Greetings from Washington

Thanks for the responses. The GRiSO doesn’t fit into any single style of bike which is why I asked. I like a bike with torque. It makes running the twistys more fun. On another note, have any of you folks here in the U.S. had any problems with the fuel tank expanding due to our shit ethenal laden gasoline? From my research, it seems to be a reoccurring problem with the Italian bikes that are using nylon tanks. Seems like Ducati has started making alloy tanks; but Aprilia and Guzzi have not. I know you can use additives to prevent the ethonal from breaking down. But it does nothing to prevent water from impregnating the nylon tank and causing it to swell and deform.

My '07 had no issues but I had it for only one season.  My '09 had terrible spots that pushed up the paint.  It was replaced under warranty tout suite.  The replacement tank did some of the same but was less obvious.  I ignored it until I sold the bike.  My '13 has swollen a little.  I noticed it when I had to remove the tank.  It went on and off but not easily!  Paint blemishes are small enough that you have to really look for them.

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the tanks are "rotomolded" with the nylon spun in a mold to shape it.  Thin spots in the molding would obviously lead to problems!

You would be correct about “rotomouldibg”. The materials used in this process is the problem. Thus far, there are few ways around the problem. You can try using pure gas as much as possible. Store the bike in the off season with no fuel in the tank at all, and some have tried using a two part epoxy to coat the inside of the tanks (caswell I think).

Think there are several other threads here that have discussed the ethanevil problem.

My GRiSO (a '10) has had some dimpling, but that has -- to my surprise -- receded somewhat to point I cannot find any just now. The tank has not (noticeably) enlarged.

OTOH, I just bought a used tank for my Norge. The original has swollen to the point that I cannot insert the fastener at the rear and it is displacing the tupperware around it. Disgusting. I plan to "rotate" tanks each season after rinsing and drying one out.

It is nigh on to impossible to find premium non-ethanol around here. I do try to keep Startron and similar products in the tank. Maybe I should as nyrider suggests, just empty the tank in the long cold dark. I have heard somewhere that Guzzi's nylon tanks are not good candidates for post-use sealing as the smooth finish makes it problematic for such to adhere.

Bill

It's my 4th GRiSO (09 and 13 are gone)...none of them had an issue about that stupid ethanol.
Of course my bikes don't sit, I ride everyday so I rotate them weekly and maybe that's why I never had a problem thus far...

I envy you being able to ride every day Grisonut. I was all in to buy this bike or possibly an Aprilia Tuono. I can overlook a multitude of minor issues with a bike if I'm smitten with it as I am with the GRiSO. But....this issue with swelling and warping tanks really doesn't have a solution or a "work around" and it seems like ownership is a gamble as to whether or not your tank will have the ethanol problem. As much as I love this bike, I think I'm out and will look at Japanese bikes that have steel tanks on them which is sad. As nice as the Jap bikes are, they seem devoid of any character.

Do you have ethanol free gas stations in your area?
I wouldn't let this plastic tank issue that only affect a low percentage of motorcycles, ruining my hopes to get a well functioning GRiSO.
Like I said, I'm 4 for 4 so far on plastic tank and everyone I know with CARC bikes have had no problems either. Can't be that bad...

Non ethanol is available. Just not the correct octane rating. I know I must sound like I’m overthinking this; it’s just how my thought process works.

Yeah it's only 89 octane for the non ethanol so I don't use it.
Only one station (Sunoco) that I know of in Orlando has all grade non ethanol...even 108 racing fuel! But it's at the edge of town, far from me.

Non-ethanol fuel is only available at airports in NJ. In addition to being logistically challenging to regularly fill up at an airport, the cost of $4.99/gal ($1.32/L) is 40% higher than E-10 premium. I seem to be doing OK by keeping my tank as full as possible with premium name-brand gas (usually Shell or Exxon), from a station that pumps a lot of gas, and using a quality fuel treatment like Star-Tron.

EricS I use star-tron in my Yamaha and in my boat. But then again..I also try to run pure gasoline in them as well. How long have you been running your GRiSO on ethanol and how often do you ride ? Have you noticed any problems with your fuel tank or the exterior paint job?

nwryder wrote:

EricS I use star-tron in my Yamaha and in my boat. But then again..I also try to run pure gasoline in them as well. How long have you been running your GRiSO on ethanol and how often do you ride ? Have you noticed any problems with your fuel tank or the exterior paint job?

