Spark Plug Change @ 5k
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i like the autolite 4164. they are usually on sale cheaper than the champions, and since they are 11/16, i bring 1 deepwell socket in my toolkit and i can do a clutch adjustment too.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: PA
Unless, of course, you're riding a panhead and forgot to advance the spark after that hill climb.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
All you guys that change your plugs at 5k or every year for that matter, when you break down somewhere or your bike doesnt run right, please be honest and man up and come back on this forum and tell us how your wires were fugged up from yanking the plugs out way more than they were designed to be yanked on, or because you are getting water up in the cap....
I will bet anything some of you are creating a scenerio like this. Sorry but plugs dont need to be changed that much and platnium plugs in cars last 100k. So theres my $.02
I will bet anything some of you are creating a scenerio like this. Sorry but plugs dont need to be changed that much and platnium plugs in cars last 100k. So theres my $.02
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 449
Likes: 22
From: In a van, down by the river
I change the plugs beginning of every season, definitely not needed but its my $5, I will spend it any way I like. 
Now regarding the wires getting yanked, etc., never was an issue. I only grab by the boot and my Dad taught me 30 years ago to always smear some dielectric grease in the boot to keep the moisture out and facilitate easy removal. As for the platinum plugs.. the facts are out there, copper conducts electricity better, just does not last as long. Convenience of not having to change as often is a huge bonus with our cages though.
Now regarding the wires getting yanked, etc., never was an issue. I only grab by the boot and my Dad taught me 30 years ago to always smear some dielectric grease in the boot to keep the moisture out and facilitate easy removal. As for the platinum plugs.. the facts are out there, copper conducts electricity better, just does not last as long. Convenience of not having to change as often is a huge bonus with our cages though.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I replaced mine at 5,000, as the manual said. Seemed stupid to me at the time and still does, but for my first service I followed the directions. Used to do all my fluids every 5 k too. I now do the primary and tranny every other time. I put Autolite Iridium plugs in a nd will run em till they foul or 100,000. Run a carb, so my plugs may take more of a beating. The fluids are expensive and my time is limited anymore it seems, so is my $. Just wanna get the most out of my services w/out risking my bike's well being.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
ha ha ha! I bet it's at least that much. I replace my plugs every 5,000 miles when I do maintenance. Costs less than $5 a pair.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Plugs every 5K mi.? Only for the **** retentive. While you're at it you might as well do a complete engine tear-down and cleaning to be sure all of the old oil has been removed from your motor when servicing. It's the only way to be sure the new oil won't be contaminated right off the bat.
Sarcastic? For sure - it's intended to be. If you want to change those plugs every 5K go ahead and knock yourself out. It's your bike and your money. You'll either get the point or not.
"Nuff said.
Sarcastic? For sure - it's intended to be. If you want to change those plugs every 5K go ahead and knock yourself out. It's your bike and your money. You'll either get the point or not.
"Nuff said.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 496
Likes: 6
From: League City, TX
I change the plugs beginning of every season, definitely not needed but its my $5, I will spend it any way I like.
Now regarding the wires getting yanked, etc., never was an issue. I only grab by the boot and my Dad taught me 30 years ago to always smear some dielectric grease in the boot to keep the moisture out and facilitate easy removal. As for the platinum plugs.. the facts are out there, copper conducts electricity better, just does not last as long. Convenience of not having to change as often is a huge bonus with our cages though.
Now regarding the wires getting yanked, etc., never was an issue. I only grab by the boot and my Dad taught me 30 years ago to always smear some dielectric grease in the boot to keep the moisture out and facilitate easy removal. As for the platinum plugs.. the facts are out there, copper conducts electricity better, just does not last as long. Convenience of not having to change as often is a huge bonus with our cages though.
Agreed.