For owners who keep their machines for a long time a very expensive, but avoidable, problem can occur. All brands are susceptible. Modern fuel injected bikes are the type that cost the most to repair. This problem is corrosion, or rust, in the fuel tank. Rusting occurs with moisture, water, in the base of the fuel tank. Assuming the water hasn't got in from a very bad lot of fuel, how did it get there? If you tank is not full of fuel then there is an air gap in the tank. This air contains moisture. At night the temperature drops, the air can't hold as much moisture so condensation occurs and droplets fall through your fuel to the bottom of the tank. Over time the quantity of water grows, the speed of which will be influenced by how empty you leave your tank between rides. Rust begins, gets worse and corrodes the tank. Most fuel injected bikes have the fuel pump/fuel filter unit in the tank and the rust particles can block the filter, ruin the fuel pump and further down the line, if they get that far, can damage injectors. I think you realize this is going to be expensive.

The easy way to prevent this is not to leave you fuel tank part filled or near empty between rides or when the bike is in storage. After the ride fill your tank near home then park your bike. No air or moisture gets in. Also you are then ready for the next ride. If out travelling, fill before sleeping. If the bike is to be unused for a length of time it can be left filled or emptied and an anti- corrosion spray applied inside. It's all in your hands.

Also if considering a second-hand machine, no matter how good it looks on the outside, open the fuel tank and look closely. This could save you a few thousand dollars.