My son has a 2001 Lakota Sport. The manual calls for a ngk dr7ea. The local Kawasaki dealer shows it needs a ngk d8ea. Kawasaki web site shows a ngk dr8ea. A local motorcycle shop said if it calls for a resitor plug you should use one. I know the 7 or 8 is the heat range. What do all you use, or suggest?
Thanks

 

The dr8ea or the d8ea, is what I use. I know the R stands for resistor but I thought it was only if you ran a intercom head sets that it would be needed.

 

I run a Champion plug in mine. 810C I think is the number. I have found these foul alot less and you can pick them up almost anywhere.

 

98, I have a little Champion spark plug story for you! LOL! I had a 86 KDX 80 and probably about the end of 87 I decided to change my plug because it was still the original NGK plug. Well I bought a champion and put in it and on the first ride it fouled! Luckily I threw the original NGK in the tool kit as a spare. I put it back in and ran it for another year before selling it. LOL! I swore from that day on that I wouldn't put a Champion spark plug in my bicycle! I am glad to hear that they are better now, but that is the only day the little KDX ever quit on me and it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth to even think about it! LOL!

 

Champion plugs are not worth a crap. I can't keep a champion plug in anything I own. Boats, lawn mowers, chain saws, atv's, other work equipment, nothing. They constantly foul, and overall suck. I've always had good luck with NGK.

My dealer told me the same thing about the Lakota. That it needed a resistor plug. I don't understand why.

 

Must be the air down south, but I have never had a Champion plug give me any trouble. (I better pick up an extra plug on the way home). Use whatever works, but I like Champion.

 

We run the NGK DPR8EA-9 plug in ALL brand ATVs that call for the D8EA,DR8EA,and DR8ESL[and alot of others]. These plugs tend to last longer than the other series and is also the same plug that nearly all the manufacturers install on quads when new in the box.

Champion plugs have never been known to give good service in any small engine. Consider yourself one of a very few who haven't had problems with them. Harley Davidson dealers are the only ones that I know of who even stock Champion plugs.

We also sell KTM and for some stupid reason, they put Champion plugs in all their motorcycles during assembly. We give all purchasers of a KTM [and other brands] an extra plug when they leave the store. KTM guys are always the ones who come back the next day for a "true" spare because the Champion was replaced by the NGK I gave him the day before. I'm not criticizing anyone over what plug they use. Just giving my experience with the "things"

KNOWSALOT