Service Charge Plug Change
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 377
Likes: 291
From: Canada
$187 here in Canada, just had a quote on it along with next 3 hole - I like to change plugs every 16,000 kilometers - I know that's overkill but that's me. Cosmic is right, one hour.
Last edited by SGSGUY; Mar 25, 2026 at 09:26 PM. Reason: added Cosmic is right - re quote on labour time
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 387
Likes: 422
From: Ladner, B.C.
Do it yourself, it really is an easy task.
Taking the tank off to change plugs is allot simpler than it sounds.
Invest in a manual, it’ll save you $$$ on all the basic maintenance & more if your inclined to dig deeper.
Taking the tank off to change plugs is allot simpler than it sounds.
Invest in a manual, it’ll save you $$$ on all the basic maintenance & more if your inclined to dig deeper.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 377
Likes: 291
From: Canada
Bareknuckle, I do have a Service and Parts Manual, for me sometimes if it's in for service for one thing it's worth it to me to just have it done. My wife and I are both Cancer survivors, and after that experience we both realized time is not guaranteed. To me I'd rather ride that hour or hour and a half it will take me then wrench on it. I do like wrenching but sometimes it's not worth it to me. My bike is still under warranty so I let them do it. I was just answering a members question on the cost that's all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,178
Likes: 11,277
From: San Diego, CA
BigFuji, I don't know how handy you are with tools, but it really is pretty easy.
I just changed the plugs on my new to me '20 Street Glide. I've been wrenching on my bikes for many years, but this was my first M8 plug change.
It took me like 40 minutes, to include putting all my tools away, and wiping the hand prints off the bike.
The plugs on this new to me 2020 M8 hadn't been changed since new. The hardest part was pulling the plug wires off the inside plugs. Those damn boots were really stuck on there. If I hadn't had a spark plug boot tool, I can see where an impatient person could damage the plug wires pulling them off the inside plugs... that would be my only warning on the job...
Here's a fairly good video showing how to do it.
But I must add two caveats:
1) New spark plugs have an anti-seize plating on the threads, and most manufacturers advise against using anti-seize on plug threads. Some of the older service manuals say to use ant-seize on plugs going into aluminum threads, a habit that is hard for some to break, and could lead to a stripped plug.
2) If you absolutely need to use anti-seize on your plug threads, use only a very small amount, and remember, anti-seize is a lubricant. If you use anti-seize and then torque the plugs, the torque specs are for dry threads, so back off the torque spec to avoid damage. Some torque guides say to reduce max torque by 25-30% when using a lubricant on a dry thread torque spec.
Here is another video, if you have an M8 with a fuel tank that has the side gas cap versus the center fill gas cap (minor differences). It also addresses the plug wires with a tool...
Good luck with your plug change...
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 26, 2026 at 12:28 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,183
Likes: 12,762
From: South Carolina
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 944
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Makes me "glad" the plugs on my 2015 Ultra Limited are fully exposed so EVEN I can change them out in about 15 to 20 minutes.....lol.
(not sure if this is just a legend, but I recall hearing that to change the last couple of spark plugs on older Corvetttes it required the whole engine to be raised!!,,....just what I heard...but if true what a PITA)
(not sure if this is just a legend, but I recall hearing that to change the last couple of spark plugs on older Corvetttes it required the whole engine to be raised!!,,....just what I heard...but if true what a PITA)
Last edited by Rob175; Mar 26, 2026 at 10:30 AM.
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