i am not buying any Ducati model with plastic tank.

[TAftonomos]

You need a KTM SMT. It's better (IMO) and cheaper than the MTS anyway.

Am I gonna miss the 40hp deficit?  The KTM is appealing for sure.

Other ideas are to take a 09+ R1 with the cross plane crank motor, and turn it into a FZ1 type bike.  Yes...I'm that in love with the sound.

[Triple J]

Am I gonna miss the 40hp deficit?  The KTM is appealing for sure.

Other ideas are to take a 09+ R1 with the cross plane crank motor, and turn it into a FZ1 type bike.  Yes...I'm that in love with the sound.

I don't miss it, as the KTM (~105hp at the wheel) is plenty fast for the street, is light, and is overall just a ton of fun. I really don't think there is a bike made that can beat the KTM on a twisty road...maybe on the slab, but who cares. The KTM handling is that good, and the power is more than adequate. A lot of horsepower on the street is frustrating to me though, since you can't really use it all without seriously breaking the law...but that's me. Anything over about 90 hp is unnecessary on the street IMO, even if it may be fun at times.

You're R1 idea sounds cool...but also like a lot of work. Projects are fun though.  

[TAftonomos]

Yeah, projects are cool and all....but I'm thinking it would be sweet to just go buy something and ride it for 25K + miles.  I've got 2 duc projects going right now, no need for another money pit.

Sorry for the thread jack, back to the plastic tank bash!

[jerryz]

Its been decided by my wife what the next bike will be .......its a Harley 883 sportster for her as she is 4'11'' with short legs she needs a 25'' max seat height to replace her honda 250 rebel , I have my orders from the boss she wants mor power and torque and the HD is the only bike she can get on ,
I cant even dream of anything else until she is satisfied or my life wont be worth a dime , oh and the rebel will go to our daughter .

also this thread on a UK forum has brought a whole load of unsuspecting owners out of the hills after carefully checking thier bikes with warped tanks and it seems ducati UK are denying everything ha ha ,,,,,
__________________

[DRKWNG]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but don't think you're getting away from the swelling tank issue by going with KTM.

[Scissors]

Just for the record, XLPE/PEX tanks are approved for use in storing gasoline in the U.S. for power equipment. 

However, vehicle manufacturers are subject to the EPA's gasoline permeation rules.  In this regard, XLPE/PEX is significantly inferior to PA6.  This could very well be the reason for the difference.

Additionally, Polyethylene tends to absorb gasoline over long enough periods of time (due to its permeability), a problem which Polyamide does not share.  In automotive applications the permeability problem is resolved with a layered fuel tank.  Ford accomplishes this with PE (specifically HDPE) on the interior and exterior, which protects middle layers of PA or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, along with adhesive layers.  As you might expect, this increases both the weight and the cost of the fuel tank.

See also:  Polymers in Automotive Fuel Containment 2005, Paper 4, pages 3-4:

http://books.google.com/books?id=aoxKyt6VYiwC&pg=PA26-IA2&lpg=PA26-IA2&dq=%2Bxlpe+%2Bpermeation&source=bl&ots=B2ivzkHRqe&sig=7QWZbGXFV6k05p43SXvXu72Dipc&hl=en#v=onepage&q=%2Bxlpe%20%2Bpermeation&f=false

[thought]

Just for the record, XLPE/PEX tanks are approved for use in storing gasoline in the U.S. for power equipment. 

However, vehicle manufacturers are subject to the EPA's gasoline permeation rules.  In this regard, XLPE/PEX is significantly inferior to PA6.  This could very well be the reason for the difference.

Additionally, Polyethylene tends to absorb gasoline over long enough periods of time (due to its permeability), a problem which Polyamide does not share.  In automotive applications the permeability problem is resolved with a layered fuel tank.  Ford accomplishes this with PE (specifically HDPE) on the interior and exterior, which protects middle layers of PA or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, along with adhesive layers.  As you might expect, this increases both the weight and the cost of the fuel tank.

See also:  Polymers in Automotive Fuel Containment 2005, Paper 4, pages 3-4:

http://books.google.com/books?id=aoxKyt6VYiwC&pg=PA26-IA2&lpg=PA26-IA2&dq=%2Bxlpe+%2Bpermeation&source=bl&ots=B2ivzkHRqe&sig=7QWZbGXFV6k05p43SXvXu72Dipc&hl=en#v=onepage&q=%2Bxlpe%20%2Bpermeation&f=false

that link was pretty interesting, esp the parts about possible solutions like the explore CT idea.

[ungeheuer]

....However, vehicle manufacturers are subject to the EPA's gasoline permeation rules.  In this regard, XLPE/PEX is significantly inferior to PA6.  This could very well be the reason for the difference.....

Its also the reason you dont see any painted XLPE fuel tanks... the petroleum permeation causes any applied paint to bubble and lift in fairly short time. 

[jerryz]

Saw a brand new 1400 miles Aprillia RSVR V4 yesterday in UK with badly warping tank its made by acerbis .......seems ducati are not alone also Triumph stopped using plastic tanks in 2008 all Tiumphs now have steel tanks.

[muskrat]

Triumph then has made a conscious choice to protect their loyalists.

[Triple J]

Triumph then has made a conscious choice to protect their loyalists.

Smart move I'd say.

The choice to stay with plastic (painted ones anyway) seems like a perfect example of not knowing when to cut your losses and move on.

[victor441]

I noticed you said you were looking at the Bonnies. Why not have a look at the Thruxton if you like the Norton and Guzzi too?

FWIW I test rode a brand new Thruxton the same day I bought my M800 and was sorely disappointed, it felt very bland, kinda like a '70's Japanese twin....a perfectly good bike but very little personality.  The Monster has plenty and also ride a Norton Commando and it has even more, though far less performance.  Commandos were made with steel and fiberglass tanks at various times and currently the steel tanks are worth big $$$ as the fiberglass tanks don't like ethanol at all as said earlier.

[jerryz]

lots of brand new steel and ally Commando tanks being manufactured in UK  all types are available from fairspares

[twolanefun]

Correct. All the Ca-cycleworks tanks are PEX.
Personally, I love my PEX tank, the non-paintable surface isn't that big a deal and the thing can take a hell of a beating.

I would love to see a picture, it's my understanding the finish is rough and not that presentable? - Gene

[twolanefun]

So now i am looking at other makes such as moto guzzi, Norton , triumph and even BMW and HD  , i do fancy the new commando but the price is high and a long waiting list  and its not a 360 crank but 270 . Moto Guzzi v7 is sweet and well made but under pwered for me , the only HD i like is sportsters but I really fancy a parralel twin again .The new bonny is OK but a bit ugly compared to classic ones ah maybe i should get myself a classic bike / 750 commando or 650 triumph or BSA ...hmmmm at least the tanks would be metal.....choices  choices  ouch i am getting a headache .....better go play with one of my dukes .

FWIW my XR1200 is a fun bike to ride, maybe not up to my Monsters when it really gets twisty but still puts a nice smile on my face whenever I ride it. Yes it does have a plastic tank and yes there are reports of the same issues, but there are some good aftermarket solutions, and for the moment HD has been replacing them, no questions. I should point out that the XR has a cover, not quite like the new monsters but the same idea, so the cover does not really get damaged it's the fuel cell under the cover that expands. The new monster will not have any problems since there is room for expansion without affecting the panels. Anyway like I said the XR is a fun bike and since you already have some Ducs, maybe you should take a test ride. - Gene