Spark Plugs - how often to change?

[SkooterG]

That is so fooked by Mama Yamaha...they don't even know the conversion properly between kilometers and miles.

The conversions in the photo I posted look spot on to me????

Not between a Euro/Canadian bike and a USA bike...

That's different. That's not conversions, that is specifications. And who knows why when it comes to that.

I believe it was Eric V. who reported many moons ago that Euro spec for oil changes was the equivalent 5,000 miles vs. our 4,000 miles. But then maybe they use different formulations of oil there?

 

[RadioHowie]

The BIG question here is why the fook do I have an owner's manual for some Ukranian model FJR? It's the one that came with my FJR, purchased by the original owner in Sarasota, Florida back in December 04.

??????

 

[wheatonFJR]

The BIG question here is why the fook do I have an owner's manual for some Ukranian model FJR? It's the one that came with my FJR, purchased by the original owner in Sarasota, Florida back in December 04.

??????

Did you also buy the Rolex watches he pulled out of his coat???

 

[beemerdons]

The BIG question here is why the fook do I have an owner's manual for some Ukranian model FJR? It's the one that came with my FJR, purchased by the original owner in Sarasota, Florida back in December 04.

??????

Did you also buy the Rolex watches he pulled out of his coat???

+1, Gunny; is this the same Russian con man that you got your mail order bride from, Hombre you got triple fecked on all of these deals ese!

 

[birkdale10]

Always seems to happen.

I'm going off on a 1400 mile drive this weekend. And, suddenly, my bike is hard to start. Grinds for a 2-5 seconds before starting. Usually - hit the button, starts instantly.

I don't have time to run for a quick tune-up. I charged the battery (less than a year old, gel-type) this weekend and it still grinds. I'm rather worried about going for a long ride and not being able to get restarted.

So, I'm asking and hoping for a quick answer.

One thing I'm thinking about: Spark Plugs are more than two years old, and have about 15000 miles on them.

I'm grasping as straws. Would a quick plug change help? I've got 2 evenings to make it right. Taking suggestions!

2005 FJr. 64000 miles.

I tightened the battery terminal bolts, but they were not really loose.

I listened to the fuel pump hum as I turn on the key. Sounds like about 2 seconds of hum.

I really do not want to do midnight maintenance and replace the spark plugs. I am going to do my best to park at the top of hills.

My fingers are tightly crossed as I plan my trip.

Thanks to all that replied. When I get back, I'll do more looking into options.

Cheers!

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Change the Plugs. I noticed a difference after my 8000 mile service although its hard to believe they need replacing every 8000.

 

[UHOH]

You'll have a good trip.

Change the Plugs. I noticed a difference after my 8000 mile service although its hard to believe they need replacing every 8000.

Not for me. Changed my originals at 12,500 and couldn't notice any difference.

Now change my iridium plugs at 25,000 and can't notice any difference, either.

76,000 on bike, btw.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I skipped my 32k spark plug change and rode to South Carolina. By the time I was headed home my bike was nearing its 4k oil change mark.

For about the last half of that ride, there was a definite increase in vibration at speed, and once on the way home, the check engine light came on.

Maybe it was just coincidence, bit when I got home and did my oil change, I changed the plugs. It was instantly smoother and felt like its old self again. I recently changed the plugs again. This tome I tried the iridiums.

I hadn't noticed the vibes increasing, but wow...the bike felt smoother. Don't think new oil has anything to do with it, and the only other thing changed was the plugs.

Say what you want, but it seems my bike likes new plugs.

 

[huron52]

You guys are funny..... love your conversion tables..... :lol:

 

[Bustanut joker]

I skipped my 32k spark plug change and rode to South Carolina. By the time I was headed home my bike was nearing its 4k oil change mark.

For about the last half of that ride, there was a definite increase in vibration at speed, and once on the way home, the check engine light came on.

Maybe it was just coincidence, bit when I got home and did my oil change, I changed the plugs. It was instantly smoother and felt like its old self again. I recently changed the plugs again. This tome I tried the iridiums.

I hadn't noticed the vibes increasing, but wow...the bike felt smoother. Don't think new oil has anything to do with it, and the only other thing changed was the plugs.

Say what you want, but it seems my bike likes new plugs.

Nah dude.. You fergot to jerk off for a few days and the added load whacked yer lame ass genll's performance. Don't be a fukin pussy........

