plastic vs steel tanks: nklr

[Seiler, Kevin]

Considering plastic tanks. Plastic tanks are NOT prohibited by the DOT anymore. Many, many bikes come stock with them now. For example: Buell, MuZ, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, and others have put out models that have plastic tanks. I'm sure there's plenty of other manufacturers that do the same. Plastic and fiberglass tanks WERE illegal for a time, but I guess manufacturers have gotten better at making them safer. So, sorry to rain on your persecution parade there, but the 'gummint' ain't always out to get you! ;-P A side note, about a week after I got my Norton Commando Interstate, a guy in a wheelchair came up to me at a gas station and said "man, that's the bike I lost my legs on". Seems he dropped the bike in a low speed crash, the fiberglass tank split, and it caught fire, burning his legs to the extant that they had to be amputated. Never did find a steel tank for that bike. Kev ------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 09:46:46 -0400 From: "Anton Perdices" Subject: RE: Plastic vs Steel Tanks: NKLR I don't get it, If plastic tanks are DOT approved, how does KTM get away with it? Anton Perdices Information Services Nortel Networks telephone: 954 851-8753 (ESN 228) fax: 954 851-8499 (ESN 228) e-mail: perdicea@... Message: 12 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 16:01:15 PDT From: "The Squasher" Subject: RE: Plastic vs Steel Tanks: NKLR It seems strange that the D.O.T. won't allow plastic tanks on motorcycles (but I know it's true). If a motorcycle crashes and the steel tank scrapes along the street (cement) sparks may be created and if it puts a hole in the tank then WOOOSH, huge fire ball. The funny thing about DOT is they prefer plastic fuel tanks in cars over steel. Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 07:50:10 -0700 From: "Darrel & Deanna" Subject: Plastic vs Steel Tanks: NKLR Pete- My understanding of the gas tank deal as explained by a Honda dealer, is that DOT does not allow manufacturers to put plastic tanks on street bikes. However, it is legal to put a Baja kit on say an XR400 (w/plastic tank) and ride on thestreet. This is just hear-say though and it may vary from state to state. The emissions aspect sure does...DarrelA12digest mode by the way, anyone live in a state where plastic gas tanks are illegal on the street besides me? man, i can't wait to move outta here 8^)._pete _________________________________________