All -

I suspect that many of you also visit the Ducati.ms boards, but in the event you do not, here's the Reader's Digest version:

For about four years now, Sport Classic owners have been suffering from deformed fuel tanks caused by a negative interaction between the roto-molded plastic fuel tanks and fuels containing varying percentages of ethanol. Many have clamored for those four years for a metal (specifically aluminum) repacement tanks.

In response to the demand, ETI developed a very nice glass-kevlar version, but it only comes in one style: the un-faired SC1000 (mono-or bi-posto). PS1000LE owners would have to modify their bikes to aceept the fairing mounts, and GT1000 owners are left out in the cold with this option.

As a result of that clamor, and having sat on the sidelines while I was deployed with the Army for the past five years, I watched as one after another effort to develop such a metal replacement tank failed. Finally, I got involved when someone contacted an Indian source for fuel tanks made for classic British bikes, and asked if they could help. I had previously purchased some replacement tanks on eBay for the PS1000LE (also works for the SC1000S model with fairing), the SC1000, and the GT1000, so I was able to step in and help with this project. I have since been in steady communication with the source in India, I am also communicating with the Indian Embassy here in D.C., and have been discussing this project with two different vendors, one of whom has offered to assist in testing whatever we receive from India to make sure the product is servicable and viable in the U.S. marketplace.

Here is a link to the discussion on Ducati.ms:

Aluminium tanks from India - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum

I have been a member of this board longer than any other, and as such I wanted to be sure those who hang here had an opportunity to participate in this effort.

If this project becomes viable, I will either turn it over to the vendor here in the States (a Speedzilla sponsor), or if they are not interested or otherwise unable to take over this project, I may set something up and become a Speedzilla sponsor myself. We'll see - lots of work to do before then.

In any event, let me know here or on Ducati.ms if you have any questions.

Thanks!