Admit yer need to pull yer pud in order to keep that limp ass second coming of the first generation half ass close to keeping up. sissy.

 

[birkdale10]

Tsk. 4 months later. Just thought I'd update. My trip turned out to be 1500 miles. DFW to the hills around Cloudcroft, NM. Boring getting there, the trip up the mountain was glorious. Perfect weather, no traffic, easily going twice the posted speed. Well, if the curve said 35, I could easily do 70.. (<--- I did not write that. Honest, your honor! Somebody hacked my account!) Then to El Paso. Stayed a couple of days, then back home. Found some people in a hurry, stayed behind them. (I stopped following one lady - she just was going TOO fast. About 5 minutes after I stopped following her...I passed her. She was talking to a gentleman with a car with flashing lights on top.) I had one stretch where my average speed was well over 80 (well, the limit out there IS 80...). And I got 46mpg. FJR - loves to go fast! Averaged over 44mpg for the entire trip.

And - the battery charged itself! That is what the original post was about, if anyone remembers! I use the bike daily for a 20 minute commute. Just going for hours and hours on end made the battery all better! I will remember that - just need a LONG ride every now and then.

67k on the bike now. Officially the most miles I ever put on any one bike.

I still think the 36K I put on a 1972 Suzuki Savage Enduro is more impressive, though...

 

[Chiefblueman]

Birkdale, 36k on that Savage IS impressive. I bought one brand new in "72, they were the hot "enduro" bike to have. An a-hole stole it and I got another with the insurance money. Great memories, been so long ago I damn near forgot I had one! Thanks for reminding me.

As far as spark plugs go, I just put a set of Iridiums in the FJR. Bike only has 19xxx miles. Definitely runs smoother.

 

[SkooterG]

Definitely runs smoother.

Really? I call B.S. Placebo effect. I go 30-32k miles between spark plug changes (replaced during valve checks) and I notice no difference whatsoever. And that is from *many* spark plug changes.

 

[odot]

Skooter..................?.....oh, nevermind.

 

[Chiefblueman]

I think you call bs cuz your full of it. Your experiences aren't applicable to everybody else. Hell, if i thought you were an authority on m/c maintenance I'd try the Scooter G method of centerstand removal and suspension maintenance

. I did do AIS removal and coolant change along with the plugs, maybe that was it

. Although I noticed a change at the bars the real change was at the pegs at ~ 4k rpm. Had an annoying buzz in the pegs. I'm not sayin' the plugs absolutely did it but this engine is noticeably smoother.

Oh hey - luv ya man, don't ever change, 'k?

 

[SkooterG]

I think you call bs cuz your full of it. Your experiences aren't applicable to everybody else. Hell, if i thought you were an authority on m/c maintenance I'd try the Scooter G method of centerstand removal and suspension maintenance

. I did do AIS removal and coolant change along with the plugs, maybe that was it

. Although I noticed a change at the bars the real change was at the pegs at ~ 4k rpm. Had an annoying buzz in the pegs. I'm not sayin' the plugs absolutely did it but this engine is noticeably smoother.Oh hey - luv ya man, don't ever change, 'k?

Well then, you should perform a TBS. You will find it cures all kinds of ills from vibration and fuel economy, to knee pain and erectile dysfunction. Oh, and oil changes every 2,000 miles will make your FJR run *that* much better!

 

[odot]

Don't forget to change your pumpkin oil at battery changes, kids.

 

[Chiefblueman]

I actually use pumpkin oil in my battery, eliminating the need for frequent changes of either.

Scooter, TBS was performed last fall. PO had adjusted throttle bodies to the point idle speed could not be adjusted below 1300 rpm. After re-referencing TB's, idle adjustment was restored. I am in no way suggesting plug changes be performed along with the 2000 mi oil changes. Plugs were changed because it was easy to do while the AIS was being removed. With that I bid you a hearty hi ho and a

Damn, I've been waiting a long time to use that one!

 

[SkooterG]

Damn, I've been waiting a long time to use that one!

I aim to please!

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

Definitely runs smoother.

Really? I call B.S. Placebo effect. I go 30-32k miles between spark plug changes (replaced during valve checks) and I notice no difference whatsoever. And that is from *many* spark plug changes.

Wow, that's pretty "closed minded" of you to disagree with what he felt.

Just because YOU didn't feel any difference doesn't mean HE didn't.