Iridium spark plug NGK CR7EIX
 

Hi folks have just fitted an iridium spark plug to my tenere, after getting over the shock of the price �15 !!!! I have to say it HAS made a difference to the running its definitely smoother and the vibration patch at 4000rpm is still there but has reduced noticeably also importantly the low end flexibility has improved i can now potter along at 2500 rpm on a neutral throttle in fifth gear without the drive jerking away, granted at this revs only very gentle acceleration can be expected but its still better.These findings were immediately obviouse within a mile of driving away. The standard spark plug looked perfect with a light brown arm and no erosion on gap size as the bike has only done 5000 miles. After doing a long run around wales two days ago, 295 miles preston to bala then barmouth then up the coast road back to Betsycoed then A494 to A55 and return home, the improvement is still apparent. I recommend this plug.:001:

Interesting that you should find the plug to make that much difference, keithy2.

I use iridium plugs in my Tenere, WR250R work bike and TTR250 work bike. The Tenere has one because I can convince myself not to put a new plug in every 5 minutes, but I've not really noticed any difference in using it.

The other two have iridium plugs for longevity and to reduce fouling due to running at slow speeds for hours at a time. Particularly the TTR, as it's burning a bit of oil now. It has one grade hotter to help it cope. As with the Tenere, I've not noticed any tangible benefits I could attribute to using iridium, apart from an improvement in fouling resistance.

iridium spark plug
 

[QUOTE=66T;209451]Interesting that you should find the plug to make that much difference, keithy2.

I use iridium plugs in my Tenere, WR250R work bike and TTR250 work bike. The Tenere has one because I can convince myself not to put a new plug in every 5 minutes, but I've not really noticed any difference in using it.

Hi, I was a bit sceptical myself and not expecting much if any difference but as soon as i had covered a couple of hundred yards i thought this is smoother! Its not night and day different but at my change up revs of 4000rpm the bars vibrate noticebly less. Lets hope this plug lasts a good 15000 miles or more.:002:

I hope so too, mate! It will be very interesting to see how long the EIX lasts in the WR-R, as the standard plug is dual electrode. Ok, I know only one electrode sparks at a time, but the original plug was worn at 7,500km or so. I think there's a waste spark on the exhaust stroke on that bike. I'd guess probably not on the Tenere, since it's originally fitted with a normal plug.

Trouble with comparing the performance of Iridium plugs with standard ones is that invariably the plug being replaced is old and worn out. The difference felt could well be just the fact it's a "new" plug, rather than the fact it's iridium? It's quite possible that a new standard plug could well have had the same positive benefits?

TBH, I've tried NGK iridium and standard plugs in the Ten and noticed no difference. As I tend to swap plugs annually anyway, I've come to the conclusion I'm probably better off sticking to normal ones.

The main reason iridium plugs exist, with their hard coated centre electrode, is to extend life and enable cars to have the impossibly long service intervals that they now have. They were never created as a "performance" plug as such, although they are invariably marketed as such.

However, each to their own, and if you feel it makes a difference, then use one. After all they are only �4-5 more, less than the cost of a gallon of fuel...