Are my spark plugs still good?

[CT_Ron]

Today, I wanted to change my rear spring for a HyperPro one. To disassemble the shock, you need to undress the entire bike to get to 1 top bolt. Now that I have my bike open for surgery, I'm changing the filter as well since it is filled with rank stuff. I also took care of my rear brake pads. They were really in need of a change.

I'm not sure if my spark plugs are ok. The gap is less than the max tolerance of 1mm (mine is about 0.8mm). I have no record of how old mine are. This is also my first bike with iridium sparks, I'm used to seeing normal plugs covered in black residue. I know it's cheap insurance to change, but they cost a whopping 35,-/40,- EACH.

Also, HP spring delivery didn't show up today grr...

[__Ray__]

How many km's did the bike run?
They have to be changed at 48000km but often not done because "the bike fires on all cylinders" or "they still spark" but they will wear out.
It's never noticed because the decay is very slow but you will now the difference when you change them, i buy them on Ebay and mostly the cheapest come form the UK but beware of fake NGK. You can buy original NGK for around €70 - 80 incl shipping for a set of 4.
When you make al lot of km's i suggest a K&N airfilter, mine was cheaper then an OEM.
If you not leave the Netherlands voor the next 4 to 5000km the brakepads wil last that time, there's still a decent groove. When you go south-east to the Eifel or Sauerland it will be a little less.

[CT_Ron]

I tried gaining acces to the front two sparks, but I failed, and won't be able to take those out. Which is a bummer, because one of the easiest and cheapest maintenance job, has now become an expensive one. I need a mechanic and special tools for them to pull out. They are tucked away under the frame and air intake. It's impossible for me to reach it without taking everything out. I'm frustrated and very disappointed in Honda at the moment... Including the fact that I have to wreck the entire bike to reach one f***ing rear shock bolt under the petrol tank.

Going to see which indicator wire I need to snip to stop the auto cancellation which annoys me since day 1, and call it quits for today.

At least I'll be installing a new air filter soon, which is nice.

[Showkey]

Side bar.......those iridium plugs are used in many vehicles and the normal service interval on those other vehicles is 105,000 miles.

This is heated debate on many motorcycle forums (all brands).

[CT_Ron]

Agreed, I just checked and mine are NGK Laser Iridium. They don't have the cheaper build nickel base and are expected to last 80-100.000 miles / 120/160.000 km, regardless being inserted in a car or motorcycle.

The problem that I have is that my bike has done just under 100.000 km. I can't tell if the plugs are nearing their end or are just halfway through their lifespan. The previous owner had the bike serviced every 12.000 km, but left no information what has been done to the bike. I'm going to see the local shop before work starts and check how much they charge. I feel obligated to change the sparks despite their current usage now that I have everything pulled of the bike. I'm sure I'll never  have to change them again before I sell the bike or I finish the engine.

[__Ray__]

As i told. The plugs almost never get changed at 48k so why would you be unsure about what's done with the sparkplugs at 12k.
Listen to yourself and change them while your already halfway.
How about the valve clearance? The exhaust valves need to be corrected pretty much in time.