Do any of you use Champion spark plugs...

[Semper Gumby]

...in your R65?

Which one?

[Barry]

The original handbooks list champion N6Y as an option. I have used several sets of N65Y which is supposedly a racing plug. I didn't set out to buy them, they came with a job lot of spares I bought.  Can't say there were any problems at all although if you look at the equivalent charts they look a grade too cold when compared to the Bosch W5DC. You'll hear that Champion plugs have poorly formed threads. Can't say I noticed that either. My current plugs are Denso W22EP-U but If I was to buy a Champion Plug I think I'd go for the slightly hotter N7YC.

I know the Bosch W5DC is the correct grade of plug for a Euro spec engine. Is there any difference for the US version ?

[Semper Gumby]

Thank you Barry.  

I was thinking that very thing excepting I was going to try a set of RN7YC (R-resistor, N-14mm 3/4" reach, Y-projected tip, C-copper core).  This was because it matched the heat range of the Bosch W5DC which is what it had when I got the bike.

When I went to the Champion website and ran through their selection tool it was trying to steer me to the much hotter RN9YC.  Of course the hair came up on the back of my neck because of the US Champion version of that same chart.  

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
A long time ago it was easy for me to buy Champion plugs and difficult to buy Bosch or Beru. So I bought N6Y plugs by packs of four (car engine packs).
Lastly I've found a pack unopened with a price indicating it was bought in the near end of the 90s. So today, my R65 runs on N6Y without any problem.
I can't tell if modern Champion are identical to the old Champion I use...
Now, I can't find Bosch nor Champion so I've to buy NGK BP7ES .... And they are quite difficult to get, modern engines using smaller plugs.

[Barry]

excepting I was going to try a set of RN7YC (R-resistor, N-14mm 3/4" reach, Y-projected tip, C-copper core).

Given these are resistor plugs are you intending to use non resistor caps ?

When I use the champion selector tool it comes back with N7YC or RN7YC.

[Bob_Roller]

I went to NGK plugs after the last of the Bosch plugs I bought were worn out .

At least here in the US, the NGK plugs are easy to get, at most chain type auto parts stores .

[wa1udg]

I use NGK BP6EV  versions of the "ES" , the  EV is a platinum center electrode version of the "ES".  Perhaps the 7 is a better choice but I haven't noticed any ping.

[Semper Gumby]

Well tonight I've got RN7YC at .025" gap in the bike tonight.  First run was excellent.  I think the Bosch plugs were too hot.  The timing was a bit too advanced as well.

All of a sudden the bike has quited down and is behaving quite normally.

BTW - In my search about reading plugs I came accross this guy who ex[plained a lot of stuff I didn't know.  He is a drag racer but everything he talks about I can find on my plugs so there must be some positive transfer...

http://www.4secondsflat.com/Spark_plug_reading.html

Interesting reading (pun intended)...   8-)

HI Barry,

I'm running this with NGK 1k ohm caps.  I'm aiming for about 5k total resistance which I'm thinking the Omega ignition wants.

[Semper Gumby]

Back from running errands on the R65 with about 80 miles behind the handlebars.  I pulled the plugs and they look good perhaps a bit on the hot side.  I'll probably run them about a month and see how much soot gets on the threads near the end.  The two plugs cost me 4.50 at Napa.

Still collecting data...

[Barry]

BMW will have specifed the plug grade on the assumption that it stayed cool enough when the bike was ridden flat out so unless you actually ride like that all the time I wouldn't think a 1 grade hotter plug would be a problem.

[Semper Gumby]

BMW will have specifed the plug grade on the assumption that it stayed cool enough when the bike was ridden flat out so unless you actually ride like that all the time I wouldn't think a 1 grade hotter plug would be a problem.

I agree!

[Air4Life]

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/71/984/18610/ITEM/NGK-BP7ES---Spark-Plug.aspx

I just recently dropped these in.   I have to say its running good; but then again, it seems to run good after I've cleaned the headlight.  I think we all know that feeling.

NGK BP7ES - Spark Plug