set!

IIRC, the aluminum tanks on the SP models are so they can homologate them for competition, correct?

Adam

[ducatiz]

To play devil's advocate for a minute, why hasn't my 10+ year old Falco tank (Plastic, awesome finish) and/or my Sprint ST's tank had any adhesion / expansion issues?  Both plastic, both ethanol fuel, etc.  More genuine curiosity than anything... Keep up the good fight 

Cheers,
Adam

I don't know, what are they made of?

My guess is that those might be blown HDPE with some kind of external hand-applied coating.  I know the Cagiva Elefants had this kind.  It was a huge pain in the ass to finish, but they were very lightweight.

Alternatively, maybe they coated them.  Bear in mind emissions regulations have changed DRASTICALLY in 10 years...

[NorDog]

Who can make a nice aluminum tank for my 2007 S4RS?

[Triple J]

Who can make a nice aluminum tank for my 2007 S4RS?

http://www.moto-works.jp/beater/index.html#d9

I think these would work.

[ducpainter]

http://www.moto-works.jp/beater/index.html#d9

I think these would work.

Maybe with an old style pump and an added external pressure regulator.

[Mhanis]

http://www.moto-works.jp/beater/index.html#d9

I think these would work.

Those friggin' things are beautiful.

[muskrat]

dam that's expensive. 

[booger]

dam that's expensive. 

so's an OEM plastic tank

[arai_speed]

so's an OEM plastic tank

But the OEM tank comes painted - this thing you have to pay $90 to have it shipped + you gotta pay for the paint and/or painter!

[Triple J]

Maybe with an old style pump and an added external pressure regulator.

They make an injected and a carbed model...there's more?? 

[NorDog]

But the OEM tank comes painted - this thing you have to pay $90 to have it shipped + you gotta pay for the paint and/or painter!

I can't defend the shipping costs, but a couple of cans of VHT Matte Black paint is pretty cheap.