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

[Mojo S2R]

Well, noticed sunday the tank I just had replaced in June '10 is starting to ripple and hang off of the frame.  
I guess I'm taking a trip back to the dealer this weekend. I'm sure it'll be my last one since my Fed Emissions warranty expires this year.

. . . . .after that, THEN what???  Which is why I'm more than upset about the way this is being handled from DNA.

I know you guys don't want to go back and read the whole thread.  DNA has been replacing tanks even if the warranty has passed.  Check out the first page, I think that info might actually be posted on the first page.

[Dave328]

I know you guys don't want to go back and read the whole thread.  DNA has been replacing tanks even if the warranty has passed.  Check out the first page, I think that info might actually be posted on the first page.

Oh, I've been following the thread from the beginning, and I know that DNA has been replacing tanks that were past the Fed warranty. My concern is, for how long do we expect them to do that? My current tank lasted roughly 9 months. They aren't fixing the problem. Is DNA going to continue to put a new $1900 tank on my bike every 9 months? I think not. I love my bike, but between the clutch nut fiasco and the tank drama, the love affair isn't the whirlwind romance it once was. It's become hot and dirty, quickies in airport motels!

[NorDog]

...the love affair isn't the whirlwind romance it once was. It's become hot and dirty, quickies in airport motels!

Just make sure your seat back tray is in its full upright position.

[ducpainter]

I'm glad you got a newer tank, hopefully it'll work better!  I noticed that my Montesa trials bike has a tank made of the same material and is starting to expand.  The PO (I just got the bike) was running half race gas, half premium pump gas (with ethenol no doubt as that's all you can really get around here), or so he said.  I'm going to go to straight race gas and hope it doesn't get any worse. 

Don't forget to fog that motor after straight race gas.

[extra330]

The replacement tank the dealer installed last week was produced 09/2010. As soon as got home with the bike I washed out the tank to prep it for Caswells coating.

[hillbillypolack]

I know you guys don't want to go back and read the whole thread.  DNA has been replacing tanks even if the warranty has passed.  Check out the first page, I think that info might actually be posted on the first page.

I have been following this thread and several others related to the gas tank deformation.

Yes, DNA is replacing affected tanks.  But the replacements will (over time) deform since they're made of the same plastics and in some cases, are manufactured before this debacle became serious.

Caswell coating is one option, but IMHO, WTF is going on when Ducati can't own up to its mistake and make amends with its customers by offering a tank that won't deform?  The owner needs to coat their own tank?  Would you do that in a car?  I mean, seriously, that's BS. 

Give me the option of a rigid tank, metal preferred and I'll even pony up a few bucks for it since I understand the economy of scale involved.  But passing off old previously manufactured tanks and ones that are visually substandard (in my case) that's unmitigated bullsh!t.

[ducatiz]

I have been following this thread and several others related to the gas tank deformation.

Yes, DNA is replacing affected tanks.  But the replacements will (over time) deform since they're made of the same plastics and in some cases, are manufactured before this debacle became serious.

Caswell coating is one option, but IMHO, WTF is going on when Ducati can't own up to its mistake and make amends with its customers by offering a tank that won't deform?  The owner needs to coat their own tank?  Would you do that in a car?  I mean, seriously, that's BS. 

Give me the option of a rigid tank, metal preferred and I'll even pony up a few bucks for it since I understand the economy of scale involved.  But passing off old previously manufactured tanks and ones that are visually substandard (in my case) that's unmitigated bullsh!t.

i used to be angry, but then i think about how much we mod our bikes..  we have no problem spending $1k to put a new exhaust on because the factory one sucks, but for some reason we get infuriated to spend $50 to coat the tank?

I agree, the tanks should not be deforming, but until Ducati stops replacing bad tanks, I don't plan to pop a blood vessel over it.  Annoyed, yes, but not angry.  My point is that it doesn't seem to rise to the level of the legal definition of "product defect" as it is defined in the law and cases regarding motor vehicles, but it is a huge problem when you have it.

has ducati owned up to it?  I think they have, they are just not dealing with it the way people want (i.e. a metal tank or some other material)... they are replacing tanks.  you coat it.  end of problem.

[hillbillypolack]

i used to be angry, but then i think about how much we mod our bikes..  we have no problem spending $1k to put a new exhaust on because the factory one sucks, but for some reason we get infuriated to spend $50 to coat the tank?

I agree, the tanks should not be deforming, but until Ducati stops replacing bad tanks, I don't plan to pop a blood vessel over it.  Annoyed, yes, but not angry.  My point is that it doesn't seem to rise to the level of the legal definition of "product defect" as it is defined in the law and cases regarding motor vehicles, but it is a huge problem when you have it.

has ducati owned up to it?  I think they have, they are just not dealing with it the way people want (i.e. a metal tank or some other material)... they are replacing tanks.  you coat it.  end of problem.

I think that's where I'm at.  Annoyed, yes.  Popping a blood vessel. . . well not yet. 

Without stating the obvious, DNA's actions split the room.  Some don't mind the quick replacement, while others expect a bit more of a long term fix.

[ducatiz]

I think that's where I'm at.  Annoyed, yes.  Popping a blood vessel. . . well not yet. 

Without stating the obvious, DNA's actions split the room.  Some don't mind the quick replacement, while others expect a bit more of a long term fix.

You should know I've been on top of this from the beginning.  But coming from a legal perspective, there isn't THAT much that can be done to force a different response AT THIS POINT.

Unfortunately, it may take someone dying or being injured, but honestly, the chances of that are pretty low. 

Getting a virgin tank (when you are out of warranty) and spending $50 for the coating (or $200 to have someone do it) isn't such a bad deal. 

Sucks, yes.  But nothing is perfect.   

[DucNaked]

Getting a virgin tank (when you are out of warranty) and spending $50 for the coating (or $200 to have someone do it) isn't such a bad deal. 

Sucks, yes.  But nothing is perfect.   

And in my case paying DP to paint the tank again.

[ducatiz]

And in my case paying DP to paint the tank again.

Why? custom paint job?

[DucNaked]

Why? custom paint job?

Yep, the previous owner had Nate paint it. So I coated the new one and drove it down to Nate last week.

[thought]

do you think ducati would ever just offer to coat the tank for free instead of replacing ad infinitum?  seems like the easier route... esp when the old tank supply finally start to dry up.

[ducatiz]

do you think ducati would ever just offer to coat the tank for free instead of replacing ad infinitum?  seems like the easier route... esp when the old tank supply finally start to dry up.

i suggested it to them.  i don't know if they will.  there is no reason they couldn't.. 

[ducpainter]

i suggested it to them.  i don't know if they will.  there is no reason they couldn't.. 

Wasn't there a certification issue?