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Author Topic: Aluminum tank poll for S*R Monsters (possible group buy)  (Read 26005 times)
hillbillypolack
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« on: August 06, 2013, 09:20:34 AM »

I wanted to get some feedback via poll to gauge interest in an aluminum tank for our beloved S*R Monsters.  Many here have had their motos through the Ducati NA settlement and as we all know, the result was less than satisfying.  I’m sure some don’t mind replacing a distorted tank when it becomes difficult to access the battery or air filter.  But for an Italian bike, that seems like a shortcut in need of a better and more permanent solution.

A distributor well known in Ducati circles has undertaken the manufacture of aluminum tanks for GT1000 and Sport Classic motorcycles and from what I see, the results are astonishing.  There was considerable conversation on ducati.ms about these tanks.  Not only is the tank made of aluminum which does not distort, but saves weight in comparison to the polymer OEM tanks.  The tanks are made by the same source that supplies fuel tanks to Ferrari and are manufactured in Italy.  Best of all, fit, finish and craftsmanship would be on par with our motorcycles.

The cost of the item isn’t cheap, then again the replacement OEM tank isn’t either.  We would have to confirm a group buy of 15 to get things rolling as well as confirm we are serious about this effort.  The distributor I mentioned earlier will chime into this thread with more details.

Specific pricing would likely be less expensive than the Sport Classic, GT1000 or Streetfighter tanks (which have been undertaken already).  The rough estimate for the simpler Monster tank would be closer to $2200 shipped.  There could be additional details (billet filler cap, hinge etc) .

Post your thoughts and interest.  As this company has already undertaken a few Ducatis (and is sympathetic to the situation), I’m confident we could get a group buy for a high quality tank.  They have already begun looking for an appropriate motorcycle to get dimensions etc.  Based on the timeline from the ducati.ms thread, once 15 are confirmed it seems delivery is reasonably quick.

Mods:  Feel free to move this thread where it may get more attention.
« Last Edit: August 06, 2013, 09:39:34 AM by hillbillypolack » Logged
Jaman
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« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2013, 09:32:59 AM »

$2200, boobies included? Smiley

yes, interested, on 2nd tank now, caswell'd, and noticing some (slight) expansion...  bang head

$2200 not likely in budget...  you know, until I HAVE to...
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duc_fan
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« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2013, 09:59:25 AM »

Some notes on aluminum from my time researching ethanol and lurking in Ferrari forums:

You will still want to coat the tank if you use E10/ethanol-blended fuel, particularly if your bike sits for long periods of time.  Some Ferrari collectors have had problems with the ethanol in stagnant fuel corroding the OEM aluminum tanks in their cars.  If you ride regularly and you never keep gas in it that is more than ~1 month old, you will probably never have a problem.  Issues only seem to arise when E10 is allowed to go stale.  Just something to be aware of if your monster is a sunny-Sunday toy that sits for several months in winter.

If you want ethanol-free fuel, check out www.pure-gas.org.  This is what I've been doing in my Gran Canyon, which has nylon tanks that are known to swell/distort over time.  Ethanol-free is frequently more expensive (out here ethanol-free only comes in premium grade  and is $1/gal more than 87-octane E10).  To mitigate the cost, you could run regular/plus/super E10 during riding season, then do your last 2-3 fillups with ethanol-free fuel before winter storage.  The previous owner of my 900SS used 100LL avgas for winter storage in his bikes.  Smelled fantastic, though I cannot recommend the use of leaded gas in modern bikes.
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hillbillypolack
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« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2013, 10:10:23 AM »

Some notes on aluminum from my time researching ethanol and lurking in Ferrari forums:

You will still want to coat the tank if you use E10/ethanol-blended fuel, particularly if your bike sits for long periods of time.  Some Ferrari collectors have had problems with the ethanol in stagnant fuel corroding the OEM aluminum tanks in their cars.  If you ride regularly and you never keep gas in it that is more than ~1 month old, you will probably never have a problem.  Issues only seem to arise when E10 is allowed to go stale.  Just something to be aware of if your monster is a sunny-Sunday toy that sits for several months in winter.

If you want ethanol-free fuel, check out www.pure-gas.org.  This is what I've been doing in my Gran Canyon, which has nylon tanks that are known to swell/distort over time.  Ethanol-free is frequently more expensive (out here ethanol-free only comes in premium grade  and is $1/gal more than 87-octane E10).  To mitigate the cost, you could run regular/plus/super E10 during riding season, then do your last 2-3 fillups with ethanol-free fuel before winter storage.  The previous owner of my 900SS used 100LL avgas for winter storage in his bikes.  Smelled fantastic, though I cannot recommend the use of leaded gas in modern bikes.


