I have recently developed a problem with engine pinging, seems to occur above 2K rpm's, usually when I am laying into the bike more. I have a 2012 Fatboy, approximately 18K on the bike, have only installed the Screamin Eagle slip on mufflers. I did recently change the plugs, went with NGK Iridium plugs, I think the first set was a Prt# DCPR7EIX. Mentioned my pinging issue to a friend and they suggested running a colder plug NGK Prt# DCPR8EIX.

I still here some pinging issues, might be closer to 3500 rpm's, if I am casually riding the bike I do not hear anything, but lay into the throttle and I can hear a slight ping.

Any opinions or advice? Besides take it to the dealership.

Thanks in advance.

 

What grade gas do you use? Maybe try 91 or higher.

 

I use the 91 octane, pure gas to, no ethanol, also dump in an occasional half bottle of the Amsoil Octane booster.

 

Hmmm, next thing would be a colder plug.

 

Have you tried using the stock plugs. On stock motors most after market gimmick spark plugs are useless and can affect you knock sensor.

 

When I had an efi bike, the only way I could get rid of the pinging was to retard the timing on my master tune programmer.

 

Put the correct Harley plug in since it uses the resistance on it to set proper timing. If you read the manual, it says no substitutions. That actually means what is show is required and there is no heat range substitution made. Modern FI ECM controlled engines are that way. Be sure to drop to the appropriate gear if you are really getting into the throttle. Most Harleys are under square long stroke. So give it time to catch up on the throttle or gear it down. I run NGK in mine but I drive easy and only use them since they are handy. They are twice the resistance as their look alike Harley plug. Unless your bike came with Iridium plug, you do not need them. Regular plug will last forever and probably should be replace every 10K anyway.

 

I've read in hear some plugs are worse, not better than OE...

Common cents would say if it started when you changed plugs.. then mor than likely, it is the problem...

 

This is what I suspect is effecting the OP's bike.

Stay with stock plugs, ... nothing to be gained from the "exotic" plugs.

 

IMO if I wanted some better plugs.. the only one I'd consider would be The SE plugs and wires-- of which I have the wires...