i am not buying any Ducati model with plastic tank.

[hillbillypolack]

The F800 I saw at the local BMW dealer yesterday had a plastic tank.

JM

Not a painted plastic tank, though as far as I recall.  I think most bikes will have plastic tanks, but are covered by other body parts.

I understand the plastic tank/weight/cost concern from the manufacturers, but if the tank is the surface you see then I'm out.

[the_Journeyman]

Right, it wasn't painted, mostly hidden rear part of the seat.  I see what you're meaning ~

JM

[jerryz]

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?

I dont like the Bonnies they are Heavy and underpowered and very unbalanced looks wise

[TAftonomos]

I want a MTS1200 pretty bad.  But I'm now shopping the alternatives after the latest tank debacle.  I'm wondering if a FZ1 or 1250s bandit ought to do the same for less, or come pretty darn close to it.

[ungeheuer]

probably no US approval yet to use XLPE in a road tank.  The only XLPE tanks I have seen were aftermarket off-road-use-only tanks.

regulatory approvals are $$$

So it seems likely then that Ducati are producing ethanol tolerant fuel tanks made from PEX, but have been unable - or have not bothered - to clear this material for use in the US.  Meaning that US market tanks continue to be produced from less suitable (PA) nylon? 

Not a painted plastic tank, though as far as I recall.  I think most bikes will have plastic tanks, but are covered by other body parts.

I understand the plastic tank/weight/cost concern from the manufacturers, but if the tank is the surface you see then I'm out.

M1100/M796/M696 doesnt have a painted plastic tank either, its just a black item hiding under dress-cladding.

Not looking for a replacement for a Monster.  Just a real world bike that will be reliable, fun, and not need 50% of its MSRP in accessories to perform as it 'should'.  And also not require basic systems and components getting replaced (tank issue).  Though I have the Monsters, I'm done with the Ducati horse$hit.  I like riding more than I like fixing.

Then I'd avoid BMW too.  Japan is where you need to be shopping IMO 

[ungeheuer]

Just checked mine.... not exactly the easiest thing to see with the fuel tank in place... I couldn't see the type of plastic used as the tank is still on the bike... but I did see the made in Italy the same as Ungs and it has the black shiny appearance...I am in the UAE but my bike is from Greece... a EU bike.
So I am assuming mine is OK?

Interesting discussion. 

If you get the opportunity, a number of us around here would be very interested if you could confirm the material markings on your EU market M1100 fuel tank (my betting is that it will be XLPE, but it would be nice to know for sure).

[the_Journeyman]

1250s bandit ought to do the same for less, or come pretty darn close to it.

The Bandit has always been an excellent bike for the money ~

JM

[Case S2R]

I have a plastic tank, Ducati replaced it, I coated it and now moved on with life.  It was that easy.

[ducatiz]

So it seems likely then that Ducati are producing ethanol tolerant fuel tanks made from PEX, but have been unable - or have not bothered - to clear this material for use in the US.  Meaning that US market tanks continue to be produced from less suitable (PA) nylon? 

I don't know what the homologation issues are.  It could be a number of things, including the fact that XLPE/PEX might not be an approved material here.  Tanks have to undergo several types of tests including shed and crash.  It could be any number of things and I do not have the information to say so.

I have a plastic tank, Ducati replaced it, I coated it and now moved on with life.  It was that easy.

^ this.

I've been involved in this issue for a very long time and the fact that Ducati was changing tanks may turn out to be the most gratuitous act a manufacturer in this situation could have done.

The tanks' deformation may not rise to the level of a "product defect" under the law and in the few cases of leaking tanks, there has never been one to flame. 

Coating the tanks seems to work.  Go over to the Multistrada board and lurk a bit -- there are multiple people there with coated tanks who have zero issues -- some >2 years on the coating.

I never thought Ducati would come out with a new tank material, I assumed they would figure out some coating that was compatible and able to be legally applied.  They didn't, but I know they looked at it.  That being said, the amount of effort and cost to coat one's own tank is worth it. 

You spent $$$ on a bike, I know.  Nothing is perfect.  You got a replacement tank, coat it and move on and be glad you don't have an Aprilia or a Bimota with a bad tank.  Those guys are being told GFY.

[muskrat]

I want a MTS1200 pretty bad.  But I'm now shopping the alternatives after the latest tank debacle.  I'm wondering if a FZ1 or 1250s bandit ought to do the same for less, or come pretty darn close to it.

I sat on a 2011 Ninja 1000 and it was comfy.  I too have my heart set on an MTS 1200 (BTW, they are changing the name so I'm told).  Anyway, don't know if I can get over the looks but I'm gonna ride one to see.

[Bill in OKC]

  Ducati completely redesigns their superbike when the one they already have only needs a better gas tank.  I wonder if the Panigale will have a nylon tank...

[ducatiz]

Ducati completely redesigns their superbike when the one they already have only needs a better gas tank.  I wonder if the Panigale will have a nylon tank...

good question

[graydo]

If you get the opportunity, a number of us around here would be very interested if you could confirm the material markings on your EU market M1100 fuel tank (my betting is that it will be XLPE, but it would be nice to know for sure).

Ung when I get a chance to pull the tank I will.... bloody hard to see anything with it in situ...till then I had another look and can confirm the last Alpha in the part number is "A" the same as yours... I noted in the pics posted prior that the US tank had a "B" .... read into that what you will.

[Triple J]

I want a MTS1200 pretty bad.  But I'm now shopping the alternatives after the latest tank debacle.  I'm wondering if a FZ1 or 1250s bandit ought to do the same for less, or come pretty darn close to it.

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

[Jdan]

Yes.

I believe ca-cycles tanks are made from Pex...and those are color impregnated.

Pex is not paint friendly.

The pex tanks all have outer skins.

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.