Spark plugs, which and why?

[subxero]

Any benefits to running other plugs than recommended OEM?

Have seen on occasion people mention a particular sparkplug here and there but they never give any reason to why it is the best plug in the world.

Interested in what the vet, racer and tuner 250 riders have to say.

Can also include your input on coils ect...

P.S. Please leave the pony plugs out of this discussion. If you know... well then you know, if you don't... well to bad.

[DaBlue1]

Allow me to direct you to some information.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...hlight=iridium
http://www.newninja.com/forums/f108/...oils-8486.html
http://www.250r.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2530

[subxero]

^ what I have been looking for, thanks

[Racer x]

I use NGK plugs and run e10 the coldest available. Normal plugs are e7 and with mods 8or 9. You want a particular plug choice by heat range. Cool enough to not melt but hot enough to burn oil or fuel off the tip. What you look for is a line of color change on the insulation. Plugs should be tan or light brown for normal use and white for racing.

[InvisiBill]

A finer electrode allows for a more focused, consistent spark. For the finer tip to hold up, it needs to be made out of a more exotic metal, hence the iridium. The IX version of the stock plug should just be a slightly more effective version of the stocker.

A few people have done coil-on-plug swaps (I have the parts but haven't done it yet). https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...130#post840130 has some info. alex.s said that you probably wouldn't notice any difference on a stock bike, but it could provide a slight bump in ignition output to cover possible situations where the stock ignition isn't quite cutting it. I wouldn't expect any huge gains from it, but I got the harness and 4 COPs from a ZX636 for $20 on eBay. For $10 a bike (as opposed to $400 for a high-output aftermarket ignition), it might be worth doing the upgrade, even if it doesn't really help all that much.

[Snake]

Since we are bringing coils into the conversation. What are everyone's thoughts on MSD multiple spark ignition modules for motorcycles? It is supposed to provide multiple sparks over a longer duration of time to ignite more of the fuel mixture.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Snake

Since we are bringing coils into the conversation. What are everyone's thoughts on MSD multiple spark ignition modules for motorcycles? It is supposed to provide multiple sparks over a longer duration of time to ignite more of the fuel mixture.

Yes, spark duration can be longer in a MSD.
MSD works for engines that use an Inductive Discharge System.

The Ninja 250/300 uses Capacitive Discharge Ignition, which uses high voltage stored in a capacitor to induce the few hundred volt pulse into the secondary instead of generating it in the primary as with an inductive system.

One inherent limitation to a CDI system is that the spark duration can be short due (compared to MSD) to the use of small capacitors. In most instances using a higher voltage coil or better sparking plug, can make spark duration longer in a CDI system.

Spark duration is what does the actual work igniting a fuel mixture. Having a too weak or short spark can cause a fuel mixture not to burn well leaving behind too much unburned fuel. However, having close to complete combustion of a proper mixture can be a good thing.

[subxero]

Those Takai coils are a bit pricey for me to pull the trigger on at the moment. Sooner or later my curiosity and desire to trick my 250 will probably get the best of me though.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by subxero

Those Takai coils are a bit pricey for me to pull the trigger on at the moment.

They are interesting. I'm like you, they are a bit pricey. I do like what the Iridium plugs do to my bike so I'm staying with them.

Another interesting thing I found about Iridium plugs from Xlite Moto (although it's broken english), it's another confirmation about about the benefit of iridium plugs and bigger coils.
"...to gain free power , bigger spark , burn faster = act like advance = more power , without actualy make engine hotter ,so we made 40,000 volt coils , stock is around 10,000 volts .. works on all on most bikes.
....for yet better result , combine this with our iridium plugs"

[Snake]

Great info Blue. Thanks.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by subxero

Any benefits to running other plugs than recommended OEM?

Temperature-wise, the manufacturer has used much time testing what range fits better a non-modified engine.

Please, read this:
http://www.dansmc.com/sparkplugs1.htm

When any engine is modified, its thermal behavior gets modified and the recommended OEM may not be as ideal anymore.

[Worldtraveller]

Originally Posted by Snake

Since we are bringing coils into the conversation. What are everyone's thoughts on MSD multiple spark ignition modules for motorcycles? It is supposed to provide multiple sparks over a longer duration of time to ignite more of the fuel mixture.

Some bikes with larger cylinders (a fair number of the big v-twins) have dual plugs/cylinder from the factory already. It does improve performance (usually mileage in the case of the v-twins). Interestingly, most (ICE Engined) aircraft have multiple plugs/cylinder as well.

[Snake]

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

Some bikes with larger cylinders (a fair number of the big v-twins) have dual plugs/cylinder from the factory already. It does improve performance (usually mileage in the case of the v-twins). Interestingly, most (ICE Engined) aircraft have multiple plugs/cylinder as well.

Those aircraft also have 2 manetos with a switch to select both or just one.

[sharky nrk]

It really depends on the application as well, in heavily boosted applications the right heat range copper plugs really always ran better for me than expensive exotic plugs. There may be no BEST, but rather best for your APPLICATION

[NinjaZX6R123]

NGK Iridium. Lasts longer and makes your engine run smooth like butter even noticed difference in throttle. Could all be in my head though.

[fast1075]

The "multiple spark" from an MSD box occurs at a relatively low rpm. It is intended mainly to help keep from loading up at idle. There are other advantages if the application fits, such as custom rev limit.

As far as plugs go. "Super Whammo, pentagonal multi electrode" plugs are just a marketing gimmick, and may actually cause harm. Multi electrode plugs actually shroud the spark.

If changing plugs has a large effect on power, it is because the old ones were worn out and ineffective.

When I was racing, I used standard NGK plugs of the proper heat range and application. I never had a problem with misfire even at high nitrous loads and high rpm (OK 11K is high rpm for an old KZ1000).

Baby Ninja pulls flawlessly to the rev limiter with standard NGK plugs also. I have NGK iridium plugs in the Buell because they are a biatch to change. 20K+ miles on them now with no issues and no fouling.

[sharky nrk]

^^ NGK coppers FTW in my past experience but never tried anything other than the stockers on the ninjette. At 10K its probably time lol.

[Brother Michigan]

Originally Posted by fast1075

As far as plugs go. "Super Whammo, pentagonal multi electrode" plugs are just a marketing gimmick, and may actually cause harm. Multi electrode plugs actually shroud the spark.

Not to mention that without multiple anodes, you're only going to get a spark to a single electrode anyhow. The benefit of mutliple-electrode spark plugs comes from increased longevity.