Motorcycle fuel tank collapse-- does this happen often?

Question

So it was 109 degrees today and my bike was in the sun... then I drove home to where it was only 70... later I went out to ride to school and my motorcycle's tank was crushed on the top, as if some great weight was put on it--  I removed the gas cap and heard a loud "whoosh" of air rushing into the tank.. apparently the tank was under vacuum after cooling off.

Now I have a degree in physics and understand why the tank got crushed because of the difference in air pressure, but isn't there supposed to be some kind of built-in safeguard against this sort of thing in modern motorcycles?  Mine is a 2000 Yamaha V-star 650.

So if it is a problem with the motorcycle, what is it exactly, so I know what to tell the repair guy?

Thanks!

Firecracker . · Accepted Answer

Clogged vent.

strech · Answer

Either your gas cap SHOULD be vented, or, if model year falls under epa smog restrictions, should have a one-way valve to allow air into the tank, and an unvented gas cap.
Either way, there has to be a way for air to enter the tank to replace the gas being pulled out during running, or vapor lock will occur.

Dances with Poultry · Answer

Could also be a part of the CARB emissions system on your bike, and the fuel venting system is a part of it.

In automobiles, emissions must be warrented form defects long after the regular warranty expires. It may hold true for motocycles as there is no user-servicable parts.

Maybe Yamaha can replace your tank if the CARB system is found defective.

Charles s · Answer

This is a new one.  While 2000 motorcycles Have emissions systems and not vented caps there valve system may only release excess pressure I would contact the manufacturer They may want to study it send them a photo

Hawk · Answer

I think your bike has an electric fuel pump.  It sounds like the fuel tank vent is clogged.  The pressure crushed your tank.

It happens with fuel injected cars all the time.  This is the first time I heard about it on a bike.

AHMAD FUAD Harun · Answer

This the first time I heard. Normally the fuel tank is strong. You can even sit on it. The little weight on the fuel shouldn't at all effect the fuel tank. There must be something wrong with the screw fixing the fuel tank. As you said there's a loud "whoosh" of air rushing into the tank. The tank must be leaking and rottan at the holder of the tank or underneath of the the fuel tank.. Check to it. Normally the fuel tank is very strong. In any accident, the motorcycle smash totally, the fuel tank will always at the motor bike. There must be something wrong with the fixing of the fuel tank.

Ron B · Answer

I'd say something is wrong with your fuel tank cap.

Muthu S · Answer

Fuel tank fillng cap has a hole. It is blocked.

Christian · Answer

Wow, yeah your gas cap should vent for this reason.

Anonymous · Answer

ask first if there is any recall problem on that make and model your story is strange i never heard any thing like it.

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Motorcycle fuel tank collapse-- does this happen often?

11 Answers