Spark Plug Decision

[Luca]

Hi All,

I got a new set of plugs for the LS since what's in there are getting rusty (they saw a little salt last winter).

After looking at Bill Conquest's thread, I got a set of NGK BP7ES plugs... but my last set I got from Rick Jones when I replaced my coil and wires, and he recommends NGK B8ES plugs for all R65's

Much of a difference between them?  Anyone wonder why he would recommend one over the other?

[montmil]

...Anyone wonder why he would recommend one over the other?

Call Rick and ask him. I value his opinion and have talked with him on occasion.

I'll be looking for him at the Barber Vintage Days coming up early October. He usually hangs with the ABC guys, if they set up their "lounge tent".

[Barry]

Seems Rick is suggesting one grade colder than the stock heat range.
It's obviously the safe option but not something I would do unless the bike is habitually ridden hard and fast.

[georgesgiralt]

I thought that the BP7ES was for the big displacement engines and the BP8ES for our R65.

[Luca]

Hehehe, define "Habitually"

I do like to get it up around 75 or 80 on the highway sometimes as by that point the engine really smooths out.  WOT acceleration from time to time, just to remind myself that 50 horse can be fast if you use it.

Call Rick and ask him

What a novel idea.  I'll report back

[Matt Chapter]

I do like to get it up around 75 or 80 on the highway sometimes

Just throwing it out there, but I wouldn't consider that to be "fast" on the R65.  It'll do 115+ so you're hardly stretching the capabilities.

You don't mention what the salty plugs were.  As with most things, if it ain't broke... quit messing with it before you break it.

[Luca]

I called up Rick and asked why he had the 8's listed for the R65.

He said it was probably a mistake, and that the 7's are the plug to go with for airheads.

So, if you get plugs from Motoelekt.com when placing an order, disregard the drop down menu recommending the B8ES for the R65

[montmil]

I called up Rick and asked why he had the 8's listed for the R65.

He said it was probably a mistake, and that the 7's are the plug to go with for airheads.

So, if you get plugs from Motoelekt.com when placing an order, disregard the drop down menu recommending the B8ES for the R65

And hopefully the Rickster will get his page corrected, too.  
I run the "Sevens" in both my R65s and they always look light brown and happy.

[montmil]

As with most things, if it ain't broke... quit messing with it before you break it.

Wise words from a now wiser man.  

How's it going, Matt. I was in Austin just last weekend but had "the duty" at a 6-year old's birthday party. Mimosas served. No beer before noon! Must be some "Keep it Weird" Austin thang.

[Luca]

Well, I put in my new plugs.

Turns out he had given me a set of 6's, not 8's, so it was actually running a hotter plug...  I should have checked that before I installed them.

Either way, they 6's didn't look blistered, melted, or otherwise screwed up.  Guess I still got a shot at making it into heaven.

[Matt Chapter]

Mimosas served. No beer before noon! Must be some "Keep it Weird" Austin thang.

New to me.  I've never been one to let the clock get in the way of a cold beverage.

Why, just a couple weekends ago I was camping just south of Port Aransas on the beach, and I didn't even look at the clock.  "Sun's up, better open that bottle of champagne."  "Well, we're out of champagne and oj.. hand me that modelo and lime!"

Citrus is well known as a restorative in my circles.

[Barry]

Turns out he had given me a set of 6's, not 8's, so it was actually running a hotter plug...

I've run 6's for long periods without problems but I wouldn't advise it for full throttle riding.