Buying my first AT; it has a bid dent in the gastank. Is this bad? (picture inside)

3694 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Paige, Jan 11, 2016

rojis

Discussion Starter · Jan 11, 2016

Hello and greetings,
So I'm buying my first Africa Twin RD04. The bike looks good and rides smooth
as butter. Only problem is it has a big dent in the gas tank http://imgur.com/QN3HFcI

For me personally It's not a huge option. But I'm wondering if this is going to be a huge problem. As the dent does have some rust. Some advice/feedback would be much appreciated. Because I'm not really experienced with this type of stuff =)

Thanks in advance, JCS

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rider_marc

· #2 · Jan 11, 2016

Surely there are other tanks available as a replacement. I do not know for sure. If this tank isn't rusted on the inside, it would be worth repairing. Then, you have a paint event to satisfy.

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JustPlainBill0

· #3 · Jan 11, 2016

I did not open the link to a photo you provided - that's a very quick way for a computer to catch a virus. Maybe you can upload the photo directly to the forum page

To answer your question: Yes, this is bad. Rust is like cancer - once it starts, it keeps growing until it destroys the part it's on. So my recommendation is to delay the purchase and wait for the tank to be replaced or take another motorcycle from the dealer's inventory.

Generally, a dealer will not sell (deliver) a brand new damaged motorcycle to a customer since it will have to be repaired under warranty anyway. It might be understandable for a dealer to do so with a new model for which spares might not be available yet, but he should order a new tank from Honda and state (in writing) on your sales documents that it will be replaced at no charge to you.

Before taking the bike with a damaged tank, follow Marc's advice and check for rust inside. If there is any sign of rust - walk away. Rust particles in the gasoline can clog up the fuel system and leave you stranded.
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rojis

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 11, 2016

There ya go!

Thanks for the quick replies. The bike isn't sold by a dealer but privately owned.
Also the tank has no rust on the inside.

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JustPlainBill0

· #5 · Jan 11, 2016

rojis said:
There ya go!

Thanks for the quick replies. The bike isn't sold by a dealer but privately owned.
Also the tank has no rust on the inside.

My bad, we're so focused on the new generation Africa Twin here, it never occurred to me that you'd be asking about an earlier one

.

If there's no rust inside and you don't mind the appearance of the dent you should be OK. I would recommend at a minimum using a rust converter to stop the rust from spreading. Beyond that, repair or replace.

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