I wouldn't bother with the torque wrench. Turn in a new plug to snug, then another 1/4-1/2 turn to seat it.

 

That’s what I always do , no need for a t/ wrench.

Plasma1

 

Hi
Traditionally ‘standard’ (14mm) spark plugs use a 13/16" hex size, that = 20.63mm
The smaller than standard plugs (10mm and 12mm) traditionally use 5/8" hex size = 15.875mm
The latest very small plugs (8mm) traditionally use a 13mmhex size

Even though the thread sizes are metric, (14mm, 12mm,10mm,8mm) the spanner sizes are imperial (8mm the exception).

Regards
Peg.

 

But our twins use 18mm spanner.

 

The plug socket I use has a convenient hex at the top. I run the plug home with my fingers then another 1/4 to 1/2 turn with a spanner on the hex. Much easier than struggling with a torque wrench.

The job is way easier with the AI stuff removed and plugged.

 

To be clear, the hex head / socket size is 18mm. That's what the Haynes manual calls for, and that is the size of the one I mentioned in the original post, which actually does fit.

I've had bikes since 1970, and I always just did it by feel, as some of you mentioned. I just got new torque wrenches and was wanting to torque them as called for, but with no socket that will go on a plug, I'll go back to doing it by "feel". Thanks for the remarks.

 

I use a Honda plug wrench, left over from when I had an XR250,
It has a hex on the top if you really want to torque your plugs down, but like everyone else I just do it by feel,
Honda part number 89216-mj1-000

Spark Plug Spanner as Honda 89216-MJ1-000 NTV600 VT600 V-twins (18mm NGK D Series) | Motorcycle Parts | Wemoto UK

If you are looking for Spark Plug Spanner as Honda 89216-MJ1-000 NTV600 VT600 V-twins (18mm NGK D Series) for your motorbike visit Wemoto.com.

www.wemoto.com

 

My XRV650 and NTV650 use the same socket, they use the same dpr8eix-9 plugs as my T100 too.

Just a little tip that applies to many applications.
A piece of rubber tubing over the end of a spark plug works great for feeding the spark plug down into some tight deep spots, and threading into the head.

The silicone rubber hose from a Stahlbus oil drain valve fits nice and tight on the ceramic insulator of the plug.

I already have the TPP SAI blanking plugs fitted so it's quite easy to change the plugs with the tank fitted.

 

Husky Tools has a spark plug socket that works really well on the Triumph twins. - Home Depot.

 

 

I had exactly the same problem, couldn't find a suitable plug socket in my area, and I didn't want to faff about online and pay £8.45 (around $10) for something that cost about 20 cents to manufacture - so I made my own, using a very cheap generic 18mm plug socket from a lawnmower shop .... little bit of welding involved, and I covered the finished article with some heat-shrink tubing to make it look nice .....

 

Looks like a good idea lobsterbush. I'm not sure how much money you saved when you add up the prices of the wrench, bolt, nuts, shrink wrap, welding rods, and time ... but hey, if it gives you the ability to use a torque wrench, then great! And very innovative.

I'm using the $8 wrench like what comes in bike tool kits, and winging it by feel on the torque, but I'm thinking of taking the actual spark plug socket that I bought, and trying to thin down the walls a little with a grinder to see if I can get it to go on, because it seems like it's just a hair too thick to go over the plug. It may work, or I may ruin the socket, in which case I'll just keep doing it by feel.

If I make it to Home Depot, which is not really nearby, I'll try the Husky socket mentioned above by MarlinSpike.

Thanks for sharing your project, lobster.

 

Just a little tip that applies to many applications.
A piece of rubber tubing over the end of a spark plug works great for feeding the spark plug down into some tight deep spots, and threading into the head. Also works for removing the loose spark plug if you have a socket that won't hold the plug.
In some applications, the spark plugs are really buried.

 

In terms of sheer economics, Biker Guy, it would have been better to just go out and buy one - but I like making my own tools, and I'm fortunate to have some fairly expensive equipment, such as welders, lathe etc, which I like to put to use rather than seeing it gather dust - OK, a plug socket is no big deal, but some things you just can't buy, like a toolbox for my America - the only tool you get with the bike is a lousy allen key that clips into the fuse holder compartment - so a couple of years ago, I made my own toolbox to fit under the rear rack, in otherwise unused space - see pics - it's still there, still watertight, and still looking good. I did post details on this site, in 2020, titled 'mother of all toolboxes', if you're interested ......

 

pics ......

 

Very nice job on the toolbox, lobster. You're definitely quite the fabricator. I'll look that thread up later. Two thumbs up.

 

My solution (ten mins on the lathe):

 

@TomJ, thanks for the idea. Got my friend to turn mine today. Works like a charm. I can now torque my plugs.

 

My solution was 38 buck or more from Snap-Broken truck. Ouch I thought he was kidding me at first but I was on lunch and didn't have time to argue with the guy and I had to chase him down to begin, with but the ones I had at home didn't fit, so I paid through the nose and now its part of my 30 year old set.

 

I picked up a plug socket from Ko-Ken that fits my Thruxton well. Good tool company from the looks of it. Not cheap, but Snap-on expensive either.