spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
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From: Ozark Country
RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
Depends on what type of plug you are looking for...
If you want the "HD" plugs (6R12) you of course can get them from the Harley dealer, or mail order places like J&P Cycles..
I prefer using the Champion plugs, and have used them in all my bikes for the past 30 years or so. I ride year around, in all kind of conditions, and I've never had any problem with the Champion plugs. They only cost around $1.45 each, so I don't see any reason at all to run the "newest whiz bang expensive plugs".
In my 1200C I use the Champion 810's (RA8HC), and in fact I just changed mine a few days ago when I did the winter tune up/fluid change. The old plugs I took out looked fine, even though they had quite a few thousand miles on them. All of $3.00 for a new set of Champions isn't going to break the bank. LoL..
If you want the "HD" plugs (6R12) you of course can get them from the Harley dealer, or mail order places like J&P Cycles..
I prefer using the Champion plugs, and have used them in all my bikes for the past 30 years or so. I ride year around, in all kind of conditions, and I've never had any problem with the Champion plugs. They only cost around $1.45 each, so I don't see any reason at all to run the "newest whiz bang expensive plugs".
In my 1200C I use the Champion 810's (RA8HC), and in fact I just changed mine a few days ago when I did the winter tune up/fluid change. The old plugs I took out looked fine, even though they had quite a few thousand miles on them. All of $3.00 for a new set of Champions isn't going to break the bank. LoL..
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
These are just motorcycles, and they take parts like any motorcycle. I wouldnt think things like plugs, tires, and alot more have to be harley parts put in by a harley technician. They would like you to think that im sure. Maybe i am lucky that i have a good shop dedicated to working on motorcycles about a mile down the street from me. Isnt this the same in every state? My local motorcycle shop works on harleys, choppers, you name it. They have been around forever, and i trust them alot more than i would any harley technician and they are about half the price. Ive had a few different bikes, and have been on a few different MC forums, this is the first one that ive seen with so many people afraid to go anywhere to take thier bikes to be fixed other than the dealership. I know about the warranty and stuff, but it seems more than that.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
Geeze, it's just a spark plug. Not like it's new technology....as long as it's the right size and correct firing temp, what's the issue??
I'm I missing something here??
I'm I missing something here??
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
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From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
Saltlick said... this is the first one that ive seen with so many people afraid to go anywhere to take thier bikes to be fixed other than the dealership. I know about the warranty and stuff, but it seems more than that.
A lot of these readers are first time Harley owners and just want to do the right thing by their bike... I surely see no harm in asking questions that concern them even though it might seem hold hat and a no brainer to long time owners.
As far as independent shops... yeah, they're all over the place... but that does not mean I would take my bike to just any of them... You do know that it only takes money to get a buisness liecense... you don't have to be a qualified mechanic...
If I had a problem that I couldn't or didn't want to handle... and didn't know any of these independant shop owners personally... I'd take my bike to a Harley dealer...
That's the no brainer....
Charlie D.
A lot of these readers are first time Harley owners and just want to do the right thing by their bike... I surely see no harm in asking questions that concern them even though it might seem hold hat and a no brainer to long time owners.
As far as independent shops... yeah, they're all over the place... but that does not mean I would take my bike to just any of them... You do know that it only takes money to get a buisness liecense... you don't have to be a qualified mechanic...
If I had a problem that I couldn't or didn't want to handle... and didn't know any of these independant shop owners personally... I'd take my bike to a Harley dealer...
That's the no brainer....
Charlie D.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Detroit Mi. area
RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
There are some very good spark plug interchange charts out there that will give you the numbers for the different brands for your type of plug. No. You do not need to run with HD plugs.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,407
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From: Stanwood, WA
RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
Speaking from years of wrenching, there are just some things you should stay OEM. Spark plugs are one of them. Go into a Schucks, Auto Zone, whatever and your at the mercy of some 19 year old clown who doesn't have a clue. Go to the dealership, buy 4, your set for a couple years. Don't be cheap and try to save $5.00 getting them somewhere else. If your to far from a dealership, get them from the H-D web site. My .02. Dave
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
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From: Ozark Country
RE: spark plug? do I have to get them from my dealer?
Harley doesn't "manufacturer" their own sparkplugs, a little checking will show they are made by a Name Brand company and just labeled "HD".
Nothing magical about a sparkplug, just get the correct heat range, set the gap at .040", and you are good to go.
Here are just a few for the Sportster EVO engines:
HD Standard - 6R12
HD Gold - 6R12G
HD Platimun - 6R12PP
Champion - RA8HC
Autolite - 4164
Autolite Platimun - AP4164DP2
Accell - 2418 or Y2418P
Spitfire - SF416D
Screamin Eagle - EX12S or EX12P
NGK - DCPR7E
(And Many, Many more will work as well)
Nothing magical about a sparkplug, just get the correct heat range, set the gap at .040", and you are good to go.
Here are just a few for the Sportster EVO engines:
HD Standard - 6R12
HD Gold - 6R12G
HD Platimun - 6R12PP
Champion - RA8HC
Autolite - 4164
Autolite Platimun - AP4164DP2
Accell - 2418 or Y2418P
Spitfire - SF416D
Screamin Eagle - EX12S or EX12P
NGK - DCPR7E
(And Many, Many more will work as well)
