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Plugs at 12k on DL650 really?

4K views 31 replies 14 participants last post by  chrisbre 
#1 ·
I know theres a lot on this across board but interested to hear the Australian take on it.

The DL650 manual, owners AND workshop both say REPLACE at 12k AND 24k service intervals, its not inspect its replace.

12,000km for iridium plugs is VERY short, I'm tempted to leave them till I do valves at 24,000km. However I'm wondering if Suzuki have reason for this short service interval, or was it perhaps overlooked when they upgraded to iridium plugs from copper.

I'll probably end up doing them, regardless of the cost, for peace of mind if nothing else.

Interested to hear from anyone in the trade or motorcycle mechanics opinion on why so soon?:confused:

(FWIW some cars run 150k plus on iridium plugs)
 
#3 ·
I did read somewhere that Suzuki had NGK make this plug under contract specifically for the V strom..

I'm thinking did they say (NGK TO SUZUKI) hmm only if we will be able to sell 'xx' amount, and Suzuki response was to require over frequent changing to accommodate the sales required.... food for thought...

I just cant get my head around any logical reason, but as said, probably do for peace of mind, since I do all own maintenance (within reason) and my labour is free.:)

Some places here charging up to $40 a PLUG!!! Set of 4 from overseas on good ol fleabay $66 on my doorstep...

Still dont get why... sigh
 
#4 ·
An equivalent plain copper plug is available from sparkplugs.com
Cost me about $40 landed. Been in my vee2 about 20k just getting to the point where I figure I ought to change them.
Not cause of any trouble just figure I ought to.

Tom R
 
#6 ·
Why would Australia be different from any other location? This is just one more example of a general tech question being wrongly posted in a local forum. Anyway, it's pretty evident the published interval was not changed when the plugs themselves were changed to Iridiums. When manuals are updated, not every change is caught. The engine mounting bracket bolts were wrongly spec'd at 35Nm when the DL650 came out in 2004. The proper spec is listed in the DL1000 manuals at 23Nm for bolts in the same frame casting. That mistake is still on the books today.

Some sticky threads on point:

http://www.stromtrooper.com/general...ce-manual-errors-questionable-statements.html
http://www.stromtrooper.com/australia-new-zealand/261946-right-place-start-your-thread.html
 
#8 ·
These new spark plugs are bulletproof. I changed my 05 Toyota Corolla NGK's at 130000 and they still looked perfect. And there not near the plug that comes in our bikes now. The car was running perfect, just changed them for peace of mine. I may never change them in the strom.
 
#9 ·
It's probably relevant in the Aussie site as I questioned my dealer regarding the regular spark plug changes. He stated that due to "Australian" conditions they needed to be changed out every 12000 ks. Also some stuff about the higher revs on the bike compared to a car.:fineprint:
Any way after the next major service will just do most of my own, will be out of warranty then.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Didn't say that but the Aussie dealers are saying it. Trying to pass it off as an Aussie problem.
Still pertinent to Aussie topic, was an Aussie asking about Aussie V Stroms, they are slightly different to the American ones, or so I believe?
But hey you are the moderators so no problems.:smile2:

Just an addit: The OP actually asked for an Aussie take on his question.
 
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#13 ·
Disappointed I had my iridium plugs changed at 24k. Replaced with standard plugs. Had to pay for iridums to be put back in because I was disappointed with the fuel increase. Not sure whether the change in plugs or the 24k service caused the increase in fuel usage and
the change in engine characteristics
 
#19 ·
It is probably legally governed. The timing belts on the same car sold in and out California had 60k and 90k change interval.

Greywolf is most likely correct this is just blast from the past when bikes had regular plugs. AU gasoline cannot be that bad comparing to US, can it?
 
#15 ·
There are differences. Also OP asked an Aussie specific question.
Just nit picking.
 
#16 ·
Suzuki's timeline on plug replacement is ludicrous no matter where you live.
 
#18 ·
Fairly under skilled, I would have thought. Suzuki would not specify and fit the more expensive iridium plugs for no good reason.
I'd have thought it comparable to putting the wrong oil into the engine.
The general consensus seems to be mostly that the iridium plug will at least last longer than its platinum equivalent but at 3 or 4 times the price you must surely be expecting something more for your money.
Iridium spark plugs | Information and advice
 
#25 ·
You may not believe it but some Australians can read other sections of the forum.

Me, I'm retired so I can ride whenever I like. I don't like high temperatures and I'm not silly enough to ride on 40+C days.
 
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