NHTSA Complaint #10651083 — 2012 CAN-AM SPYDER RT

VEHICLE HAS EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE GAS FUMES AND LIQUID CONDENSATION FROM FUEL TANK VENT SINCE NEW. THIS CREATES A FLAMMABILITY HAZARD. PROXIMITY OF EXHAUST PIPES TO FUEL TANK CAUSES BOILING INSIDE THE TANK THAT CAN BE SMELLED, SEEN, AND HEARD. PROXIMITY OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO UNDERSIDE OF TANK CONTRIBUTES TO THE ROOT CAUSE. PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY EVIDENT AFTER PROLONGED RIDING AS COMPONENTS UNDER THE BODYWORK GET HEAT SOAKED DUE TO RADIANT HEAT. FACTORY INSTALLED GAS TANK INSULATION IS INADEQUATE. MY INSTALLATION OF OFF THE SHELF EXHAUST WRAP PRODUCT AND OTHER INSULATION HAS IMPROVED, BUT NOT ELIMINATED THE PROBLEM. IT IS ALSO EVIDENT THAT THIS FORCED BOILING OF GAS EXCEEDS THE CAPACITY OF THE CHARCOAL CANISTER AND ALLOWS FOR CONDENSATION INSIDE THE CANISTER, RENDERING IT INEFFECTIVE. MY OPINION IS THAT ONLY A HIGH PERFORMANCE INSULATION PACKAGE, INSTALLED ON THE EXHAUST PIPES AND GAS TANK, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD, WILL TRULY ELIMINATE THE ROOT CAUSE. DESIGN MODIFICATIONS TO ENHANCE UNDER BODYWORK AIRFLOW ARE ALSO NEEDED TO PREVENT RIDER DISCOMFORT AND INJURY DUE TO EXCESSIVE BODY WORK TEMPERATURES. *TR