Rust

[Debs]

As it was a decent day today I thought I would polish baby.. I was going to a better job than last time and take the screen and seats off..

After taking the seat off I noticed rust on top of the tank. Its bubbling in 4 places.. 2 on either side of the foam... Has anyone else found this? Baby is now 3 years old so cant approach Kawasaki.. The only option I seem to have is to clean it up and put black hammerite on.. Any other ideas would be appreciated..

[Kwikasfuki]

Same issue with my bike. I managed to find a new tank on ebay, otherwise would be sanding down and re spraying

[BigAlan]

I guess it's in a place which is not seen when everything is back on so if it was me I would get a wire brush in a drill and rout out all the rust especially,in the seams, you can get some rust treatment which prevents any left from coming back, then as you suggest perhaps Hammerite or some such paint would be best.

If your really wealthy buy a new bike 

Alan

[viper]

heard of this problem before, design flaw, water getting trapped against seat and tank developing in rust, if it were me, id rub down, not too agressively, use zinc primer paint . If you are concerned about the appearance when you sell or trade in you could attach a felt or rubber pad to the area to mask . Id also keep an eye on this area and make sure its not left wet after washing or after a wet ride

[2kwacks]

the zzr1400 had the same problem, but got wind of it before the rust started. it tended to rust around the lugs and where the water would hold under the seat, I brushed a thin layer of grease over and around the lugs and where the water tended to hold. 4 years later, not a sign of any rust prevention is better than cure

[Mogster]

Hey this is easy....all you do Debs is find someone who's GTR is in warrenty and swop tanks.... so then the 'In Warrenty' owner gets a new tank and your problem is sorted.. 

[Debs]

The chances of finding someone willing to swap the tank in the hope they can get a new one through warranty is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack.. 

I will clean it down with emery paper, coat it with zinc primer then finish off with black hammerite.. When thats all done i will coat it in Vaseline... 

[BigAlan]

Hey this is easy....all you do Debs is find someone who's GTR is in warrenty and swop tanks.... so then the 'In Warrenty' owner gets a new tank and your problem is sorted.. 

I suspect there is a build date stamped somewhere on the tank as well so Mr K will check this first.

Alan

[Lonewolf]

I was going to say that Kwikasfuki only mentioned last week that he had ordered a new tank for an exceptionally cheap price off  Ebay I think it was. They do come up from time to time.

Personally if it was me I'd drain and take the tank off. Get it sand blasted and then powder coated. We have a decent powder coating place near where I live who have done bits and bobs on a different bike of mine. A tank woud cost about £40 with them.

I know this is for a 2011 tank but it gives you an idea on price. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAWASAKI-GTR-1400-FUEL-PETROL-TANK-2011-/261058707096?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cc84fbe98

[O.C.]

Debs, if you plan to effect your own repair then don't use anything too aggresive especially around areas where there is welding, otherwise you'll end up with a bigger repair or looking for a replacement tank !

I would use  a Halfords type rattle tin spray, after etch priming, and apply a few thin coats and gently build up the colour

Its true that this is an area that often gets overlooked and water will sit eventually causing rust...as 2Kwacks says prevention is better than cure

[Debs]

Lonewolf... That would seem like a good idea, but I have no idea of anywhere around here that does that, plus I dont have a car so no way of getting it to them...

olde coney... Yes I will be careful.. I didnt plan on using an angle grinder for taking the rust off.. 

Shes my baby so will need lots of tlc and tender rubbing to remove the rust... Just hope she dont get to excited with all the attention I have shown her lately.... 

[O.C.]

well it seems she's been getting plenty "rubbing" recently so I'm sure she's all excited and ready to go   

[Lonewolf]

Just Google powder coaters in your area, they'll be a few I'm sure.

[Hans]

Hmmm.....how old it that bike?

On my 2011 model I had the same problem. Tank swapped under warranty without any problem. If your bike has extended warranty ie. 4 years, then you should be able to claim a warranty-swap - since extended warranty follow the bike/owner.

[cpettifer]

I think mine has early signs of this - I must get onto it.

I'm beginning to think the finish on the GTR really isn't up to much. Rear shock is being replaced tomorrow, exhaust needs replacing, now the tank... Hmm.