POLL: Would you buy an aluminum tank...?

[ducatiz]

Not "how much would you LIKE to pay"  it is "How much WOULD you pay?"  If you're willing to shell out 1500 say so.  That doesn't mean it will be that much.  I just need to know how much interest there is.

Assume the tank will fit any carbed or FI 2v monster.  May fit other models, but at this point only focusing on 2v.

You use your original fuel pump setup (just assume).  

Tank is dimensionally identical to your original tank.

On earlier bikes, you'll receive a new hinge plate that replaces the old one (figure $50-75 extra).

Internal plumbing is the same as later model tanks (overflow, vent)

Filler cap is your original factory one.

External connections will be different for carbed tanks.  Fuel pump access will be from the bottom as on later models.

Now how much would you pay?  

(Yes I know about the Beater Moto tanks.  $2250 plus $400 in shipping is why no one has one)
(I'm considering investing in this, I need to know realistically how many can be sold before I have 100 made...)

**EDIT**

At this point, I am waiting on the prototype.

I plan three versions of the 2v tank:

A.  Straight replacement for the plastic-tanked models.  Just put your tank parts on the replacement (pads, latch, filler, and pump assembly) and go.

B.  Modified replacement for the metal tanked EFI models.  Updated design for the fuel pump MOUNT.  Fuel pump will be mounted from the BOTTOM in the same fashion as the plastic tanks.  You will get a bottom flange cover that has a clip and wiring plug hole for your current setup.  Minor work required to move everything over.

C.  Modified replacement for the metal tanks CARBED models.  Same as B above except you will need to source a low-volume pump from a carbed SS, a wiring plug, a filter and some hose.  You'll need to splice the wiring into a switched power source on the bike.  Directions will show how to do all of this.  The flange cover will be similar to B above.  Alternatively, you can just leave your current pump and filter in place and use a pickup mesh in the tank.

[stopintime]

I'm not affected yet, but I'm not at all sure I won't be 

If the outer shape and size is the same, maybe the capacity will be higher....
Similar shape, but plus ~ 5 mm in each direction, and thinner walls than plastic, would increase capacity by a gallon or two (?)
It would add another very marketable selling point

[ducatiz]

I'm not affected yet, but I'm not at all sure I won't be 

If the outer shape and size is the same, maybe the capacity will be higher....
Similar shape, but plus ~ 5 mm in each direction, and thinner walls than plastic, would increase capacity by a gallon or two (?)
It would add another very marketable selling point

I have to assume the capacity would be more, no idea how much until the prototypes are finished.

[stopintime]

I have to assume the capacity would be more, no idea how much until the prototypes are finished.

Increasing the outside measurements by ~ 5 mm will increase capacity only by 5% (VERY rough calculation) and will probably be difficult, so let's forget I mentioned it.

The useable capacity between steel (alu) and plastic is significant though - at least one, maybe one and a half liter 

[hunduc]

 

[CDawg]

I have been thinking about buying the aluminum tank from Japan once my plastic replacement tank starts to bloat.  They are charging about $2000.   Here's a link if you want to do some competitive research:
http://www.moto-works.jp/beater/index.html

[ducatiz]

I have been thinking about buying the aluminum tank from Japan once my plastic replacement tank starts to bloat.  They are charging about $2000.   Here's a link if you want to do some competitive research:
http://www.moto-works.jp/beater/index.html

Thanks for reading my original post carefully... 

(Yes I know about the Beater Moto tanks.  $2250 plus $400 in shipping is why no one has one)

[wantingaduc]

IZ,

Are you thinking of contacting panel beater? If so I might be willing to step up, there quality looks amazing. Considering a factory plastic tank would be about $1500.00 I'd go a bit more for one of their aluminum tanks, knowing how nice they are and that the problem would finally be solved.
Plus I could paint it up like a 1198sp with that cool bare metal stripe. Yeah!!!

jimi

[ducatiz]

IZ,

Are you thinking of contacting panel beater? If so I might be willing to step up, there quality looks amazing. Considering a factory plastic tank would be about $1500.00 I'd go a bit more for one of their aluminum tanks, knowing how nice they are and that the problem would finally be solved.
Plus I could paint it up like a 1198sp with that cool bare metal stripe. Yeah!!!

jimi

Do you mean the generic term "panel beater" or are you referring to a specific business?

I have a shop that's interested in the work and I'll be fronting the investment if there is enough interest for me to recoup costs.

[EvilSteve]

If I needed to replace my tank then I'd consider getting an AL replacement. If I were going to replace a working tank, I'd definitely want the new tank to have a larger capacity.

[The Bearded Duc]

I would do this in a heartbeat.

Sending PM

[stopintime]

This business idea is premature and that's what makes it good.
Good, but it also means taking some risk.

You can be the first to offer a real fix and that will earn you credibility points.
Early presence is key - the competitors will be measured against your product.
The combined package of quality, design, looks, reputation and price will have to match the competition - again and again. This includes customer service and the ability to meet future demand.

The market isn't there yet, but it will come.
Most owners aren't even aware of the issue, but it will be a '916 rocker arm'-question a few years from now.
Picture a flaking rocker arm openly visible!
Owners, current and prospective, will have to solve this issue to save their bikes.

IMO you have two options:
Make a limited number of tanks (100, 200, 300), sell at a high price and that's it.
Or, organize a production capacity that can handle a high demand and stay in the lead.
If you aren't prepared, willing and ready to meet demand - someone else will take over.
Because you showed them the market, they will be confident to invest and do it professionally.

It's going to be huge and it's profitable, but that also means it's going to be competitive.

I wish you luck

[muskrat]

I'm not allowed to vote but if I were I remember 1k strike price.   

[IdZer0]

Don't take this the wrong way but I wonder if an aluminum tank is the solution. I keep reading Aluminum isn't that great with ethanol either.

[ducatiz]

Don't take this the wrong way but I wonder if an aluminum tank is the solution. I keep reading Aluminum isn't that great with ethanol either.

Aluminum that isn't treated in some way isn't good for anything.  It has to be anodized or painted or it can corrode.  For these tanks, I am going to look into using a tank coating.  There are plenty of tank coatings on the market that work perfectly with aluminum.