So - How long do Iridium plugs last

[robsonthejob]

I've a 2004 DL1000 running iridium plugs (CR8EIX). Its done over 20k miles on them now no issues but I've got the bike in bits for a few jobs I need to do - DO they need changing yet ?? - much easier to do now.

[mr_diver]

Simply. No.

My wee was running on the same plugs for 40k. Gearbox gave up before the plugs did.
Iridium plugs should be good for 100k

[porter]

I would do them now while it's apart, as that front plug is not easy to get to,  your model only needs the normal iridium plugs, they're not too expensive through eBay. My L4 needs a plug from Suzuki only and it needs four of them! But I'll still change them at about the 20k mark. Up to you.

[robsonthejob]

Decision made - pair ordered from EBay for £13.90 for the pair delivered, should arrive Monday

[ProfG]

I would do them now while its apart, as that front plug is not easy to get to,  your model only needs the normal iridium plugs, there not to expensive of ebay. My L4 needs a plug from Suzuki only and it needs four of em! But I'll still change em at about the 20k mark. Up to u.

 

Where's the spelling and grammar police?   

[Rusty Nuts]

Where ARE they, indeed?

(They is probly around hear somewear.)

[grumps]

Its dem cutbacks. You only gets Community Grammar Police theze days

[porter]

U missed an em

[tallpaul]

[vstrom2007]

Check the length of the plug against the ones you take out as I fitted a pair of iridium plugs from ebay as listed for my strom and had a misfire at around 3500 rpm all over France and it turned out to be the plugs were about 10 mm shorter than they should have been, apparently fake Chinese plugs are avaliable and not just dvds. 

[Brockett]

excuse me ProG  but "they're" as used is (IMHO) correct 

[MartinW]

+1 

[Pedro41]

NGK who make the IX iridium plug in question had this to say on their website.

(So why do Suzuki insist on changing the plugs at 7,500 miles for an AL3 service schedule?)

How Long Do Iridium Plugs Last?
September 30, 2012
A traditional IX iridium plug such as NGK ZFR6FIX-11 has an iridium Center Electrode, however the ground electrode is a traditional nickel construction.  Therefore, the ground electrode will wear out first. NGK gives them a life expectancy of 40-50k miles.  But they have to temper their projections as driving conditions and motor modifications differ.  Typically we have found you can expect 60,000 to 80,000 miles on an unaltered motor.

 

NGK Laser Iridium plugs have iridium center and a Platinum ground electrodes. If installed in a regular engine, they would likely last longer than most people keep their car (barring any motor problems that can cause premature plug death).  All Laser Iridium plugs are an OEM design, made for a specific engine.  Some feature a special resistor or electrode design, depending on the OE requirements.  In their OE application, NGK's Laser Iridium plugs typically last 80-100k miles.

[greywolf]

One thing to consider is the plugs on a bike will probably fire about twice as often as those in a car for the same distance traveled. Still, 7,500 miles is a ridiculously short interval.