[JHMVAGUSTA]

Just got this unprompted email from a local MV Dealer...

The new tanks are now available from MvAgusta
As soon as you provide me with the above information I can go ahead and order the tank

Does any member here know, or know someone, with information on how the new tank is constructed? My has swollen considerably and needs to be replaced but still hate to have the same issue a few years from now. Currently in the U.S. so we're forced to use ethanol laden petrol. What a government dictated fiasco.

 

[JAndrewG]

JHMV,

I doubt the tank is made of different material than the first one was.

I had the same problem with my Ducati GT1000. The Duc Sport Classics had rubber 'pucks' holding the front of the tank down, much like an old 70's bike would. When the tank swelled, the front of it did so enough that it would lift off the mounts!

The first tank swelled and the dealer I bought it from ordered another, but wouldn't let me have it first sent off to be coated. So a year and change later the second one swelled too. This time I took it to another dealer that was fine with me sending it to be coated, before it had had any gas in it.

Many have done it themselves, but there is a trick to prepping it first. The inside MUST be roughed up so the coating will adhere correctly. For that reason, I sent it to a guy in California after hearing that he mounted tanks to a sort of rotisserie, filled them with abrasive, and let them turn for at least several hours. It cost me close to $300 if I recall, plus shipping, but it came back beautifully done and with no damage at all to the paint.

I don't remember the guy's name, but a forum member named JCPakbikes on the Ducati.ms forum could hook you up. After my experience, I wouldn't change a tank without it first being coated.

Just my two cents, as they say.

All the best,

John

 

[theknurl]

good advice John :drummer:

 

[Donsy]

Much discussed topic

Use a fuel stabilizer as many others on the forums do, don't leave your bike standing with a full tank of that crappy fuel. I would coat the tank if it where mine - http://www.mvagusta.net/forum/showthread.php?t=75481

 

[theknurl]

Donsy;
the stabilizer will slow the fuel from turning to shit but it won't keep the ethanol from screwing the tanks up

I've heard rumors here of a movement to remove the ethanol......because of the excessive cost of production and damage it does ....we'll see :drummer:

 

[Donsy]

Donsy;
the stabilizer will slow the fuel from turning to shit but it won't keep the ethanol from screwing the tanks up

I've heard rumors here of a movement to remove the ethanol......because of the excessive cost of production and damage it does ....we'll see :drummer:

Okay, I thought it helped both ways, sorry 'bout that, I have no experience with that crap.
Over here the idiots are bringing it (E10) in now Noel, time to go to some form of race fuel only.

 

[Kawtipping]

There are rumors of a new material coming out. I can not verify as I have no link to the factory, but I have it on very good authority that it is happening. Should be out in the next month or two.

I have heard of one additive that is supposed to help keep the ethanol from softening the plastic. I have not tried it personally, but have been told from a previous Ducati trainer that it works. Check out the product k100. Otherwise, we highly recommend tanks be coated with Caswell (Link). We are a stocking dealer for the product if you need it as well.

 

[JHMVAGUSTA]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.

I used Stabil fuel stabilizer (blue version) for ethanol but it still didn't prevent it. It also wasn't practical to carry on the bike to have at the ready when refueling. There's moments when I would ride for some time before getting back home to add the stuff so in theory damage was immediately being done.

I read about the Caswell but heard in some Ducati forum saying it also didn't seem to help but that could be down to poor application of the product. For that reason, and my apparent lack of mechanical aptitude, I'll likely send it out to a professional as suggested by JAndrewG to make sure it's properly done. Now to find out who that company is.

If it is a new material and I don't have go the route of coating it, that would be awesome! Here's to hoping they redesigned it properly. Wonder what the new material maybe...aluminum?

 

[JHMVAGUSTA]

Got a message back from my dealer supporting Kawtipping. His email mentioned new materials being used. Glad to see MV make right for us owners affected by this issue. Thumbs up to MV :yo:

 

[Ronin05]

unless they changed the material since last spring there is no difference. I had my tank replaced that was "redesigned with new material" and having the problem again 6 months later. Was trying to do some work on the bike the other weekend and could not get the tank out because it had swollen stuck into the frame, just as the previous one did

 

[Kawtipping]

unless they changed the material since last spring there is no difference. I had my tank replaced that was "redesigned with new material" and having the problem again 6 months later. Was trying to do some work on the bike the other weekend and could not get the tank out because it had swollen stuck into the frame, just as the previous one did

The new material tanks are not available yet...so my guess is that the redesigned tank you received was just a regular replacement tank.