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

[junior varsity]

I thought the plastic tanks actualy weigh more.

one thing that can screw up the analysis is whether or not the tank is fuel injected or carbed - a steel tank for a carbed bike, which has only the hose-barbs on the bottom will look appealing when compared to a plastic or steel tank with all of the internal appliances - fuel pump, filter, hoses, etc.

[Howie]

I have a 06 M620 with 21k on it. Cliff's BMW / Ducati in CT took photos a year ago and then when I called to follow up to see if Ducati would replace my tank they said they no longer carry Ducati

I then emailed Rockwell in NY this spring to see if they would send photos but I never heard back. I should have called.

Is there any chance that I could get a replacement at this point and does anyone have any ideas I how to get a dealer to help me out and send photos in?

I had kind of just decided I was going to live with it but figured I would throw a post up to see if I had any other options.

Go see Nick at Rockwell's in person.  Bring your bike.

[mjk778]

 +1, Rockwell replaced my tank in 2 weeks from the time they snapped the pics.  Bring the bike there and speak to nick.  They also coat the tanks there. 

[CDawg]

+2 on Rockwell.  I was the test monkey for them on the Caswell.  Replacement tank still looking good w/out any swelling.

[ducatiz]

+2 on Rockwell.  I was the test monkey for them on the Caswell.  Replacement tank still looking good w/out any swelling.

how long ago was that?

[junior varsity]

+1 on interested in how long its been holding up - that's good news, to be sure.

[GLantern]

+2 on Rockwell.  I was the test monkey for them on the Caswell.  Replacement tank still looking good w/out any swelling.

Rockwell is my plan this winter.

[David Lowenstein]

I could use some advice from the collected wisdom.

My dealer called last week to let me know that my replacement tank ('06 S2R1K) had finally arrived (8-week wait).  I asked if they could 1) coat it for me, or 2) send it out to a recommended third-party vendor for coating, or 3) allow me to coat it myself, before they install it and fill the tank with fuel.  The answer that came back was "no" to options 1 & 3, and "yes" to option 2 (but only if I find/identify the coating vendor & pay for S&H both ways, and forfeit any future warranty claims on the new tank for swelling or anything else, because DNA does not authorize coating as an approved process).  The dealer indicated that they are required to fill the tank with fuel and run the bike before they can get paid by DNA for the warranty work.

With the above in mind, I see the following approaches available to me:

A) Have the dealer install the new tank and leave it uncoated, thus risking another episode of tank swelling but preserving my ability to get future warranty tank work/free replacements.  As I read the proposed settlement, based on the fact that my bike is nearing the age limit for which free replacement would be guaranteed, and that it took 3+ years for swelling to first appear on mine, I think it's unlikely that I'd be eligible for another free replacement unless it occurs purely on the basis of goodwill after the age limit has been exceeded.

B) Have the dealer send it out for coating, and accept the loss of future warranty coverage.  If I go this route, I could use some recommendations.

C) Have the dealer install the new tank, then remove and coat it myself.  The biggest downside I can think of to this approach is that I suspect that coating will have a higher probability of success if performed on a new tank as opposed to one that's already been exposed to fuel.  Plus I'd prefer not to do this job myself if I don't have to.

Suggestions?

Dave

[junior varsity]

i would want to know more about why they believe coating would forfeit future warranty claims - common sense & i disagree that it would forfeit future warranty claims for swelling - such an occurrence would show the coating was ineffective, only forfeiting warranty where it could be shown that the coating was the cause of the swelling.

[DRKWNG]

You've altered the tank from its original designed state.  Any manufacturer could/would deny a warranty claim on an item that you have altered.

[David Lowenstein]

Exactly.  My dealer says DNA has told them that coating the tank voids the warranty for tank-related issues.

Dave

You've altered the tank from its original designed state.  Any manufacturer could/would deny a warranty claim on an item that you have altered.

[ducatiz]

I can make the legal argument that coating a tank is no different from painting a car especially when it involves a well known problem with the tank material.  The manufacturer must prove - not just assert- that the modification is the CAUSE of the failure.  No coating would cause this failure.

I know some good dealers but none of them know their ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to warranty laws.

[DucNaked]

Exactly.  My dealer says DNA has told them that coating the tank voids the warranty for tank-related issues.

Dave

Don't tell them. I've never heard of them checking. All they do is a exterior visual inspection for the warranty.

[DucNaked]

one thing that can screw up the analysis is whether or not the tank is fuel injected or carbed - a steel tank for a carbed bike, which has only the hose-barbs on the bottom will look appealing when compared to a plastic or steel tank with all of the internal appliances - fuel pump, filter, hoses, etc.

All that aside I believe the plastic tanks themselves weigh more than the steel. 

[ducatiz]

All that aside I believe the plastic tanks themselves weigh more than the steel. 

Plastic tanks are about 2/3rds the weight of the metal ones
.

However since they have less capacity they weigh about the same per l