Cracked Coolant Recovery Tank

[CrescentBunny]

Forgive me if this has been duplicated but I searched and didn't quite find what I was looking for in previous threads.

I've got a 2011 FZ8 and during my most recent fluid top off session I noticed a pretty sizeable crack in my coolant recovery tank under the seat. I'm not entirely sure how long it's been there but I just washed the bike and am just now seeing signs of leakage on the frame from the crack.

I haven't been riding super crazy but the commute to work does take me over some notoriously crappy Salt Lake City roads. I avoid as many potholes and poorly poured driveways as I can while driving but...yeah.

I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this same issue? I'm not sure if maybe I hit a pothole too hard and cracked it, or if it's just a heat/weather and age thing. Any helpful insight would be much appreciated!

 

[Mikz86ta]

Mine has no issues. Maybe it got hit somehow? I don't see with its location, sunrot being a problem

 

[CrescentBunny]

Thanks for the reply, yeah I doubt it's sun rot. Maybe heat + time = brittle plastic? I'm hoping that's all it was, but 2011 doesn't seem all that old to me - time flies though! I feel like 2011 was last year still.

 

[Mikz86ta]

Yea, now I want to check mine. Lol

 

[CrescentBunny]

Got it changed out, oddly it does look like it was impacted somehow to me. Doesn't make much sense though as the front portion here doesn't touch anything. Hm.

 

[CrescentBunny]

Update - Another cracked reservoir, this time on the backside left corner. What the heck?! It was used but even then, the only thing I can imagine is that the shock is weak enough maybe it's getting jarred from impact? I don't ride tough and if I even think I need to stand on the pegs to avoid a rough spot in the road, I do it. Anyone else have thoughts?

 

[pthurman]

Mine is cracked too - after further investigation it's falling apart - seems the plastic has given up!