Bubbling Tank Paint

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.
With the matching crash hat & those shit hot sexy rizoma mirrors sure does set it off
 
As mentioned in a previous post, due to ethanol problems, it cost me £800 for a new tank (a discounted price Norton said....). Previous to said problem, i had a plastic tank pad on the bike that kept peeling up on the edges... so much so i decided to peel it off altogether and try another one..... but on attempting this, it also peeled the paint off the tank ! I gave up and left the tank pad on....
 
I’ve started noticing slight warping and bubbling in the shape of my 2016 sport mk2 tank. Very subtle and difficult to photograph but it’s there. It’s annoying. I have a third party extended warranty. Wondering if anyone has had any luck having a tank replaced under warranty for this reason?
 
I was beginning to think that my alloy tank purchase was overkill, even thought about putting my plastic tank back on and selling the alloy. I'm thinking it might be prudent to hold on to the alloy for the long term.
 
I was beginning to think that my alloy tank purchase was overkill, even thought about putting my plastic tank back on and selling the alloy. I'm thinking it might be prudent to hold on to the alloy for the long term.

That is a no brainer !
 
I’ve started noticing slight warping and bubbling in the shape of my 2016 sport mk2 tank. Very subtle and difficult to photograph but it’s there. It’s annoying. I have a third party extended warranty. Wondering if anyone has had any luck having a tank replaced under warranty for this reason?

My original tank had a couple of blisters on the bottom of the tank.
Norton replaced the tank under warranty.
 
My 2010 has the dreaded blisters in a couple of places. I can’t afford an alloy tank so I’m having mine repainted.
 
Not too sure. While my tank was upside down and the petrol dribbled out of the brass nipples on the bottom of the tank, it took the paint off immediately. I'm inclined to believe the underside of the tanks are just not finished with the multi layers of paint and the topsides are more impervious to the petrol. I've had a few small splashes on the topside when filling up. Why didn't it remove the paint then? I just think they didn't finish the entire tank and it may not be an ethanol problem. The fuel lines in those nipples was so loose, there may have been a gas leak on a few of your tanks.
 
The warping of my tank and the small bubbles started on the top of my tank. Paint is not peeling but the tank itself is warping? I sent Norton an email through this forum as well as from their website....no reply after 3-4 days. Am I wasting my time trying to get in touch with Norton for help?
 
Not too sure. While my tank was upside down and the petrol dribbled out of the brass nipples on the bottom of the tank, it took the paint off immediately. I'm inclined to believe the underside of the tanks are just not finished with the multi layers of paint and the topsides are more impervious to the petrol. I've had a few small splashes on the topside when filling up. Why didn't it remove the paint then? I just think they didn't finish the entire tank and it may not be an ethanol problem. The fuel lines in those nipples was so loose, there may have been a gas leak on a few of your tanks.

Agree with all point when it comes to ‘stripping’ or ‘flaking’ etc. But ‘bubbling’ is often caused by fumes leaking through the tank wall. And IF this is the case, then no amount of re painting will cure it as the new paint will also bubble in time, usually a lot sooner than the first time.

So if someone lives in an area where the fuel has high ethanol content, some other action may be required. Choose another brand of petrol? Use a stabiliser? Consider lining the tank internally? Or, of course, fit an alloy tank?
 
Agree with all point when it comes to ‘stripping’ or ‘flaking’ etc. But ‘bubbling’ is often caused by fumes leaking through the tank wall. And IF this is the case, then no amount of re painting will cure it as the new paint will also bubble in time, usually a lot sooner than the first time.

So if someone lives in an area where the fuel has high ethanol content, some other action may be required. Choose another brand of petrol? Use a stabiliser? Consider lining the tank internally? Or, of course, fit an alloy tank?
Mine just turned to a slime and slid off. I can't get away from 10% ethanol in my gas. I hear there's a place that sells ethanol free but I'm not going to go start filling up gas tanks and carrying them home nor is it worth writing 30 miles each way to fill up. I do use Startron which claims to combat the effect of ethanol. That and Marine grade Stabil.
 
I shall have to look at using some kind of stabiliser in my tank after it has been painted. I would prefer to put the cost to an ali tank but for some reason no-one makes an ali tank for the Norton other than Norton and there is no way I would pay £2.5k when you can get a larger aftermarket tank for a featherbed frame for between £500 -£750. It feels like a rip off to me.
 
I shall have to look at using some kind of stabiliser in my tank after it has been painted. I would prefer to put the cost to an ali tank but for some reason no-one makes an ali tank for the Norton other than Norton and there is no way I would pay £2.5k when you can get a larger aftermarket tank for a featherbed frame for between £500 -£750. It feels like a rip off to me.

As winter is coming and you can afford some down time, why not take your tank to one of the people who make said tanks for featherbeds and ask them to make one for your 961?
 
I had thought about that but who do you use? Its a minefield out there when it comes to people who say they can! Lol
 
Err, well, you said: “you can get a larger aftermarket tank for a featherbed frame for between £500 -£750”... so perhaps start by asking at the places you’ve seen offering these...?
 
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