Ugh, 950 Supermoto leaking fuel tank! Paging KTM mechanics

[delusion39]

Hey guys.. I know there are a few KTM mechanics that hang out on the board. My 2006 950 SM started pissing fuel from around one of the brass threaded inserts yesterday. I met a guy that works at Ellicott city motorsports during the DAMN campout, I think his name was Greg. I was wondering if anyone had his contact info? I've done some research on ADV rider and it looks like this is a somewhat common issue. So, I was hoping to get this covered by KTM since it's obviously a defect in workmanship. I figured I would seek a KTM employee's advice before just calling in blindly. Couldn't hurt. Anyway, I hope I can get this fixed because right now, it stands to ruin the plans for a 3 bike 1 week long haul ride that has been planed for about 4 months. Of all things, the DAMN fuel tank?!?!?

Shaun

[Roadracer_Al]

A friend of mine with through this with his SuperDuke - IIRC, KTM wants you to send your tank to the motheship in Austria to be evaluated pending replacement, or some nonsense like that. He was fairly committed to finding a solution on his own.

He tried silicone sealants to no good effect.

He made a thin gasket out of butyl rubber, which worked for a while, but the gasket migrated and leaked eventually.

I suggested that he try HondaBond #4 (the stuff you'd use to seal a crankcase - it's non-hardening and fuel proof)

I never heard the outcome, however, so I don't really know what the final solution was. Heh. Maybe it's time for a new oversize fuel tank from Clarke.

[delusion39]

I called ECMS, I'm bringing it in after work. They said that they need to take a photo and send it to KTM NA. Then if it's covered, they just send me a new tank.. Fingers crossed :)

[Grady]

If need be, I saw this on craigslist. http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/1213900005.html seems like it might be a good deal if they still have it.

[delusion39]

Good find on the tank, I sent them an email. The bike is at ECMS now, hopefully I have an answer today.

Shaun

[delusion39]

ECMS managed to get KTM NA to replace my tank free of charge, minus the labor to install it. So YAY!!! Not sure when I'll be getting the new tank as they have to order it, but the service manager gave me the OK to do a JB weld / Hondabond repair to get me back on the road till the new part comes in. Now I just have to go pick it back up and finish welding up the rack for the soft bags I'll be using on my up coming trip. How many manufacturers would replace such an expensive part on a bike that was bought used private party and out of warranty?? Hell, my local BMW dealer wouldn't even get a known transmission issue fixed on my M3 and it was under CPO warranty at the time! I ended up fixing that one myself.

So, Thanks KTM and Greg at ECMS!!

Shaun

[Roadracer_Al]

That sounds like the best of all possible outcomes. Also sounds like KTM have upgraded their policy regarding leaks -- they get big kudos for making it more friendly.

[delusion39]

That sounds like the best of all possible outcomes. Also sounds like KTM have upgraded their policy regarding leaks -- they get big kudos for making it more friendly.

Maybe free install would have been even better, but I'm not complaining.

I'm just really glad I didn't get a sour experience since I just switched to KTM for dirt and street. After all, my 1998 VFR is running like a champ with 37k miles on it and my DRZ 400 was dead reliable. The KTMs are 1000% more fun to ride though, so as long as they work with me for things that obviously aren't my fault, I'll be a loyal customer. All motorcycles have problems eventually, it's how they are handled that makes the difference to me.

Shaun