Radical Spain has shut shop, even if they hadn't I wouldn't waste more money sending it back for another failed repair. I'll either do it myself, find someone locally, or chuck it in the bin in disgust.
Nick so sorry to hear of the problems, your bike has been a big part of my desire to radicalise my 900, it has provided so much inspiration to me and I love the look of it, so to hear this and knowing what you went through to get it done I can only imagine how pissed off you are. I have bought a montjuich seat from Radical France and am awaiting it to be supplied, will let everyone know how I get on with it. Sad that pepo's designs don't appear to have translated so well in the flesh and that his engineering wasn't as good as his visions.
Pepo seemed to rely on manufacturers to put his designs into production. Some were obviously better than others. His quality control was terrible, when my tank first leaked around the tap area he replied, 'Mine did that'!!!!! Caswell is the sealer that seems to be rated by everyone, is transparent when cured, and suitable for glassfibre. I spoke to a guy at Hitchcocks Motorcycles today, they've used it on GF tanks for years now with no failures.
Nick is it worth letting Yann at rad france know of your problems not for any recompense but so he is aware of the obvious design flaws, re the fitment of the tank? Understand it shouldn't be on your shoulders but just to stop anyone else getting stung? Cheers
That's not a bad idea, I'd hate for him to have the same issues when he's getting the business on its feet.
So sorry to hear of your fuel tank problems Nick. Good luck getting them sorted out. A firm called Rustbuster Ltd of Spalding sell a range of products for repairing, cleaning and sealing petrol tanks: http://www.rust.co.uk/products/category/28114/petrol-tank-sealers/ Much used by the vintage and classic fraternity.
I think I've had a lucky tank on my project but I may seal it just in case. Thanks for the link Pete 1950. If I can help with the spraying of your frame Nick then give me a shout. The tanks a bit more involved mate but I can sort the frame for you.
Thanks for the offers and suggestions. I've decided to sort the tank myself and following rcv4's advice tipped about 150ml of resin into the tank today, swilled it around the seam, then let it pool and settle in the duff area. I've also ordered up some Caswell sealer, it's enough for two tanks so I'll coat the steel Pantah tank I've got as well. As for the frame, I've not got the time to strip and repaint it, so I'll just have to rub it down and brush in the bare areas. I've got a spare tyre somewhere so that'll get fitted. If I couldn't do all this myself the damage would run into hundreds.
Sorry to hear of your problems with the tank. As has been said the polyester resins used in most fibreglass tanks can't tolerate the ethanol in modern fuels. Epoxy resins aren't great either, I have been told Vinylester resins are fuel tolerant, and had some success repairing a polyester resin carbon fibre tank, with this. Vinylester resins are getting harder to find but it's what I would use to repair your tank before sealing it with Caswell tank sealer. Good luck.
Nick, I have had a Radical carbon tank sat on the shelf for 6 months waiting for the project to be completed and now you have me concerned. I will be testing it asap, thanks for the heads up
I would get it tested and lined ASAP! I don't know if the same guy who made mine did the carbon tanks though?
Just received my seat and whilst I love the look the quality is not fantastic v thin fibreglass will need to reinforce it for everyday use, it's not symmetrical and it has a few gouges in the finish . Had hoped for better for €180. Will post pics later
just because its hand made is no excuse for a poor quality finish,he cant be to bothered about his reputation.
As above, it really should be better than that. If it was £30 and second hand off ebay you wouldn't mind!
