GL1800 (Any Year): Changing Spark Plugs

[Cruiseman]

I put in a new set of spark plugs last night. I used the OEM NGK plugs, which just happened to come out of the box perfectly gapped.

Changing out the plugs is a relatively simple job. Of course, the procedure is covered in my videos, but here are a few important tips to follow:

1. Make sure your engine is cold before doing the job. The bike should sit for at least 6 hours and I prefer to leave mine overnights.
2. When you remove the spark plug wire, make sure you grab and pull on the cap itself, NOT THE WIRE. Otherwise, you could pull the wire loose from the end of the cap.
3. When installing a new plug, tighten it twice. After the plug's threads are "seated", tighten 1/2 turn, then loosen the plug and re-tighten to 1/8-1/4 turn.

[Yellowbird]

I am thinking about changing out mine i have 38,000 miles on my wing its four years old, She runs great just thing its time don't want the plus to seize up on me.

[Cruiseman]

Definitely PAST time for new plugs. Its an easy and cheap job.

[DeadendBill]

Cruiseman, should anti seize be used on the new plugs? If so which type, silver, copper? Thanks and I did drink your Kool-Aid (have the videos!) :-)

[Cruiseman]

Cruiseman, should anti seize be used on the new plugs? If so which type, silver, copper? Thanks and I did drink your Kool-Aid (have the videos!) :-)

Not on NGK plugs, they advise against it.

[GatorWing]

As soon as a wire is pulled off a spark plug, be sure to clean all around it with compressed air before you loosen it . If you don't have an air compressor than get a small 25 gallon portable air tank rated for 100 psi or more and fill it at a gas station or from someones compressor. Tanks are cheap. Add a short leader hose and air nozzle and you are good to go. It is amazing how much sand and debris gets behind the covers and around the plugs. Sand getting into a plug hole will tear up the cylinder wall .

[Cruiseman]

Good point about cleaning around the spark plug before removing it. Lots of bugs find their way in there too.

[BamaDirtPilot]

I knew I'd find the Spark Plug Thread...

I've had my wing for only 2 months, it has 10,500 miles on it now and I haven't even considered changing the plugs yet.

But what do you all think about Iridium Spark Plugs?

I put those in the V-Strom and KLR - but I think they are mostly recommended on those bikes because the plug KLR or plugs V-Strom are so hard to get to. So, while you have it all torn apart might as well put some really long lasting ones in.

What do you all think on the GL1800 ? Any benefit?

[Cruiseman]

I knew I'd find the Spark Plug Thread...

I've had my wing for only 2 months, it has 10,500 miles on it now and I haven't even considered changing the plugs yet.

But what do you all think about Iridium Spark Plugs?

I put those in the V-Strom and KLR - but I think they are mostly recommended on those bikes because the plug KLR or plugs V-Strom are so hard to get to. So, while you have it all torn apart might as well put some really long lasting ones in.

What do you all think on the GL1800 ? Any benefit?

I have heard some good things, but IMO, don't expect earth shattering performance increases from iridium. Every time I go off on a tangent and start using something like this, I always end up going back to OEM. I have tried different oils, oil filers, brake pads, spark plugs, you name. I am now back to using Honda oil and filters, NGK plugs and OEM brake pads.

[txwingman]

Count me in on the OEM stuff too Cruiseman. I've always used OEM brake pads, fluids, plugs, etc and they've never let me down.

[orangecrate]

Count me in on the OEM stuff too Cruiseman. I've always used OEM brake pads, fluids, plugs, etc and they've never let me down.

Same here. OEM... Both bikes and cages.

[Ghostman]

Add me to the list also. Tried the Iridiums for around 25,000 miles. Bike started harder ,lost a couple miles per gallon too. Always ran great and when you twisted the throttle it was there. but for the cost and what I got it wasnt worth it. Put in a set of stock plugs and everything is back to normal. FWIW I joined Advance Autos email list and I get deals where you order online with no minimum and 20% off. Get a couple of sets of plugs and put them in your stash. Wound up paying less than $2.00 a plug.