Sprint Plastic Fuel Tank Swelling - A Bonafide Claim

[FJinMN]

Or an internet forum(s) exaggeration?

I find renewed interest in the Triumph Sprint. Particularly a 2006 model.

Thoughts, and real world experiences welcome.

[Sport-Touring]

[slvrsprint]

I haven't had a problem with my '05.  I've read of the problem but never seen one.

I have wondered if it might be related to having a tank off the bike for an extended period of time or if some have had problems re-mounting a tank and assumed it had swollen because of what they have read.  Mine has been a struggle at times, but when in proper position, the bolts lined up and later assembly went without issues.

I wouldn't worry about an '06 that hasn't swollen in nine years.

[Dan K]

Sold my '06 last November - tank was fine.

 - Dan

[FJinMN]

Thanks for the information from the both of you. Much appreciated.

[bubba zanetti]

I had a Sprint for 6 years and no problem with the tank. The only issues I heard about were plastic tanks being stored off the bike for extended periods coming out of shape and hard to reinstall.

[mellow_gold]

+1 for never having a problem on mine.

[caddydaddy]

On the Sprint forum I do remember seeing a few people had issues, but not what I'd call a widespread problem.

[GooseMan]

On my 05, the tank seems to have expanded a bit. When I remove the bolt to remove the tank, I can never get it back in because the holes done line up. It's about 1/4" off. I have to kind of hammer everything back together. It's a pain in the ass, but it's not a deal breaker.

But I guess if you're looking for a Sprint get a later model one, with the metal tank.

[stk0308]

My 2002 definitely swelled.  After a few years it got harder and harder to line up the mounting bolts.  I started trimming the rubber grommet at the back mountings, and still had to start the bolt at an angle, just to make it fit.  This is common for 1999-2004 models.  I can't say I've paid attention to 2005-2007 model year.  2008 they went to a metal tank.

[mellow_gold]

Whether the problem exists or not, if I was buying another it'd be a 2008+ model regardless...I hated not being able to use a magnetic tank bag on that farking plastic tank!