Bubbling Tank Paint

Sgt80

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My 2013 SE #10 (Built May 2014) is in the process of getting a parts order together through AF1 Racing to replace the pieces recently damaged in a crash. The insurance is going to pay for a new tank which only sustained a few minor chips. At first I thought, since it was so minor, that it really wasn't necessary. I'm glad I listened to the adjuster. I visited today with the mechanic who looked the bike over for the order. He said "did you know the paint is starting to bubble on the top of your tank?" Say what? My question is: Was that common for the earlier bikes and has the "problem" been fixed for new production tanks?
 
I have a 2013. Removed the tank twice before I crashed. It was still in perfect condition. Maybe yours just wasn't prepped right. Get a little skin oil on it prior to being sprayed, it'll bubble. Let the adjusters do their job. I was amazed at what they insisted on replacing.
 
No bubbles but when I slowly pealed the break in sticker off the tank of my '14 sport it took a little of the clear coat off too. Never had that happen before. The only proper fix is to reclear the entire tank. Buffed it good so it can wait.
 
Yes it was a problem that other people have had, mainly related to ethanol content and most definitely not limited to Norton’s!

The factory have fixed it they say, although I do not know the details as to how.

I belive the best ‘insurance’ is to try and source fuel with the lowest ethanol content you can.

The factory also say to always ensure the tank is full if parked up for any length of time. Air in the tank is what allows the entanol issue to work on the tank.

If I had my insurance company paying for a new plastic tank, I’d add some $ and get myself a gorgeous new alloy tank instead !!
 
No bubbles but when I slowly pealed the break in sticker off the tank of my '14 sport it took a little of the clear coat off too. Never had that happen before. The only proper fix is to reclear the entire tank. Buffed it good so it can wait.

That’s why I took mine off straight away, before they’d had chance to fuse to the tank lacquer.
 
Yes it was a problem that other people have had, mainly related to ethanol content and most definitely not limited to Norton’s!

The factory have fixed it they say, although I do not know the details as to how.

I belive the best ‘insurance’ is to try and source fuel with the lowest ethanol content you can.

The factory also say to always ensure the tank is full if parked up for any length of time. Air in the tank is what allows the entanol issue to work on the tank.

If I had my insurance company paying for a new plastic tank, I’d add some $ and get myself a gorgeous new alloy tank instead !!


That’s exactly how my dad got his aluminum tank.
 
The factory also say to always ensure the tank is full if parked up for any length of time. Air in the tank is what allows the entanol issue to work on the tank.

Right they are.
The ethanol is hydroscopic, absorbing moisture from surrounding air.
Less air in the tank less moisture to absorb.

Also, rule applies for uncoated steel tanks.
Full tank/less air/less internal corrosion.

For long periods - store with fuel stabilizer.

Just as a full tummy is a happy tummy.
A full tank is a happy tank.:D
 
Had same problem with my other bikes both Suzuki and Commando tanks have been sealed. Understand that in the U K Esso 95 RON fuel has on Ethanol continent so that what is going in mine.
I drain my bikes tanks over winter and leave the fuel caps open this is recommended for classic bikes.
 
Yes it was a problem that other people have had, mainly related to ethanol content and most definitely not limited to Norton’s!

The factory have fixed it they say, although I do not know the details as to how.

I belive the best ‘insurance’ is to try and source fuel with the lowest ethanol content you can.

The factory also say to always ensure the tank is full if parked up for any length of time. Air in the tank is what allows the entanol issue to work on the tank.

If I had my insurance company paying for a new plastic tank, I’d add some $ and get myself a gorgeous new alloy tank instead !!
An alloy tank is a great idea! Let's see.....25 of my new Norton 961 Forum BFF's @ $100 ea. and that would just about make up the difference and it would then be financially possible. I'll post a link to my "GoFundMe" page.......soon.
 
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From what I recall from an earlier post, the plastic ones aren’t cheap, so if the insurance are willing to put in the value of a new plastic tank, then whichever way you look at it, it’s the cheapest alloy tank you’ll ever get!!
 
From what I recall from an earlier post, the plastic ones aren’t cheap, so if the insurance are willing to put in the value of a new plastic tank, then whichever way you look at it, it’s the cheapest alloy tank you’ll ever get!!

Plastic is such a disparaging term, let's use nylon polymer instead.:p
 
They are hand made. So cool. It would be amazing if the person who made it used a pencil grinder and signed and dated the underside. My dad asked for that on his but they didnt do it.
 
They are hand made. So cool. It would be amazing if the person who made it used a pencil grinder and signed and dated the underside. My dad asked for that on his but they didnt do it.

That's a nice touch from the days when motorcycle assembly was preformed by craftsmen.
 
They are hand made. So cool. It would be amazing if the person who made it used a pencil grinder and signed and dated the underside. My dad asked for that on his but they didnt do it.
No doubt about it. The Aluminum tanks are beyond nice. But honestly...even if I was suddenly awash in cash I would stick with what the bike came with and keep SE #10 as original as possible.
 
I'm with you Sargent. I've got a clear coat defect from a damn break in decal but I'll reclear the tank to keep the faith and stay original. Damn fine looking scooter. I've been known to have a few beers with my biker friends say, "By the way did you notice I've got a F***in Norton?" Had a chrome tank on a Hodaka dirt bike when I was a kid. Not a kid anymore but might one day buy another Hodaka if it feels right.
 
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No doubt about it. The Aluminum tanks are beyond nice. But honestly...even if I was suddenly awash in cash I would stick with what the bike came with and keep SE #10 as original as possible.

I do feel the same about keeping the SE the way it came.
 
Other than a few CF bits and as much gold parts like bar ends, mirrors and spools....I like the bike as is. The black and gold is way prettier than a aluminum tank.
 
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