Harley Davidson XR1200, Fuel Tank swelling problem, update

Harley XR1200's and 1200x's have been suffering a problem of the plastic fuel cells swelling up for some unproven reason, there are a few theories as to why, but that's all they are at the moment, so far, the MoCo has not yet come up with a solution. here is my experience with it so far.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Harley Davidson XR1200
• XR1200x
• Fuel tank swelling
• fuel cell expansion
• Petrol tank expanding
• gas tank swelling expanding
• fuel tank cover not fitting
• gas tank expansion. update

[jimbo80982]

@moonfleet41 why dont you propose for them to make you up a metal one? It is , after all , their fault for making a petrol tank out of plastic (which seems hugely retarded to me for so many reasons , but there you go)

[Moonfleet41]

@jimbo80982 have a squint at the XR1200 forums, thuis subject is all over them like a rash, they have been ranting at Harley for a metal tank since the first one swelled up.... and the MoCo dont give a flying fuck mate, they will replace those that swell under warranty, and thats that... there have been companies trheatening to make them, but at over a grand a pop who would buy one.. its typical Harley Davidson, head in the sand and phuque you attitude...

[jimbo80982]

@Moonfleet41 thats shit. I dont see what the big problem is. I mean if they keep giving out placcy tanks , they will end up costing the same if not more as one metal tank! This makes me even less likely to get a harley.

[Moonfleet41]

@jimbo80982 I dont think you quite underestand manufacturing Jimbo mate, to develop the tooling to make steel tanks would cost millions, the plastic tanks cost nothing more than the material cost as the tooling and making process is all set up.. remember, by the time each bike is two years old thier responsibility to you is ended..and like i said, not every tank swells, so its a business trade off to ride it out till everybody goes quiet and stops maoning, then they can laugh it off.

[jimbo80982]

@Moonfleet41 I understand that but meanwhile people are unhappy with their bike developing this problem. Its not great for the harley's , especially in our country where they arent quite as popular as in the us. And the metal tanks are already in circultation but made by a different company , why dont they go into talks with them? pay the other company to make em? no more unhappy customers , just an epic ride.

[Moonfleet41]

@theroofsedge No its not our imagination, they are selling and that official... have a squint at the XR1200 owners forum, there is much more on there about it.... they are only swelling slightly, not as bad as Ducatis that have been getting tanks swell so much they are cracking and leaking at the mounts.. but as ever, its intermittant as you have proved with ours not swelling, so the MoCo just gets away with replacing those that do under warrnaty.. .

[Moonfleet41]

@theroofsedge No its not our imagination, they are selling and that official... have a squint at the XR1200 owners forum, there is much more on there about it.... they are only swelling slightly, not as bad as Ducatis that have been getting tanks swell so much they are cracking and leaking at the mounts.. but as ever, its intermittant as you have proved with ours not swelling, so the MoCo just gets away with replacing those that do under warrnaty.. .

[theroofsedge]

@Moonfleet41 I have had the bike 2 years now and I always keep fuel in the tank. The fuel here is 10% ethanol, I think. So in two years, fresh fuel, I would think my tank should have expanded as well, but it is garage kept. Does HD know for sure the tank is swelling? Maybe the sun is shrinking the skin?

[RESET1776]

I had a Buell X-1 that I went full on custom with because of all the damn recalls from Harley. Needless to say it kinda wrecked me for the Harley brand. If that gap is staying the same size once it's swollen I would play with the idea of making a trim part that would flush into the gap. I like the idea of making a whole new cover. But it would be far easier & faster just making a filler part that you could adhere on to the cover. Good Luck & most of all have fun!

[Moonfleet41]

@2wheelsteve yeah, you would think so wouldnt you?, but to day the facotry have done nothing more than replace tanks for those who kick up enough of a fuss.... plastic fuel cells are common now, and even the Italians have problems with them on Ducatis and Aprilias... but still the manufactureres dont give a toss, ill never buy a bike with a plastic tank again..