spark plug brand

[rgshilling88]

What brand and # of spark plugs do 1980 GL1100 owners like to use in your bikes?

[RoadRogue]

Im running Iridiums (NGK) in my 82 aspy,are they worth the extra expense? the jury is still out on that question, I shouldnt have to change them for about 5 years.

[4winds]

I just got my bike last fall. 87 Aspy Do you change your plugs every year

[dingdong]

I use NKG in my 76. When you change depends on how they wear. I still have the same plugs in the 76 that were installed about 25k miles ago with no sign of any problems. However not a lot of expense to chance them out every year if you want to.

[WingAdmin]

I do maybe 10-15 thousand miles a year, and I've been replacing my standard NGK's every other year with no problems.

[rgshilling88]

What is the NGK# that you are using?

[WingAdmin]

What is the NGK# that you are using?

I use DPR8EA-9 plugs.

[detdrbuzzard]

owners manual says plugs should be replaced every 4000 miles

[WingAdmin]

owners manual says plugs should be replaced every 4000 miles

I'll pull them and have a look that often, but they are normally in perfect condition, so I'll re-gap them and put them back in. Even when I DO replace them they still look fine, and are working perfectly. *shrug*

[rgshilling88]

Thanks for all of the good info guys. This is a great site.

[dingdong]

I have found that if your engine is tuned and firing correctly the plugs should easily last much longer than 4k miles. If running lean they will burn up, if rich they will soot up, if burning oil they will oil foul. Thus cutting the life of the plug.

[jdunkel]

I would think changing plugs every 4k miles is not necessary unless they are dirty and fouled. If once a year goes over 4k miles, it should be OK.

[joekrugg]

recently I was warming my 86 interstate when a fellow biker suggested I change my plugs (because of a strong fuel odor). What type of change in performance can I expect using OEM NGK?

[WingAdmin]

If there is a fuel odor, it's not going to be due to plugs. The cylinder will either fire off or it won't, it's not going to only "partially" burn because of a weak spark. If a spark plug is not firing and you have a cylinder not burning at all (missing), you'll know, as the engine will be stumbling and vibrating.

You could get improved mileage from good, new plugs, as the stronger, hotter spark could light off the fuel/air mixture faster and get it burned sooner in the power stroke cycle, providing higher pressure throughout more of the power stroke.

[joekrugg]

I changed my plugs this weekend and boy is there a difference. It must have been fouled and not firing. That strong odor is changed, the pep is unbelievable! Thanks for the DYI info on spark plug replacement. ; )