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

[scduc]

So then if this passes, we owners have to hope and pray that within the 6 year period, that our tanks have a big enough problem to be replaced. then wait until the last moment. Hopefully our dealers will allow us to take the tank with no fuel (virgin) then its our responsibilty to get it coated and once again pray that it works. I plan on keeping my bike for many years to come.

[NorDog]

Okay, but what about 2012 bikes?  Or 2013 bikes?  Are they just gonna go with a 6 year time limit on all tanks from now on?

[hillbillypolack]

Same type of process for bikes.  SHED testing, crash testing, etc.  They have to do it for each model.

You mean 'sled' testing?  That's mandatory for all automotive interior components, and does use a collision runner, (a 'sled') to emulate 25g forward force, 10g rearward and varying lateral forces.  It anchors all hardware points and measurements are taken afterward to record any deformation.  For this reason, seat sets (driver and passenger frames especially) and seat track hardware is nearly never changed.

If there is similar validation, securing hard points (axles, head tube, and downward forces on footpegs) then yes, it would be quite a process.  Though I don't know the expense or requirements for a gas tank with identical dimensions made from slightly different polymers.   

[ducatiz]

No I meant SHED testing that the EPA does to test how much vapor escapes when the tank is in use.

[hillbillypolack]

No I meant SHED testing that the EPA does to test how much vapor escapes when the tank is in use.

Interesting.  Id be curious to know the collection (complete physical, chemical, and durability) of tests that are run to get a tank certified.  If Ducati had trouble merely changing the polymer, it would help explain why they didn't go that route.  And what it would have/could have cost them.

[jmc]

I just signed up and filed the NHSTA form.

My 2007 S2R1000 tank is warped and corroding near the gas cap.

Here's one photo of the corrosion:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zQUYRujGZrX4KZPlN26vSw?feat=directlink

Here's one of some weird stuff that looks like mildew coming out of the space between the cap and tank (could this be from evaporating gasoline?):

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/px2YFzUw3mUq6HX6men_nA?feat=directlink

Here's a photo of how much the gas cap has moved because of the corrosion underneath (you can see the mildew in this one too):

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x83RQ4ILqob-yi47KA78cw?feat=directlink

[hillbillypolack]

Regardless if you get a replacement tank or not, you will have to use the same filler neck parts on your new tank.  Though I can't tell exactly what that scaly stuff is, I'd guess it's just dirt and road grime mixed with some fuel that sloshed up and into that filler neck region.  The offset in your gas cap surround may be due to the tank itself instead of any mildew.  Mildew generally won't grow in a chemical environment like a gas tank.  Unless it's very very humid and still in your garage.

On my 'new' tank, one side fits the seat really nicely, and the other side is 3/8 of an inch different.  So you may hear the phrase 'they're all like that'.   

[Artful]

Regardless if you get a replacement tank or not, you will have to use the same filler neck parts on your new tank.  Though I can't tell exactly what that scaly stuff is, I'd guess it's just dirt and road grime mixed with some fuel that sloshed up and into that filler neck region.  The offset in your gas cap surround may be due to the tank itself instead of any mildew.  Mildew generally won't grow in a chemical environment like a gas tank.  Unless it's very very humid and still in your garage.

On my 'new' tank, one side fits the seat really nicely, and the other side is 3/8 of an inch different.  So you may hear the phrase 'they're all like that'.   

When my tank was replaced it had the same scale as pictured above. It isn't mildew but actually corrosion to the metal around the filler neck. The replacement tank included the affected portion and resolved the issue.

[junior varsity]

weird that it is corroding like that.   My ye olde (and crazy heavy by comparison) two steel m900 tanks and one steel 888 tank do not show similar corrosion, though I've only run ethanol-y fuel in only one of those bikes, unrelated coincidence is likely.

[ducpainter]

weird that it is corroding like that.   My ye olde (and crazy heavy by comparison) two steel m900 tanks and one steel 888 tank do not show similar corrosion, though I've only run ethanol-y fuel in only one of those bikes, unrelated coincidence is likely.

The fuel opening area on the plastic tanks are galvanized, not painted like the steel tanks.

I've seen some powdery residue on them before.

[junior varsity]

VEEEERRY interesting. speaking of steel tanks, you done an 888 tank before? i'd really like to figure out which giant openings go to what, since the one I've got is bare right now, and sitting on a modified m900 frame for being built into a montrackster.  for a different thread i figure.

[bikepilot]

The wife's 620 is corroding like that as well. I need to take it in for a tank replacement sometime soon.

[ducpainter]

VEEEERRY interesting. speaking of steel tanks, you done an 888 tank before? i'd really like to figure out which giant openings go to what, since the one I've got is bare right now, and sitting on a modified m900 frame for being built into a montrackster.  for a different thread i figure.

I have one in my shop now.

pm me

[OneWheelDrive]

Brand new tank installed on my '07 S4RS in an hour at GP Motorcycles in San Diego.  Took about 2 months start to finish.  Hats off to Jesse and the crew over there for taking great care of me and my bike!

[BoDiddley]

Brand new tank installed on my '07 S4RS in an hour at GP Motorcycles in San Diego.  Took about 2 months start to finish.  Hats off to Jesse and the crew over there for taking great care of me and my bike!

Did they do the coating for you?