Fouling Plugs

[BadDad320]

There has been some discussion on how easy it is to foul a plug(s) in a Buell. About how long should the bike run / idle on a cold start to avoid this problem?

 

[strmvt]

IMHO about 5 minutes or so with no revving. I've never fouled a plug since the day I've bought her and I start it up hop on and go with her running long enough to put my helmet and gloves on but when I do take of I don't nail it I ride nice and smooth for a few miles then get on her I also have the Iridium plugs in her I'm sure that helps as well.

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

Once you can feel a good amount heat in the front cylinder head with your hand, you're ready to go....

 

[ShawnB]

So any recommendations on plugs ?

 

[Stevenc150]

I run DCPR9EIX NGK Iridium plugs. Highly recommended. Smoothes out idle and you can't beat the price. $6.50/ea. at O'Reilly's. Much harder to foul than a "regular" spark plug and I like them better than the double platinums I bought from HD.

 

[strmvt]

NGK Iridium's all the way like Steve said I run a temp range colder then stock tho which is the # I think Steve put up

 

[Stevenc150]

Yeah, that's the "cooler" one. The DCPR8EIX is a little higher heat rating. Here's the NGK Spark Plug Decoder chart if anyone wants it: NGK Decoder

 

[ShawnB]

So anyone by chance know the code for the plugs, I haven't taken mine out, and wanted to pick them up tonight.

 

[strmvt]

DCPR9EIX NGK Iridium plugs get them they worth every penny

 

[leadfoot955]

Hey! is that 6.50 a piece INSTALLED ???!!!!

 

[ShawnB]

Anyone have an idea on what Generic Brands would fit? I have to order these off of asb, no parts store around here carries those plugs.

06 XB9R

Thanks Guys

 

[FIDOSOL]

I got those plugs at autozone, you just have to go in with the part number, they had to order mine took about a day. No idea on the generics though, also, I wouldn't waste my time on generic brand plugs. I've always had bad luck with them, but maybe you've had better. Anyways, I strongly recommend the iridium plugs for your bike.

 

[ShawnB]

I thought i tried AutoZone, I picked them up today. Anyone have an ideas on how to get the rear plug out ?

 

[FIDOSOL]

I'm glad that you got a hold of some. Maybe someone else can help you get the rear plug out, I didn't have to remove anything to get mine out but it was a pain in the ass. I'd tell you how if I could remember exactly.

 

[oxygen151]

you need to take your airbox off. Using an extension with a swivel will allow you to take out the plug. Pain in the ass.

 

[Stevenc150]

The 1st time I changed plugs I followed the service manual taking them out (removing outer AND inner air box, etc.) and it sucked. I found an easier way, so I put them back in as described below. Put iridiums in a few days ago, also as below with no prob. It might not be the best or easiest, but it is WAY easier than the manual method.

Two things though. You got big hands, it'll be tight. Also must have a spark plug socket that will hold onto the spark plug, seen cheap ones that didn't.

1) Take off seat, outer airbox cover, and left side air scoop.

2) Pull boot off front cyclinder plug and use 5/8" combo wrench. Don't over-tighten and put the plug boot back on.

3) Pull boot off rear cylinder. Use 5/8" spark plug socket - swivel connector - 6" in. extension - and Ratchet. (The spark plug socket needs to have a rubber "grommet" in the base to hold on to the spark plug.)

4) Stick all this through the space circled in the picture, though it's a little tight, it'll go. (I was too lazy to take the outer airbox off for the pic.) It basically gives you "direct" access to the rear spark plug. Use your left hand to go in behind the frame where the air scoop was and guide the socket onto the plug and remove.

5) Put the new spark plug in using the same method, using the left hand through the air scoop space. Be sure not to cross-thread.

Hope it helps.

 

[typeone]

FYI, if you have an Aprilia/Duc dealer nearby, some of their bikes take DCPR9EIX stock. I've grabbed a set or two in the past from the local Aprilia dealer.

 

[ShawnB]

Thanks guys, I've changed the plugs and did the breather re route. Can't wait to take it for a spin now that I actually might be firing properly on both cylinders.

 

[ShawnB]

Started her up tonight. Just wondering if anyone elses headers glow red when letting it warm up. Wasn't sure if its common. Was getting ready to take it for a ride and noticed its idling at 3k eeks. Went to fix that and no idle screw. So now its off to buy one of those.