Finally taken the tank off my 996SPS, dreading seeing the condition inside having left it unused for about 4 years part filled with fuel. Was surprised to see what appears to be a perfect condition. Appears to have been coated with something, I've had it 19 years, and I didn't coat it inside, were they coated when manufactured? Looks black whatever it is..
Mines the same (916) but its in good condition. I assume factory coated as Ive owned it for 21yrs of its 23yr life.
My 748R also has the black coating, although it also had a nice desert beige coating when I pulled the pump assy out and inspected…and in fact it was a sand-like substance when I disturbed it. The only explanation I can come up with (apart from somebody sabotaging the previous owner!) was that the PO did have it as a secret bike, stashed in the shed away from wifey’s prying eyes. He then passed away, bike went unnoticed for a while, so I’m guessing that’s when the fuel evaporated and left this coating. But I still find that hard to believe, now I’ve typed it. Anyway, the black coating that was left was also starting to peel off….with some serious agitation I got everything that was loose removed and hoovered out…but I think I will (at some point) remove it all again and re-coat it with something from Eastwoods or Frosts….
