Spark Plugs

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  • Deegz
    Forum Newbie
    • Jul 2021
    • 19
    • Canada

    #1

    Spark Plugs

    Just out of curiousity….. do you folks run non resistor plugs in your vintage bikes or would any type of spark plug be suitable. I’ve got a ‘78 GS1000 and run B8ES, would it be better to run iridium plugs (BR8EIX)?

    Thank!
  • zed1015
    Forum Mentor
    • Oct 2020
    • 411
    • North Lincolnshire - UK .

    #2
    No need for anything fancy.
    Plain non resistor is fine especially if you have resistor leads or caps.
    Never run more than one source of resistance if any..
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    • KiwiAlfa156
      Forum Mentor
      • Sep 2012
      • 661
      • New Zealand

      #3
      As above, stock was resistors in the caps, none in the plugs. The exotic electrode plugs are more resistant to spark erosion, so wear slower and keep their sharp electrode edges longer. They don't add power, just deteriorate a slower rate. Makes sense for long service interval cars. Worth the extra money in a GS? Probably not.
      82 GSX1100SXZ Katana
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      • Nessism
        Forum LongTimer
        GSResource Superstar
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Mar 2006
        • 35786
        • Torrance, CA

        #4
        The resistor can be removed from the plug caps, and replaced with a chunk of solid core copper wire. That will allow running resistor spark plugs. Just an option...
        Ed

        To measure is to know.

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        • bwringer
          Forum LongTimer
          Bard Award Winner
          GSResource Superstar
          Past Site Supporter
          Super Site Supporter
          • Oct 2003
          • 17066
          • Indianapolis

          #5
          NGK discontinued B8ES (2411) plugs a few years back. They'll sell you the BR8ES (5422) resistor plugs as the replacement. These are externally identical and will screw in and work, but they are resistor plugs, not the correct non-resistor plugs.

          The listings for the B8ES on scAmazon and fleaBay are for counterfeits; spark plugs are some of the most widely counterfeited items on the planet. Only order and install spark plugs from reputable automotive suppliers. Napa and a few other places list the NGK 2411 as available to order, but they will substitute the BR8ES/5422.


          The Denso (ND) W24ES-U (4030) was also factory correct on the same GS models and seems to be available off and on. Right now they're on RockAuto for $1.42 each, so you might want to grab a few sets.


          As Ed states, one resistor in the ignition at a time is enough. If you need to use resistor plugs, then use non-resistor wires and caps, or convert your caps.
          Last edited by bwringer; 09-16-2024, 06:36 PM.
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          • zed1015
            Forum Mentor
            • Oct 2020
            • 411
            • North Lincolnshire - UK .

            #6
            Originally posted by bwringer

            The listings for the B8ES on scAmazon and fleaBay are for counterfeits; spark plugs are some of the most widely counterfeited items on the planet. Only order and install spark plugs from reputable automotive suppliers. Napa and a few other places list the NGK 2411 as available to order, but they will substitute the BR8ES/5422.


            .
            Supplies of nos B8ES are plentiful and there are loads of genuine NGK B8ES on ebay but i'd steer clear of Amazon..
            I buy them in boxes of 10.
            Very easy to spot a fake and ebay always sides with the buyer if you happen to receive any and returns are free if the item is not as described so no big risk buying from there.
            Lack of the part number on the hex flat and loose sealing washers are the main giveaway for NGK fakes but i've never had any yet.....

            Mikuni Viton Choke Plunger Seat Renewal.
            VITON Choke plunger seals .KAWASAKI Z1,Z900,Z650,Z1000,Z1R,SUZUKI GS1000,GSXR,RF | eBay

            Air Corrector Jets for Mikuni VM 24, 26 and 28mm carbs .
            https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254380193...84.m1555.l2649



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            • Deegz
              Forum Newbie
              • Jul 2021
              • 19
              • Canada

              #7
              Lots of good info!! I’ll look into the Denso’s just to have some spares. The B8ES plugs are a little hard to find but I have seen those 10 pack boxes around.

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              • Rob S.
                Forum Guru
                Past Site Supporter
                • Dec 2013
                • 9385
                • New York City

                #8
                While we're on the topic, can someone give me a quick primer on resistor plugs? I was under the impression that they were conceived to give cleaner reception to car radios way back. Am I revealing my age?
                1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

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                • rphillips
                  Forum Guru
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Jun 2005
                  • 7611
                  • Norene TN

                  #9
                  That's what I've always heard Rob. Wish somebody would verify for sure the reasoning.
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                  • zed1015
                    Forum Mentor
                    • Oct 2020
                    • 411
                    • North Lincolnshire - UK .

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Rob S.
                    While we're on the topic, can someone give me a quick primer on resistor plugs? I was under the impression that they were conceived to give cleaner reception to car radios way back. Am I revealing my age?
                    Yes! They were initially developed to reduce interference ( static) with radios and tv's .
                    On newer vehicles they are also specified to prevent malfunctions with the onboard electronic ignition systems and ecu's etc which can affect running.
                    If the vehicle wasn't originally specified resistor plugs for it's own functional reliability it doesn't need really them.
                    Mikuni Viton Choke Plunger Seat Renewal.
                    VITON Choke plunger seals .KAWASAKI Z1,Z900,Z650,Z1000,Z1R,SUZUKI GS1000,GSXR,RF | eBay

                    Air Corrector Jets for Mikuni VM 24, 26 and 28mm carbs .
                    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254380193...84.m1555.l2649



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                    • Gorminrider
                      Forum Sage
                      Past Site Supporter
                      • Aug 2012
                      • 4803
                      • British Columbia, Canada

                      #11
                      well, no, not the only reason. The resistance of the OEM spec plugs,caps, coils and BlackBox (or points if you have them instead) is calculated to "shape" the spark so it's just right at the right place in combustion. There's no doubt experts that change everything for better performance etc etc but randomly changing from the manual's specs as a personal theory isn't likely to help the bike IMO. even if it's not noticeably hurting it either.

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