spark plug type?

[Patrick_Krivacka]

I did a search, but found nothing. Probably says more about my search skills then anything else. Anyway, what spark plugs y'all runnin'? If you can recommend a plug that can be found at a auto parts store, all the better. thanks

[azcycle]

I just asked this same question in my "valve adjustment" thread. I'm headed out in about 30 minutes to pick up my new valve cover gaskets at the local bmw shop, and am going to stop by an auto parts store to get a couple new plugs.

The plugs that were in the bike were NGKbp7Es

[azcycle]

I just did a quick search and found a thread that had this info deep down:

Non-resistor plugs for our r65's:
Bocshe W5D
Champion N7YC / N8YC
Autolite 4252 / AR52 (racing)
NGK BP7ES

[Bob_Roller]

NGK plugs are the most commonly available for airhead bikes, since Bosch stopped making them a few years ago .

BP7ES, is a general all around plug .

Just don't get a resistor type plug, a resistor type plug, will have the letter R somewhere in the part number .

I run a colder plug during our 'hot season' here in Phoenix, a 5 or 6, instead of a 7 .

[Patrick_Krivacka]

I just pulled champion plugs out of it. I've heard that champion plugs were crap. anybody use them with good results?

[nhmaf]

I tend to avoid Champion plugs unless I am in a desperate situation.
I've run NGK BP7ES plugs in several airheads with no complaints.   I once spent alot more $$ for the platinum tip Bosch plugs for my 88 R100RT, but they didn't seem to make the engine run an better or cleaner.  The fuel mileage went up 1-2 MPG, but I think that was more to do with the worn out state of the plugs I replaced them with then anything else.

[Bob_Roller]

I kinda wonder about the negative reputation that Champion has acquired .

They've been around, since the dawn of the automotive age, I'm thinking that if they were that bad, they shouldn't have lasted for over 100 years .

But then again, Harley Davidson has been around for over a hundred years, and they are still here ...........

[Patrick_Krivacka]

can I get those ngk plugs at an auto parts store, or do I need to go to a motorcycle place?

[Bob_Roller]

I got my last set at the local NAPA (No Auto Parts Available) store about half a mile away .

[Semper Gumby]

NGK BPR7EIX Iridium  -  They have been in for about 30,000 miles.  No sign of quiting yet.  I use NGK 0 ohm caps so I don't double dip on resistance.

Now the outside is gettin' a bit rusty.   8-)  For me they start better in the dead of winter when I've got only a few turns of the starter before empty.

I use the Iridiums on the BSA's as well where I've only got a few kicks of the starter before my leg goes numb.  

Hey Bob...I thought with NGK that the lower the number the hotter the plug?  You did say NGK?

[Barry]

The original BMW handbook for European 9.2:1 compression engines specifies Bosch W5D or Champion N6Y. The NGK web sites lists a BP7ES.

The standard plugs should be fine but those are fairly cold plugs particularly the champion (there are few exact equivalents with spark plugs) and some use a 1 grade hotter plug for modest use in moderate climates.

I've used champion N64Y and N65Y which are racing quality plugs with no problems. I think some of the Champion quality concerns come from poorly finished threads. NGK plugs are noticeably better finished in this respect and I agree they are probably the plug of choice.

For NGK lower numbers are hotter.

[Bob_Roller]

NGK BPR7EIX Iridium  -  They have been in for about 30,000 miles.  No sign of quiting yet.  I use NGK 0 ohm caps so I don't double dip on resistance.

Now the outside is gettin' a bit rusty.   8-)  For me they start better in the dead of winter when I've got only a few turns of the starter before empty.

I use the Iridiums on the BSA's as well where I've only got a few kicks of the starter before my leg goes numb.  

Hey Bob...I thought with NGK that the lower the number the hotter the plug?  You did say NGK?

Yeah, I got it backwards, 5 or 6 in hot weather, 7 in our 'winter' weather .

[Semper Gumby]

Yeah the NGK numbering system drives me batty as well...

This gettin' old thing is for the birds.  I think you have still got it backwards.  If a 7 plug is normal and you want a cooler plug in the summer then you need to be using an 8 in the hot weather.    

[azcycle]

I just got back from buying some new plugs. The mouth-breather at the auto parts store was confused and took 20 minutes to tell me they didn't have any in stock.

Went to the independent motorcycle shop (Sparks Cycle) just down the street and he had the NGKs out in a second. He asked what bike they were for... "an old Kawasaki?"  I told him "No, BMW r65." He paused for a second, and said "I didn't know these would work." And with a big grin: "BMW.  Well I should charge you $15 for each, then, huh?"

And an on-topic question. The new NGKs have a wider, smooth clip-on top (don't know what else to call them) while the old NGKs' tops are thin and threaded.  That going to cause a problem?

Pictures good:

Old top like this:


New top like this:

[Bob_Roller]

The end of the plug that the spark plug lead attaches to, should be threaded, and will come off with a pair of pliers, to get the threaded stud you need for the spark plug caps .