Anyone tried one of these R80G/S R80ST Basic, Paris Dakar, HPN or standard replica tanks from Fiberbike in Spain?

[sidkn33]

BMW

fiberbike.es

They certainly look good in the photos but there are mixed opinions online about fibreglass tanks in general - NOT specifically about Fiberbike though.
That said, I have a 1991 GSPD with a plastic (don't think it's fibreglass?) tank which is absolutely solid and has zero sticker or paint bubbling after 30+ years of active life.
I am aware of the Indian made metal tanks on eBay but I am not prepared to risk the quality and they are more expensive.
Fiberbike is An EU product and Spanish in particular which is of less immediate concern, though also subject to import tax.
From what I can gather, there are independant reviews which are positive about Fiberbike products, but nothing about longevity.
Any strong opinions or better, actual experience of these tanks?

(Note also that they produce G/S bodywork kits and matching HPN fairings etc)

 

[scooter paul]

BMW

fiberbike.es

They certainly look good in the photos but there are mixed opinions online about fibreglass tanks in general - NOT specifically about Fiberbike though.
That said, I have a 1991 GSPD with a plastic (don't think it's fibreglass?) tank which is absolutely solid and has zero sticker or paint bubbling after 30+ years of active life.
I am aware of the Indian made metal tanks on eBay but I am not prepared to risk the quality and they are more expensive.
Fiberbike is An EU product and Spanish in particular which is of less immediate concern, though also subject to import tax.
From what I can gather, there are independant reviews which are positive about Fiberbike products, but nothing about longevity.
Any strong opinions or better, actual experience of these tanks?

(Note also that they produce G/S bodywork kits and matching HPN fairings etc)

I have no experience of these tanks but, if they are made and sold in the EU they will be to certain safety standards that you should be able to count on. In relation to fibre glass tanks in general the days of the outlawed cafe racer tanks of the 1960’s are long gone.
Fibre glass tanks are not permeable like plastic so stickers and paint should stay on.

 

[sidkn33]

Thanks Paul for your input.
I hadn't considered the EU safety standard compliance and that's a big deal.

 

[NeilDD]

Ask them what resin they are using, and I'll speak to my friend who know about this stuff.

Basically there's only 1 type that is Ethanol proof

 

[sidkn33]

You mean ethanol proof, vs ethanol resistent? The latter being what they specify on the website.

 

[NeilDD]

Resistant - will last longer, but still break down over time
Proof - Ethanol will not break it down

 

[sidkn33]

Response from Fiberbike

Hello,
We use chemically resistant terephthalic resin, which is specifically designed to withstand all types of hydrocarbons

 

[scooter paul]

Depending on import taxes/tarrifs these look a very good alternative to original tanks.
Good find sidkn33.

 

[Gelandestrasse]

Ahh, good old Terry Phallic!

 

[sidkn33]

Does Terry Phallic stay strong and stiff even under the influence of alcohol ?
....matron....
.

 

[sidkn33]

Depending on import taxes/tarrifs these look a very good alternative to original tanks.
Good find sidkn33.

I agree Paul, if the quality is right this could be a great source of otherwise ultra rare and very expensive kit.
I discovered Fiberbike some time ago when they listed a PD tank on eBay, but I haven't actually bought anything yet.

 

[pete.keys]

Just looked the the Fiberbike site - looks impressive - I'm amazed I haven't come across them before. I did buy a bmw r80st/r80 basic tank in aluminium from India for a light weight special. It was pretty good but when pressure tested there was slight weeping on the stretched edges when the alloy was thin. Was good when sealed inside though

 

[NeilDD]

Response from Fiberbike

Hello,
We use chemically resistant terephthalic resin, which is specifically designed to withstand all types of hydrocarbons

According to my friend that's the good stuff.
He's a material scientitst

 

[sidkn33]

Just looked the the Fiberbike site - looks impressive - I'm amazed I haven't come across them before. I did buy a bmw r80st/r80 basic tank in aluminium from India for a light weight special. It was pretty good but when pressure tested there was slight weeping on the stretched edges when the alloy was thin. Was good when sealed inside though

I think that loose approach to quality control is exactly why I didn't buy one of the Indian tanks - apparently some of them are pretty good and even very good, but too many aren't.

 

[sidkn33]

Further information from Fiberbike.
(automatically translated from Spanish)


"Hello,
Feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

We manufacture several parts for BMW; we are currently updating our website because it crashed and we had to rebuild it. However, we have several BMW tanks and parts available.
Tanks for Toaster, HPN, R100 GS, R90, R80, R65, Hoske Heinrich, R75/5...etc and parts we have side covers, mudguards, fairings, exhaust protector...etc.
Ask us about any parts you need.

Yes, we ship to the UK. The price includes VAT, so it would need to be deducted. €530 without the 21% VAT would be €438.02. Shipping costs are usually around €40 excluding VAT, depending on the delivery address."