<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: boomer8201

I think I'll try the iridium plugs next time I need some. if they last longer and need less energy then why not?</end quote></div>

EXACTLY! Plus they tend to idle & accelerate more smoothly.

<u>Back to the original question</u> - I believe the primary difference in plugs is the Hex (The part that you use to tighten the plug). THe ds650 can use a DR8EIX or a DCPR8EIX. The thread, reach and temp range are all the same, but the DCPR uses a 5/8 hex, where the DR8 uses an 18mm Hex. Also, the DCPR has a terminal nut (On top) and the DR only has the threads - (reuse the old terminal nuts if necessary). Deep well 18mm sockets are not very common, so they switched to the more common 5/8 hex later.

 

"Iridiums run more efficient thus being easy on ignition components." I run them on some old bikes HOPING this is true, and to save some old CDI's. HeavyFouling might be better handled by fixing the root cause or a hotter plug, not the type of metal in the resister. I had no difference in normal fouling. I cleaned the iridiums at 6 monsths just like I would the platinum, and will probably throw out in in a year. I have noticed no starting or performance gains. You CAN gap them if needed.

I have never liked champions in my vehicles, bikes or power equipment. However, I have to eat my words as I had good results with Champion Powersports Plugs I bought as an emergency at Walmart once. I have used them in 8809 and 8810 in quads, I am not sure what the cross over for the RA6HC is, but I think the DR 7 & 8 NGK cross to the 8809. They cost 2.30 as opposed to the 10$ is took to get Iridiium shipped to my corner of the world.

Like oil, this is one of those decisions you can experiment with, but I think it doesn't really matter if your bike is in order, and get the right size and heat range and gap.

Go to sparkplugs.com and they will crossrefrence everything for you. Good luck

 

the DR8EA and DR8EIX are for 2000-2002. DCPR8E and DCPR8EIX are for 2003-2004.

the DR8EA is what came in my 2006 ds650x, so will the DR8EIX work for the 2006 model as well?
also what does the 2006 ds requier for the gap?

 

The ending of the spark plug only denotes what kind of plug it is.
ES=Standard
EVX=Platinum
EIX=Iridium

The first letters and the number are what have significance. The letters denote the reach, thread and hex while the number denotes the temp range of the plug.

If you have a DR8EA, you can switch to a DR8EIX and vice-versa.

You can even switch to a DCPR8EIX or a DCPR8EA without having any issues - it is the same plug, same reach, same heat range but with a different hex (See my post above) and it includes the round cap on top of the plug (Which can be removed by unscrewing if needed).

Iridium plugs come pre-gapped at .028 for the DS.

 

thank you for clearing that up for me.

 

Thoughts about Spark Plugs: OMR's
How many miles should a plug lasts?
In cars they are rated by mileage; if basic cheap plug can go a minmum of 10k miles and the expense ones are good for 80k+; then even the cheap plug will probably lasts the average atver 2-3 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The main reason plugs loose performance is mainly by gas fouling.
An expensive plug will foul just as easy as a cheap plug!!!

I foul plugs alot because I am always trying to get that last hp ouf my motors.
Even when I am jetted perfect, on a long dusty trail ride, the air filter becomes dirty and the motor starts to run richer.

I have been using, for the lasts 4 years, Champion RA8HC
The RA6HC is what the books say to use. I have found them to be too cold.
I have no pre-ignition problems and this heat range seems to burn off fuel loading, during mid range, the bests. I love mid range torque.

I use only pump gas and thus my motors are just fast trail.
If you have to use race gas then maybe a different plug may be better.

At $1.35 each I keep extra's under the seat. Federal Mogul has done a good job improving the Champion line.

 

Good points