I dont know if you guys have seen the bosch platnium+2 or Platnium+4 spark plugs for cars. The side electrode is cut back (much like a side gapped standard spark plug). Is there anything like this for motorcycles? Not looking for anything expensive but trying to see in something like this exists. I tried side gapping a pair of spark plugs in the past but the bike seriously ran like crap, but honestly it might have been because me.

I'd rather find a plug thats already designed like this.

Any input would be appreciated.Otherwise I'll just buy a cheapo plug as I usually do and call it a day.

Quote from: EEL on July 22, 2008, 09:12:59 AM
I tried side gapping a pair of spark plugs in the past but the bike seriously ran like crap, but honestly it might have been because me.

It's a lot of effort finding the right plug within a series to make your bike work.  On the 900SS, someone discovered NGK DPR8EA-9 and I've always used that.  There's nothing wrong with stock plugs, and there's little to be gained by putting  the techno-glitzy plugs on.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

You can side gap what you have, but you have to preserve the gap and I would't cut it too far back. If it fouls, either get a high output coil or close the gap a little. I've done a lot of different plug "tricks" and agree with Hedgehog, unless you're competing in drag racing, I've never noticed much difference either way.

Any difference with the iridium's? Mind you this is just a question. I'm buying standard NGK's for 2.50 each

some of the 4 valvers use a surface gap plug . I dont know if there is one sized for your aplication. they are $50.00 plugs anyway

EEL - probably, but not enough that I worry about it.
ducvet - unless you have clearence problems, I'd save the $50.

+1 on the least expensive plugs!!!!!

In the case of the surface gap plugs I am guessing the factory decided there was not enough clearance.  Good not to have to worry about that. I have hi comp pistons now and my two valver lives on non projected reach "cheap" ngk's.

I've run a couple of sets of those NGK Irridiums and like em. I open the gap up a little extra.

LA

The 1098R uses surface gap plugs, there isn't enough clearance for a standard profile plug

749r as well.

Quote from: EEL on July 23, 2008, 01:49:25 PM
Any difference with the iridium's? Mind you this is just a question. I'm buying standard NGK's for 2.50 each

I have used the NGK iridiums since I bought my bike.  Since I am super lazy and prefer to play on my bike rather than work on it, the iridium's have a longer time between gapping and work great1 [moto]

I just replaced my 30000 km old iridiums for some fresh ones ,