I wish I had an option to gas up with ethanol-free gasoline.  via that website, my closest station is over 90 miles away.  Plus, it limits where I'd take my road trips, but your point on storage is a good one.
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Raux
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« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2013, 10:11:53 AM »

There's already a thread on alternate tanks.

i think the option was a steel or aluminum?

search for it on the forum.

Ducatiz was handlign the sourcing, not sure how far he got
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zooom
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« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2013, 10:34:47 AM »

There's already a thread on alternate tanks.

i think the option was a steel or aluminum?

search for it on the forum.

Ducatiz was handlign the sourcing, not sure how far he got

YUP...here it is -> http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=54892.0
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« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2013, 04:59:14 PM »

Here are the tanks and tails we have had made so far:



Sport1000


Streetfighter


GT1000


Paul Smart

These are made in Italy. They are about 1.5 - 2 lbs lighter. The tanks hold about 1/2-3/4 gallon of more fuel. Fuel cap, fuel pump mounts and mounting points are billet. They feature an aluminum internal breather. The Tanks are all hand made by the tank supplier to Ferrari. The billet pieces are made by NGR, supplier to Bimota and other companies.

« Last Edit: August 06, 2013, 05:00:58 PM by moto » Logged

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red baron
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« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2013, 05:50:04 PM »

Make one for an MV Agusta Brutale and I'll take it. waytogo
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hbliam
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« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2013, 08:08:41 PM »

At nearly $3,000 I'll wait for something not made by Ferraris supplier. Lips Sealed
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« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2013, 10:06:52 PM »

At nearly $3,000 I'll wait for something not made by Ferraris supplier. Lips Sealed

We tested a Streetfighter tank from India.
The keycover did not fit. The side panels did not fit. It would not fit the bike. Fuel cap base leaked. Fuel pump base leaked.
I don't remember if it had a vent system in it.

Polished finish was nice if not a little wavy. The aluminum box that it came in was cool.

It was less expensive...
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hillbillypolack
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« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2013, 04:35:54 AM »

At nearly $3,000 I'll wait for something not made by Ferraris supplier. Lips Sealed

I think these would be closer to $2000 or $2200 when all is said and done. 

Could you elaborate on the Ferrari supplier comment?
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hillbillypolack
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« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2013, 04:53:03 AM »

Here are a few links to similar threads for Streetfighter and Spor tClassic aluminum tanks:

http://www.ducati.org/forums/street-fighter/47311-aluminum-streetfighter-fuel-tanks.html

This thread on ducati.ms had considerable interest (55 pages worth), and resulted in some enthusiasts setting up tanks for the GT and SC.  This seemed to happen fairly quickly and the results appear professional.  Tanks were helium tested for potential leaks prior to shipping.

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/77-sport-classic/150137-taking-deposits-aluminum-fuel-tanks.html





« Last Edit: August 07, 2013, 05:05:49 AM by hillbillypolack » Logged
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« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2013, 05:08:19 AM »

I would just have one on a shelf . . .
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hbliam
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« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2013, 06:23:12 AM »

I think these would be closer to $2000 or $2200 when all is said and done. 

Could you elaborate on the Ferrari supplier comment?

Read a post or two above mine.
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duc_fan
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« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2013, 10:16:35 AM »

Dang, those are beautiful.  Wish there was an aftermarket aluminum tank for my Gran Canyon.  Undecided  Yeah, I only spent $3500 for the bike.  But with ADV add-ons and an aluminum tank, especially one that increased capacity, the bike would be worth $5500, so $2000-$3000 for the tanks wouldn't be that bad a deal.  Nevermind the fact resale is not my concern... I'm not getting rid of this bike until it falls apart.

Anyway... time to continue dreaming.  Maybe someday I'll learn how to TIG weld and will attempt it for myself.  Probably no fancy curves though... Mine would be angular, consisting almost entirely of flat plate sections that roughly mimic the original shape.
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"Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind." -- Albert Einstein

"I want a peaceful soul. I need a bigger gun." -- Charlie Crews on Life

Street: 2000 Cagiva Gran Canyon
Track: 2005 Honda CBR 600RR - Salvage project
Sold: 2001 Ducati SS900ie - Gone, but not forgotten...
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