OEM Spark Plugs and the infamous "gap."

[LK1LK1]

I've been reading numerous past postings about Spark Plugs for the GL1800. Some "iridium" mention of Spark Plugs and then there are the other Plugs including the Honda OEM.

My bike is the '05 and with slightly less than 30-K miles on the odometer. Bike idles and runs incredibly well, just like new. One previous owner, and I'm unsure if he had ever changed those Spark Plugs. Anyway, just wondering about the best choice for those Plugs, whether OEM, NGK, etc. I'm certainly no "wrench" on large touring bikes, but I have numerous tools with basic mechanical skills.

I'm a long-distance tourer, having rolled out from central Wisconsin to central Arizona several times during summer months. I've owned many bikes in the past 30 years and I'm also a firm believer in preventive maintenance. So, when considering the bike is running fine, even at 30,000 miles, just wondering if I should change the Plugs. (Or, maybe carry a set of Plugs with me while touring -- just in case.)

If a change of plugs in the near future is a good idea, when considering the age and mileage of the bike, what Plug is best and are the newest Plugs for GoldWings (1800) "set", or, is the old "set the gap" of a Spark Plug still needed when the Plug is fresh out of its package? Thanks !

[AZgl1800]

the Iridium plugs are a waste of money,
the NGK plugs are the right heat range, and will easily last 50k miles, mine are nearing 100k miles and running just fine.

[MikeB]

As a firm believer in preventive maintenance, you should replace the spark plugs now. The owner's manual and the service manual both say to replace them every 16,000 miles so realistically, the plugs should have been replaced once and due for the second set.

As to what plugs to use, you can not go wrong with the OEM set of NGK BKR6E-11 plugs. There is really no need to go to an iridium plug in my opinion. They will not noticeably increase your fuel mileage, torque or horsepower but they will noticeably decrease the money in your wallet.

If you think that carrying a spare set of plugs on trips is advisable, save the plugs you remove from the engine and keep them as spares in your saddlebag. You already know that they work.

Always Gap the plugs. You may find that the new ones are gapped to the proper setting but it will not cost you much time to check them.

[Rambozo]

The one nice thing that platinum or iridium plugs bring to the table is long life. In most engines I consider them lifetime plugs. I've had plenty go way over 100,000 miles and my current set is at 235,000 and still going strong. I know for bikes it doesn't matter, yet, but they also can produce just a touch lower emissions over conventional plugs. Both Co and HC, so for cars that are on the edge it will get them passed.
I know for most bike owners lifespan is a none issue as they don't see any real mileage, but GoldWings are the exception and some riders really rack up the miles.

[keithg64]

I change my plugs every year during the winter. I ride about 18k miles a year. Plugs are cheap and not hard to change. People say that they run high milage on a bike and the bike still runs great and probably does. But that goes right with a pour suspension or old tires or what ever. We get used to it and the difference is very slow. We adapt easily. How many times have you heard someone say,, wow it's like a new bike.. Change the plugs, you and your bike will be happy for it.

[GoldWingrGreg]

If a change of plugs in the near future is a good idea, when considering the age and mileage of the bike, what Plug is best and are the newest Plugs for GoldWings (1800) "set", or, is the old "set the gap" of a Spark Plug still needed when the Plug is fresh out of its package? Thanks !

My suggestion is to follow the maintenance schedule in the Owner's Manual. It is by far the cheapest way to maintain a 5th gen Wing. You'll see that the spark plugs need changed every 16k. As with all modern day vehicles with electronic ignition and fuel injection, even when they run poorly, they still start and run well.

On my Wing, if I change my plugs like Honda says every 16k, I cannot tell a performance difference. However, if I wait till 20k I can. I use the NGK's Honda calls for. In fact, I order them from Honda, they come in a Honda package, and I pay less money for them than getting them from a major parts retailer.

[Terry D]

I've put over 50K miles on many sets of plugs. On my 1500 I had 80k miles on those plugs. But, what I do, do is pull them every 16k miles and make sure the gap is correct. Usually it is. At the same time in doing this, I am ensuring the plugs are not seized in the heads. Plugs are not a mechanical object. They are electrical just a visual check of them can tell you loads of information about your engine. For instance is it running too rich or lean, hot or cold. You can also inspect the plug to know if it is wearing out by looking at the center load and the outer ground or gap. Usually you know if they are good just by checking the gap. You guys changing a good plug every 16K miles or less are just wasting money and adding to the waste in our land that takes years for the plugs to rot away. Back in the early automotive days, plugs wore out quickly with poor material and engines. But, today they last over 100k miles or more.

[DenverWinger]

When I have the plastic off I'll usually unscrew a plug or two and look at it, Screw it right back in. Runs great, no reason to unscrew all six.

Don't know if PO ever changed the plugs or not. Bike had 43k when I bought it. Think he did, they look pretty new. 52k Miles now, they still look pretty new.