WTF?! My bike caught fire!

2520 Views 28 Replies 16 Participants Last post by altersys, Nov 13, 2006

fireballfish

Discussion Starter · Nov 9, 2006

Being an impatient person, when I needed a new battery I replaced it with a battery that required me to bend the leads a little to get them to seat. This wasn't a problem for 6 months, however monday night while riding home from work I noticed what I thought to be my fuel indicator on. Once I looked down I realized what was really happening... my tank latch was glowing white hot! I quickly pulled over and tried blowing on it (with a full face helmet, visor closed) but that didn't work very well (go figure). I then tried to put it out with my hands... and caught my gloves on fire. Finally I pulled up on the tank (figuring it would help brake the circuit) and the latch melted/fell to the ground. once the circuit was broken, the bike was fine (not even a fuse blown) and I rode it home. Now comes where I need all of your help: Where the hell can I find a replacement latch? I hate not being able to ride, and I'm thinking of bungie-ing the tank down until I can get a proper latch. Anyone able to help?

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

nissontek

· #2 · Nov 9, 2006

??? i don't even know where to begin after a post like this. either you forgot to mention something or i am really dumb! i know i am at the very least confused.

derby

· #3 · Nov 9, 2006

luca?

fireballfish

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 9, 2006

nissontek said:
??? i don't even know where to begin after a post like this. either you forgot to mention something or i am really dumb! i know i am at the very least confused.

Which part are you confused about?

I forgot to mention that my bike is a 2001 monster 750... any idea on compatibility for latches from other displacements/years?

fireballfish

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 9, 2006

I've found a site that has the latch, so hopefully it'll get here fast before it gets too cold...

test-reg

· #6 · Nov 9, 2006

I think he's confused about how your battery had anything to do with your tank latch...

cutter Hutton

· #7 · Nov 9, 2006

Isn't the hinge and pads insulated with rubber? Maybe the latch is the only metal on metal contact, so thats where the juice is going. Seems crazy to me, suprised the tank didn't blow up- lucky.

hiero

· #8 · Nov 9, 2006

cutter said:
Isn't the hinge and pads insulated with rubber? Maybe the latch is the only metal on metal contact, so thats where the juice is going. Seems crazy to me, suprised the tank didn't blow up- lucky.

errr, I'm pretty confused how this all happened too, but um, +1 to this comment...

G

· #9 · Nov 9, 2006

Seems pretty simple to me

Hot contact from battery hits tank.
Tank is not in direct contact with frame at the hinge.
Tank is in direct contact with frame at latch.
Frame is grounded.
Circuit is completed and a large number of amps begin to flow through the relatively narrow 'wire' of the latch.

I don't think an explosion is that likely, since the tank is big enough to carry that much current without heating.

I'd worry more about the battery boiling or hot, molten metal dripping down off the latch and melting your airbox and wiring.

And BTW: You probably need a new battery

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dan900sie

· #10 · Nov 9, 2006

First thing you might want to do is change your screen name.
Bad juju there dude. [laugh]

fireballfish

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 9, 2006

DrunkenMonkey said:
Seems pretty simple to me

Hot contact from battery hits tank.

Tank is not in direct contact with frame at the hinge.

Tank is in direct contact with frame at latch.

Frame is grounded.

Circuit is completed and a large number of amps begin to flow through the relatively narrow 'wire' of the latch.

I don't think an explosion is that likely, since the tank is big enough to carry that much current without heating.

I'd worry more about the battery boiling or hot, molten metal dripping down off the latch and melting your airbox and wiring.

And BTW: You probably need a new battery

You pretty much hit the nail on the head. I just recieved the new battery via mail (an EXACT replacement for OEM this time!) Suprisingly the finish on the tank is fine. I ordered the latch, but due to DNA closing warehouses here Bikebandit.com said it'll be 3 weeks

fireballfish

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 9, 2006

Ddan said:
First thing you might want to do is change your screen name.
Bad juju there dude. [laugh]

yeah I guess I had it coming... lol maybe I'll change it to "WTFOMGITSONFIREHELPMEJEBUS".... that's probably too long though [laugh]

altersys

· #13 · Nov 9, 2006

you just experienced current density.

Bug

· #14 · Nov 9, 2006

fireballfish said:
maybe I'll change it to "WTFOMGITSONFIREHELPMEJEBUS"....

I'd just stick with Bad JuJu

sconly

· #15 · Nov 10, 2006

yeah it was a vague post but I think we have all had those at least once, I know I have

hiero

· #16 · Nov 10, 2006

DrunkenMonkey said:
...
I don't think an explosion is that likely, since the tank is big enough to carry that much current without heating.

...

I think my combustion concern was more directed at a 'glowing white hot' latch that's VERY close to a potential source for petrol vapors (granted the cap was closed, but potential nonetheless)

punker248

· #17 · Nov 10, 2006

I think this is the most amazing problem I've heard of having on a bike.

Thanks for sharing.

P.S. Glad you're alright

Mark1305

· #18 · Nov 10, 2006

Order the latch from one of our great sponsors, Ducati Seattle. They are cheap enuogh it isn't worth the time to shop around. I got one for my 900SS from them.

krista_k

· #19 · Nov 11, 2006

fireballfish said:
You pretty much hit the nail on the head. I just recieved the new battery via mail (an EXACT replacement for OEM this time!) Suprisingly the finish on the tank is fine. I ordered the latch, but due to DNA closing warehouses here Bikebandit.com said it'll be 3 weeks

That's why you buy from ducati seattle. Search on bandit and you'll learn more.

lung

· #20 · Nov 11, 2006

Well another great way to make sure this don't happen again is... Buy a new style tank. The plastic ones that are put on the S*R. Not sure about fit, but thats is easy enough to figure out. Glad to hear your safe and no bodily damage occurred. Sad to hear you are out of a ride atm.

$0.02,
Lung

1 - 20 of 29 Posts

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