2005 R 1200 GS spark plug question

[chasmrider]

hi all, I have been running NGK DCPR8EKC plugs in my GS for some time. went to get new plugs today and no one has them. I got the last 2 at Napa, went to Oreillys and they said we have DCPR8EKP, and the only difference is, c is copper electrode and p is platinum. same length same heat, so it seems ok to me. is there any reason I shouldn't use the platinum? I am leaving on a 5000 mile trip on sunday. so my other thought was use the 2 copper plugs I got at Napa to replace my main plugs, and do the secondary after the trip. any thoughts? thanks

 

[pauls1150]

Platinum tips last longer than the standard plugs.
NOTE: Be VERY careful when checking the gap.

 

[chasmrider]

thanks Paul, I do have one other option, I could just run my current plugs, they look like a lightly toasted marshmallow, no irregularities. been running fine, just under 19,000 miles.

 

[chasmrider]

BTW, I have never checked the gap on these plugs

 

[gsaddict]

No need to check the gap as you risk damaging if you try to bend the side electrodes.
When the centre electrode gets oval, replace them.
Or simply replace them as per BMW schedule.

 

[drneo66]

Beemerboneyard lists those plugs for the Hexhead R1200 engines. I ran the Iridium plugs (DCPR8EIX) for a while, I didn't see an increase in gas mileage, but I did choose to run a longer service life.

 

[chasmrider]

installed this morning, NGK DCPR8EKP, major service complete, time to test! heading to Boise Sunday morning. see you on the road

 

[lkchris]

Very often the only source for spark plugs for BMW motorcycles is the dealer.

'mericun FLAPS are not in the business of parts for low volume, European luxury vehicles

 

[chasmrider]

I had Napa cross reference my BMW plugs at the first recommended interval, when the dealer told me almost $30 per plug. last I heard BMW wanted over $50 per plug. I just bought 4 NGK platinum plugs for $16 per plug.

 

[chasmrider]

took a short test ride yesterday, bike felt great, going for a longer ride today, on the road Sunday.

 

[drneo66]

I had Napa cross reference my BMW plugs at the first recommended interval, when the dealer told me almost $30 per plug. last I heard BMW wanted over $50 per plug. I just bought 4 NGK platinum plugs for $16 per plug.

Last time I tried to buy from a normal auto part store, they had the correct plug, but didn't have the little screw on terminal top and the ones that I found online were crazily priced. I ended up just got them from Beemerboneyard for ~$13 per plug and no hassle.

 

[pglaves]

Last time I tried to buy from a normal auto part store, they had the correct plug, but didn't have the little screw on terminal top and the ones that I found online were crazily priced. I ended up just got them from Beemerboneyard for ~$13 per plug and no hassle.

Generally, if I am discarding plugs with the screw-on top I take them off before discarding the plugs. Somewhere I have several of the little screw-on tops - but where?

 

[drneo66]

Generally, if I am discarding plugs with the screw-on top I take them off before discarding the plugs. Somewhere I have several of the little screw-on tops - but where?

I know the previous spark plug terminals didn't screw off - lesson learned! Apparently the screw-on terminal is like half the cost of the plug