Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Plastic petrol tank expansion problem

[Yellowduke]

I have seen this issue mentioned on other forums and I think that this is a problem we are going to be seeing in the next few years. At the moment our petrol mostly has a 5% ethanol limit but there are plans for this to be raised to 10% in 2013. This will put us in the same position as our American cousins with the potential of tanks expanding, seals breaking down and fuel leaking. Aside from the mechanical and safety issues there is also the likelihood that our bikes will lose significant value. I would hope that this has already been considered and a fix is in place.

[jerryz]

steel aftermarket tanks now in production from China expected late 2012 for all affected models will solve the issue .

[bradders]

Originally Posted by jerryz

steel aftermarket tanks now in production from China expected late 2012 for all affected models will solve the issue .

and you reckon Ducati will give them free?! If you're going to spend teh money, and alloy one would be my prerference

[skidlids]

Originally Posted by bradders

If you're going to spend teh money, and alloy one would be my prerference

Never the long term solution as Alloy tanks will develop there own issues after years of use due to fatigue/vibration

I own a 2006 S2R with 15000 miles on it complete with Plastic Tank, no signs of any distortion, so as mentioned its probably related to the fuels E10 content in the states