Those of you with Clarke tanks

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tropicoz
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Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by tropicoz »

Hi folks,
I just got my Clarke tank for my 01 200, and I'm a bit disappointed by the quality of this thing. It was advertised as new and looks the part in regards to no actual damage or discoloration, but there's few spots that make me think it's a blemish or seconds tank. Can anyone with experience confirm what I'm looking at here? The "dent" is a flat spot molded into just that side of the tank while the "splatter" looks like melted, spattered plastic near the filler neck, and to e lesser degree, at the seam.
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SS109
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Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by SS109 »

Sadly, Clarke's quality has really been dropping on the older bike tanks. I think their molds are about worn out or in need of repair and they aren't willing to do it. Clarke will tell you that's just how that tank is which is BS.
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Re: Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by kdxdazz »

my tank is the same. not sure on the spatter. mine was on the bike when i bought it,i thought the dent was from the previous owner dropping it.now i know its made that way
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Re: Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by bufftester »

Like SS109 said, their QC has really dropped over the years, wouldn't be surprised if they aren't actually making them anymore and just selling off existing stock that didn't pass quality first time around. At the least I would contact them and see what they'll do about it, if anything. The IMS tanks I have seen seem to be a bit better in quality, but a little harder to find. I've also heard that some folks have had fitment issues with the IMS but not sure how or why.
tropicoz
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Re: Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by tropicoz »

So I got a response and it isn't what I expected. Clarke reviewed the pictures I forwarded and responded by saying "reviewed the tool and the areas of concerned are issues with the tool, all tanks are made the same."
So that's it. Apparently that's the way they make the tanks and that's they way they'll stay....defects and all. I'm on the fence about sending it back and saying F it. I know its a dirt bike and I'll probably beat the crap out of it, but when I drop over $200 on a tank I kind of expect it to show up about as perfect as a new part should be. I'm not a fan of pay 100% of the price to get a part that isn't 100% of the quality.
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Re: Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by KDXGarage »

Where did you buy the tank?

"reviewed the tool"?? What tool?
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Re: Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by bufftester »

By tool I assume they mean the mold. It's kind of a cool process called blow molding, watch Semco tanks being made:
[youtube][/youtube]
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Those of you with Clarke tanks

Post by SS109 »

I knew that's what they would say.
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Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
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