I ride almost daily since I purchased the bike in Feb 2017. So far not a single issue with swelling, bubbles or paint. I keep a couple of the Star-Tron 'shots' in my tank bag and add a couple ounces before each fill up. As I said, E10 is pretty much the only thing available in NJ.

Been sitting for a week + now with the insanely cold temps so it'll be a good test. Untreated gas won't separate for 30 days or so and Star-Tron says it should be stable for 'up to two years'.

So I think the issue with the GRiSO fuel tank has been cleared up. At least the dealer did some checking and provided me a satisfactory explanation. He checked with their technician and found that MG did change the manufacturing process for their polymer tanks from rotational molding to blow molding. The later process reportedly mitigates the chances of having inconsistent thicknesses and voids in the tank wall. It’s also believed that blow molding eliminates the tank wall from having layers which can delaminate easier when filled with methanol. So in the past several years they (my dealer) have not seen any tank warranty issues. He also advised that the fuel tank is covered for 5 years under the emission system warranty. I know it seems like a lot of questioning and info searching for a “greeting post” but, if it saves the next guy from having to chase all this down when he’s considering weather or not to buy this bike, then maybe it was worth it. Cheers.

Picked up my 17’ GRiSO and brought her home today. Like a true Pacific Northwest girl she got a little wet on the way followed by some fun riding on the back twisty’s. Looking forward to fun times with her. Thanks to you all who answered all my questions etc ... hope to meet some of you along the way somewhere if possible. Cheers.

Good for you and congrats!
2017...last of the Mohicans (well, technically 2016).
You will love this thing, the power delivery on this thing is just about spot on.

Congrats on your new GRiSO Ray. I know I'm late to this party, but don't overthink things... I'm on my third GRiSO, and I know most of the GRiSO owners in the Seattle area (and probably the whole state) and not a one of us have had a tank swell problem. As far as inseam goes, there are lots of GRiSisti with 34"+ inseams who do just fine with the stock ergos (I'm one of them...) If you find you need another inch, then go get it, you have options. As Mark already said, the side stand is the first point of contact.

Moto International in Seattle has always enjoyed a stellar reputation, but time will tell if that will continue. With the new year, all of the old wrenches (Micha and Jason primarily) have moved on and with Dave Richardson (MI's heart and soul) retiring, management/ownership will be under new guidance.

I've heard nothing but good things about Rich and his gang down in PDX, they even make it out to several of the campouts and other Guzzi events. I think you can have confidence in your dealings with them.

The real beauty of the GRiSO, and Guzzis in general, is the ease and satisfaction of doing your own maintenance and service. If that is your bent, then you will be in for a treat.

SD

Thanks SD. I do tend to overthink it sometimes but now that Ive had her in my garage for a few days and put some miles on her, I'm good with my choice. Just need to set the sag and start dialing the rest of the suspension in and get rid of the charcoal can hanging off the bottom. Anyways, thank you for the congrats. Rick down at PDX was especially good to deal with. Hope to run across you somewhere down the line and share a beer.

Steak wrote:

Congrats on your new GRiSO Ray.  I know I'm late to this party, but don't overthink things...  I'm on my third GRiSO, and I know most of the GRiSO owners in the Seattle area (and probably the whole state) and not a one of us have had a tank swell problem.  As far as inseam goes, there are lots of GRiSisti with 34"+ inseams who do just fine with the stock ergos (I'm one of them...)  If you find you need another inch, then go get it, you have options.  As Mark already said, the side stand is the first point of contact.

Moto International in Seattle has always enjoyed a stellar reputation, but time will tell if that will continue.  With the new year, all of the old wrenches (Micha and Jason primarily) have moved on and with Dave Richardson (MI's heart and soul) retiring, management/ownership will be under new guidance.

I've heard nothing but good things about Rich and his gang down in PDX, they even make it out to several of the campouts and other Guzzi events.  I think you can have confidence in your dealings with them.

The real beauty of the GRiSO, and Guzzis in general, is the ease and satisfaction of doing your own maintenance and service.  If that is your bent, then you will be in for a treat.

SD

But, but... you 'not 'sposed to be absent from these boards for too long!!
So please refrain from ignoring us...