I'm new to Ducati and over the last couple of months I've been reading everything I could about Ducati and Monsters and the Ethanol / Distorted Plastic Tank Issue came up a lot. When I got my first 796 I was becoming obsessed with which local petrol stations were ethanol free and using super unleaded if required. Even considered whether I should really have bought bike with metal tank. Well, my "new" 2014 M796 turned up today (my second in 2 months - long story), and whilst I was fitting the battery tender lead I took a look at the tank underside and found it was XLPE (aka PEX) and not the PA6 which has been having all the issues in the US. Reviewing past threads on several forums I found a couple of passing mentions of specific plastic differences but few seem to pick up the point. Generally, people just lump all plastic tanks into the same bucket... in all the attempts to list which petrol stations have ethanol free fuel I'd didn't see any list of bikes which have PA6 tanks and likely to be at risk - maybe I missed it. Anyway, so I've been worrying for nothing and can save myself 10p per litre. And I would recommend anybody unsure should check the manufacturing stamp on their tank - they have to show the specific material to comply with recycling legislation. XLPE = good/better, PA6 = probably not so much. So I'll be sleeping better knowing my tank isn't slowly distorting as my bike waits in the garage for the next sunny day ;-)
A few years ago Ducati fitted a batch of incorrectly-specified petrol tanks, made out of unsuitable grades of plastic. This is well known and was widely reported at the time. They were obliged to replace lots of them, following a class-action lawsuit in America. There is no reason for anybody to be frightened of buying a Ducati today on that account, nor of using ordinary fuel containing up to 10% ethanol.
Hi Southpaw, it's true that this Forum doesn't have the best search engine, but I have been 'banging on' about tank material/Acerbis/ PA6 on here whenever I get the chance :- http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/tank-trouble.28733/#post-468875 http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/drain-the-tank.38374/#post-672404 http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/water-in-the-tank.19817/page-2#post-316878 http://ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/ethanol.8949/#post-130610
I tried to search "ethanol tank" but got little back. You've been pretty clear in your posts about PA6, many seem to think plastic is plastic, and all bad.
Good to know. I am not convinced of the benefits of V Power petrol, but V Power diesel definitely gives a bit more grunt, but not in the Ducati
Can anyone confirm which type of plastic tank was fitted to the Sport Classic (PS model) 2006 & the Monster 1100 Evo 2012:flushed:
My S2R 800 is an 07, it's tank first started expanding last year, now its jammed right up against the ignition switch making it difficult operating the tank catch
What you need is an xlpe replacement something like this; Oversized Fuel Tank Ducati Monster S2R/M695/M620 If they can do an oversize version surely somebody does a straight replacement.
Is that oversized? CCW mention the re style but not the capacity increase? It shows as 14.8 litres but I'm not sure what the original is? Here are Chris Kelly's notes on the tank... ***Tank exterior is an unpaintable raw finish with minor imperfections and texturing, similar to off-road "Baja" style fuel tanks. In 2013, we replaced the top of the mold with a fully buffed polish billet part to provide the best possible finish on the most visible surface of the tank. Enthusiasts love the Ducati Monster for its simple elegance, the great number of accessories available, and the passionate rider community. California Cycleworks developed the Monster Track Tank to provide an alternative appearance with improved ergonomics. Using the same material as offroad "Baja" tanks also makes the MTT43 a price-conscious replacement for expensive OEM fuel tanks. The MTT43 has a sportbike shape with modern styling, similar to the Supersport and Streetfighter Ducati models which is a welcomed and familiar look for riders wanting to modify or upgrade their Monster's appearance. The improved ergonomics allow the everyday rider to comfortably hang off in corners, while at the same time offering racers and track riders the much-improved ability to push the Monster's limits and provide a better overall track experience. The underside of the fuel tank is designed to work on Monsters with or without airbox modifications. The top of the MTT43 tank is the same height as the original Monster fuel tank. Its leveled surface is comfortable to lay on for reduced rider wind drag at high speeds. The MTT43 is also designed with a slimmer profile than the original tank, allowing more room between the fuel tank and the rider's hands. Each fuel tank has a unique serial number and is covered by the California Cycleworks Lifetime Replacement Warranty. MTT43 Fuel Tank Specifications: Direct replacement for all Monsters with nylon/plastic fuel tanks with circular fuel flanges; 2005 and newer Monster 620, Monster 695, Monster S2R 800, Monster S2R 1000. Please see the other listings in our catalog for other Monster models. Available colors: red and black Colors by request: natural (makes fuel level visible) Usable capacity: 3.9 US gallons (14.8 liters), allowing for 150 miles between fueling. Total capacity: 4.3 gallons. Uses OEM fuel filler cap. 37% lighter weight than the Ducati OEM tank (MTT43: 8.9lbs, OEM: 14.25lbs -- weights are approximate). Lifetime replacement warranty (limited to the tank itself), including damage resulting from improper installation. Constructed with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), considered by the plastics industry as the choice material for rotationally molded fuel cells. PEX is dimensionally stable, so the fuel tank will retain its original shape without warping or distortion. The PEX used in our fuel tanks is uniformly compounded to ensure consistent cross-linking (best-of-industry practice). Meets NHSTA and DOT standards governing fuel cell fill rates. Tank exterior is an unpaintable raw finish with minor imperfections and texturing, similar to off-road "Baja" style fuel tanks. In 2013, we replaced the top of the mold with a fully buffed polish billet part to provide the best possible finish on the most visible surface of the tank.
