IRIDIUM PLUGS

Discussion in 'The Garage' started by victor meldrew, Feb 11, 2015.

  1. victor meldrew

    victor meldrew The Tosser formely known as Cupid stunt VIP Member

    Gonna srvice me bike has anyone used these plugs are they worth the extra cost or is it just bullshit what is said about them ?
     
  2. Jim27

    Jim27 Administrator Staff Member

    Iridium is a more stable conductor at high temperatures which is why they're preferred for performance engines that utilise forced induction (turbochargers or superchargers) or nitrous oxide. Same applies to engines that run at high rpm - more rpm = more heat. A standard plug will probably do just fine if you pootle, but if you live your live mostly in the top half of the rev range then iridium plugs will probably deliver you a bit more power due to them firing more precisely regarding the timing and more cleanly regarding the strength of the spark.

    For an inline-4 bike engine with high rpms then I'd seriously consider them on paper, although unless you're wringing it's neck and racing I doubt the presence or absence of a handful of horsepower at the top of the rev range would really be noticeable. I wouldn't both whatsoever on a v-twin engine though.
     
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  3. victor meldrew

    victor meldrew The Tosser formely known as Cupid stunt VIP Member

    Ive got an xjr 1300 only have red mist moments now and again so going by what youve said there would be nothing to gain from the extra cost am i right ?
     
  4. Jim27

    Jim27 Administrator Staff Member

    I'd just pop normal plugs in. With a 1300cc lump between your legs I doubt very much you ever find yourself hanging on at 12,000+rpm thinking "Hmmmmm this could do with a bit more poke right at the top end..." :roflmao:
     
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  5. victor meldrew

    victor meldrew The Tosser formely known as Cupid stunt VIP Member

    Yeah your right im a fookin skinter anyway :(
     
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  6. bloke

    bloke smoke crack, it makes you look cool VIP Member

    stick them in and forget about them for 40,000 miles. work out cheaper in the long run.
     
  7. Rock Steady

    Rock Steady New Member

    i put iridium in the cbr600f .and they have made a big diffrence to the bike
     
  8. Jim27

    Jim27 Administrator Staff Member

    Iridiums are supposed to last for like 70-80,000 miles. Who keeps a bike that long though??! I used to stump up the thick end of £70 for 4 plugs when I had my Sunny GTI-R and £100 a pop for 6 when I had my Skyline GT-R, but only because they genuinely made a difference in preventing misfires in high rpm/boost situations.

    As for the bikes...? If you don't want to have to bother swapping the plugs ever again (based on most people's average bike ownership duration/mileage) then go for iridiums. If you don't mind swapping plugs every now and again I wouldn't bother with them.

    I think if they make a big difference to an ordinary road bike under normal road riding then it's not the plugs but something else in the ignition system that needs looking at. The engine should be able to function perfectly fine with normal plugs unless, as I said, you live your life wringing the engine's neck in the 12,000+ rpm range all the time lol.

    From a regular servicing point of view, like Carl says, it makes sense, in that it reduces the work for future services and in the long term saves you a few quid. Not really worth it from a performance point of view though IMHO.
     
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  9. ListerTheStupid

    ListerTheStupid Is it summer yet? VIP Member

    Just stick em in.
     
  10. Lee711

    Lee711 Carpe Diem.. VIP Member

    my old 08 fireblade had Irridium plugs fitted as stock and the service interval was every 32k Check and or replace.
     
  11. Soviet

    Soviet New Member

    Irridium - no xtra bhp but better running and longevity and efficient combustion ! Standard in a lot of the more recent bikes...
     
  12. stewslash

    stewslash New Member

  13. pch1

    pch1 In the gang with Ewan and Charley VIP Member

    By doubling the value :D
     
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  14. johnnyrotten13

    johnnyrotten13 New Member

    just done 25000 mile on a set of iridium plugs in mi blackbird,only changed um as they had been in 3 n half years they looked perfect when took out nice and clean :thumbsup:
     
  15. Graham Irving

    Graham Irving New Member

    Changed mine in my blackbird after they had done 30000 miles new ones didnt make mutch difference so were probably good for another 10000
     
  16. Paul m0kdm

    Paul m0kdm VIP Member VIP Member

    Put some in my SV. No discernible difference. You may notice that the centre electrode is much thinner than a "stock" plug.
    I have read on some forums that this results in a thinner spark and can affect performance adversely.
    Is this true? I don't know.
    What I know is, if you read enough forums you will find that much conflicting advice on pretty much everything that it renders the exercise pointless. :)
    Give em a try. They should at least last longer.
     
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  17. XJR1300

    XJR1300 New Member

    Many people will go out and buy expensive plugs and swear they feel a difference but it is usually psychosomatic.I use NGK standard plugs in my XJR
     
  18. bloke

    bloke smoke crack, it makes you look cool VIP Member

    got to love forums, the internet is just like the man in the pub who knows everything!! narrower electrode uses less voltage for a kick off;)
     
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  19. Paul m0kdm

    Paul m0kdm VIP Member VIP Member

    Not even tempted. ;-)

    twat :)
     
  20. KTM_Dude

    KTM_Dude TT 2015 Booked! Oh yeah! VIP Member

    Correct- so less strain on your battery and chain. Also you save up Amps which are really usefull for later if you have to go up a big hill
     
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