On my 2011 SE Street glide I had the heads ported and installed cams (Anderson 54H). It has been and continues to be a great engine. I've had no issues at all for 15,000 miles and know I should leave it alone. But while on a 4500 mile trip out west I got some minor pinging at times. I'm in Virginia and out west was much higher elevations which was probably the problem. Anyway, I'm getting ready to change the stock plugs (6R12) and wonder if I might be better off with a colder plug. Opinions?
Gary

 

The Autolite 4163 is slightly cooler. The v-rod 6R10 are a couple of steps cooler. Pay attention to the octane also. For some reason the octane out west is lower at some stations. You could try some octane boost. If you have a PV you can add a couple of % more fuel to the area giving trouble. Or just add 2 or 3% globally with the quick tune.

 

I have a 2012 Ultra. I was also running the standard 6R12 plugs with 4000 miles when I noticed a slight ping while touring Glacier Nat. Park. That evening at Whitefish, MT. I replaced the standard plugs with 6R12 PLATINUM plugs. The 'Pinging" no longer existed. If you're running 10% ethanol premium gasoline, you might try putting 2 oz. of STA-BIL Ethanol Treatment in every other tank of gas (about $6/10oz at WalMart).

 

It probably won't hurt anything to go with the colder V-Rod plug, I have done this my self, but if you are back in Va. and there is no longer a problem, why? Minor pinging at times while riding outside your norms, I wouldn't worry about it if you are happy with the way your bike runs. Buy a set of 6R10's and install them, they don't cost much ($4.95), but if you end up with other problems (fowling) I wouldn't hesitate to return to the original heat range.

 

I run the 6R10 in my 107, not seemed to help a bit definitely don't hurt any. Worst case is you don't like them and you are out 8 bucks.