Triumphrat

Spooner · 09-09-2004

Can the choice of spark plugs have effect on the performance of the bike?
I guess what I'm asking is....is there any specific brand of spark plugs I wanna get
if I want to get a little more power?

Excuse the newbie type questions.....but I'm afraid that's exactly what I am.....a newbie :-D

Best,
Spooner

Tumbleweed · 09-10-2004

Hi Spooner

I don't think you can add power by changing plugs. The only time I noticed any significant difference in plugs was when I installed Bosch super 4's in my trusty old Mazda 626...I got a more even accelleration, and the engine seemed to run smoother. But hey, that was a CAR.

I've tried different plugs in my Saab too (also car), noticeable difference was a poorer performance. Won't run properly unless it got standard ngk's in there...

T'Weed

glgavin · 09-10-2004

Triumph recommends two heat ranges for their bikes. Summer and Winter. Locally I found that the colder (summer) plug and our fuel were not as compatible as the hotter (winter) plug for my TBS. Haven't made a plug check/change in the Tiger yet.

Also locally, the brand choice of plugs for motorcycles seems to be very limited.
:-g

tbsrider2000 · 09-10-2004

I don't know of any performance gain.. I did swap out for Splitfire plugs during my last tune up, but I also swapped in a K&N air filter and richened the idle mixture a bit as well. The engine does reve a little faster, but I attribute that more to the air filter than the spark plugs...

Gdsila · 09-10-2004

I also put a K&N air filter on my Legend and noticed a nice boost in hp. I have stuck with the NGK plugs they work fine . If you want a little more from your Hinckley Classic then a K&N is the way to go...

Gerry · 10-15-2004

I recently changed from NGK DPR8EA-9 (standard)
to NGK Iridium DPR8EIX-9 (recommended upgrade) on both my bikes and noticed an improved pickup in the throttle response.Whether they will show any other improvements over the long term i don't know,however i am pleased so far. These plugs are more than double the price of standard, so you'll have to judge for yourself if you feel they're worth it. I DO!

Wombat · 10-15-2004

I particularly asked this question of the Triumph tech at my dealer and his response was that unless you are going to be riding around at full revs, the standard NGK plugs are fine. I rarely get above 5000rpm as most of my riding is commuting.

The only upgrade that he would consider as worthwhile is the use of Iridium plugs.

mecscc · 10-15-2004

Hi, Spoonman

The answer is "no," BUT, if you change plug brands, pay more money, and BELIEVE it helps, then do it. Can't think of a cheaper way to feel better about your bike.

Bottom line is that if any spark plug type or brand were actually superior to any other we'd all be using that brand.

Take care,

Monte