[budoka]

Has anybody switched up to Iridium spark plugs in their Wing? They are more expensive, but not hideously so.

 

[ronzilla]

... Howdy ... What Makes Them Better ?? ... Happy Trails ...

 

[budoka]

Started using them in snowmobiles, 2 and 4 stroke applications and all my buddies swear by them; I love 'em in my 4 stroke sled. They burn cleaner/more efficiently, less prone to fouling and deliver a more concentrated and consistant spark. So that should translate to better performance, mileage and throttle response, I think it would be a definite benfit with our fluctuating gas quality that is so prevalent these days. Of course my bike is so new I don't really need to consider new plugs for a few years but...

 

[Lloyd]

( Iridium ) SPARK PLUGS for the Gold Wing

SPARK PLUGS ( IRIDIUM )

I have used these plugs in other bikes most notably in my Honda Shadow VT750 Aero. But before I put my “2 cents worth” in on what I think of them, in order not to taint the replies. I wish to get your honest option on what you thought of them.

Lloyd

 

[Dookoo]

Wont change anything about the performance of the GW. They have proven to be benefitial on high compression and/or turbo/supercharger applications. I use them in my turbo vehicles, but only because the engine builder recommended them.

 

[Lloyd]

Well for what its worth…what I have noticed is my bike start easier and runs smoother and seems to have a little better throttle response when I hit it. Gas mileage, well maybe just a hint better, power the same only the engine runs smoother at a idea and starts easier when cold. Going to have to try this on my new wing after a while…and see what if anything it does for it.

But I would love to hear from those that have used then in a GW and get some feed back on how it worked out.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

whats the sparkplug number lloyd

 

[Lloyd]

I do not remember the number. All I can say is that it was NGK plugs.

 

[fxrshog]

Wont change anything about the performance of the GW. They have proven to be benefitial on high compression and/or turbo/supercharger applications. I use them in my turbo vehicles, but only because the engine builder recommended them.

Agree!!!

 

[budoka]

whats the sparkplug number lloyd

OK, these two threads are somewhat dated, but I merged them because I just got a set of iridium plugs for my '09 Wing. I use them in my RC51 (OEM equipment) and as I said, use them on other applications. Needed a new set of plugs (maintenance schedule thing) so I thought I'd give them a try. 'buzz, the number is: NGK BKR6EXI-11. I'll let everyone know my thoughts if this snow ever melts. More expensive yes, but not a major cost outlay so we'll see.

 

[JK McDonald]

Index Spark Plug -

There are a lot of claims concerning spark plugs that burn hotter, cleaner, longer and more efficiently according to the design and tip materials used by each manufacturer. I have to admit that my preference is the Bosch Titanium +4 spark plug. Bosch also makes an Iridium and a Platinum Ir Fusion Spark Plug made with intergalactic magic plutonium dust.... They are all advertised to last 100K miles but I've never left any plug alone for that length of time without at least pulling them out for inspection.

Personally I think if the reach, operating temperature and tip materials are all equal, the performance of most any plug will be reasonably on par for most name brands. The PR specialists are probably already typing......

There is one area that does seem to actually make a difference - even if it's difficult for the average person to verify without a bunch of equipment. It is called indexing. You mark the porcelain neck of the spark plug with a magic marker to indicate the orientation of the neg electrode arm. Then install the spark plug to see where the indexing mark winds up. For the best performance the neg electrode should face directly away from the intake valve. If the position of the electrode shields against the incoming fuel charge either a small copper spacer is added (which slightly affects the plug depth/reach?) or the plug is rejected for another one. Of course there is a 97% chance that the plug will be positioned within an acceptable tolerance so it's a minor point for most of us. But it is no secrete that race car drivers are always looking for any hp advantage or edge (no matter how small) and have used indexing for many years.

After determining the spark plug qualities I want and can afford, I then shop for price. Walmart is a great source for equivalent platinum plugs if you can ever get their cotton-picken electronic cross reference machine to work........

Good Luck, Michael

 

[Cantankerous]

Interesting information, Michael. I'll have to do that when I change plugs.