Spark plugs
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Stock...plugs aren't really something to add performance factor in your scoot so no need to spend a tone of time/money on them. If your bike's a 2013 - leave them in...good for 20K+ miles, unless thy're faulty.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
No my plugs are not faulty, I just wondered being that most mechanics don't always agree with the Manufacture when it comes to what plug should be ran in a certain types of motors, most Manufactures simple add the cheapest plug that will do the job, there intent is to sell a good running vehicle but even they have a budget. As well a plug can last for along time but in many cases there are better plugs for the application than the one that comes stock on a motor.
I'm not saying Manufactures are cutting corners but if the Manufacture adds a $1 plug and it allows the motor to run good then why would they add a $3 plug to make it run even better, moneywise and profitability says the $1 plug is good enough..
I'm not saying Manufactures are cutting corners but if the Manufacture adds a $1 plug and it allows the motor to run good then why would they add a $3 plug to make it run even better, moneywise and profitability says the $1 plug is good enough..
on a stock engine, the OEM plugs are fine. Once you modify, meaning more than just a A/C, Exhaust and tuner, then you need different plugs. Plugs do make a substantial difference, some run hot, some run cooler.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
That running better part is a myth, just like the 50,000 volt coil, a 50,000 volt coil will never make 50,000 volts since most plugs fire between 12,000 and 20,000 volts. Save your sparkplug money for some other upgrade for your bike.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
In case you haven't noticed, your Harley motor is old school and low tech. It doesn't need fancy or expensive plugs. Expensive Iridium plugs don't run any better than the stock plug. Iridium's do last longer, but they were designed for applications where getting to the plugs to change them involves damn near pulling the motor in some vehicles. That's hardly the case on a Sporty.
I use Champion RA8HC's and change them (not that it's needed) at each 5,000 mile service. They're ~$1.50ea at Autozone.
I use Champion RA8HC's and change them (not that it's needed) at each 5,000 mile service. They're ~$1.50ea at Autozone.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
i use iridium plugs in my engine as recommended by the supplier of the parts. stock engine i would run your favorite brand. they all make a plug to replace the one the manufacturer uses.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Plain copper plugs are actually the best performers. There is a reason race teams and turbo cars run them. The only reason platinum and iridium plugs exist is to last longer. Those metals are actually less conductive than copper. This all means that the companies can say they have no maintenance for x number of miles.
Also, it's a royal pain to change plugs on mid engine 6+ cylinder cars (some do require dropping the engine and subframe). Try doing that every 10k miles. lol
Also, it's a royal pain to change plugs on mid engine 6+ cylinder cars (some do require dropping the engine and subframe). Try doing that every 10k miles. lol
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