1. Probably don't need to, but Iridiums will last a long time, so while you've got it apart, why not?
2. Pre-gapped or not, you've gotta check before install. The gapper tool is maybe 12 bucks.

 

i would i do mine every thousand miles just to keep everything running top

 

defineitely overkill....but to each thier own.....8k is what im doin mine at

 

Most of these new bikes come stock with them. My 08 has them stock. They also comes pre gapped. Just make sure you have the correct part number. Also, remember to change them every 7000ish miles.

 

you cant gap an iridium plug. you will break the electrode/ceramic part of the plug. and yes, our bikes come from the factory with iridiums. the book calls for them to be changed every 12,000 or 15,000 miles. i dont remember which.

since you have access to the plugs, its best to inspect them anyways.

 

Sure you can gap them; you just have to be careful. I've done it myself and had no trouble. And if the gap is wrong, what good is it? Better to break it trying, 'cuz you'll need a new one anyway.

 

You'll get a whole bunch of different answers here. Every one has their own ideas of what's best. The book says inspect at 16,000 mi and replace at 32,000 mi.
If the bike is running ok I don't know why you would go to all the trouble to inspect them. I'm up to 30,000 mi and the plugs will be comming out for the first time next week.

 

stock iridium denso's correct?.....

 

i got a question what is the life expectancy of these engines?

 

changing plugs at 5k would be a waste of $$ imo.

 

I bought the bike used, so I dont know the condition of anything. She seems to fine just fine but since Im alrerady in there, with the intake out and everything removed, im gonna get the plugs for $50. $50 isnt nothing but its peace of mine if anything

What should the gap be at, .035?
Thanks

 

I purchased a new set of LI NGKs from orielys for about $50 and i used the wire type gap tool and checked them and they were all at .035 right out of the box so i put them in. I have an 04 with 30k miles

 

My biggest fight was getting to the plugs! My 05' was running like it was on 3 cyl. I sprayed the head pipes with windex and they all vaporized except the furthest right pipe (from the saddle looking forward). It runs like an EX500 and has an intermitten popping in the exhaust. I think its the plugs, so I went to change them! What a pain in the ASS! I have to honestly say Honda has never made it do hard to change plugs! It would have been easier to remove the engine and then change them! I had to remove the seat, tank cover, tank, airbox cap, filters, upper injectors, v-stacks, then I got to the intake where it was a pain to remove from the pit where it resides. The flapper system and housing in front is now removed permanently because it refused to let go so I #%@* cut it out with a !#^*%^ saw-zall!! I hate to say it took me longer to change the #%&*!@ spark plugs in this thing that it took me to change both tires and the side cover!

I honestly can say that was the hardest time I have ever had changing plugs!

 

you should have checked for the DIY on changing these. i can change them in under an hour at most, usually 45 mins (start to finish).

the key is to move the radiator out of the way and remove the 1st part of the air intake, then go in from the top: remove tank shelter, upper and lower air box, then remove the 2nd part of the air intake. change the plugs, then reverse the order.

 

I just did this as well, and as my first time working on a 1000rr and bikes in general its not very simple. Its not difficult but is time consuming. So many things needs to move or come off. Granted I did tons of other things too, and I highly suggest anyone doing plugs or anything in that area do like 4 things at once (plugs, flapper, pair mod, filter clean/change, possibly gut the intake) as pulling this apart 4 or 5 times would drive someone mad (me anyway) lol

 

always check the gap of your plugs with the wire type gauge, not the flat kind that you would use for valve adjusting. Always change plugs with the engine cold and i always out some antiseize on the threads and dielectric grease in the boots of the coils.

 

Yea well I was aggro as hell last night! The wife was like "Our neighbors are going to think you're nuts with all this cursing and slinging tools in the garage!" I was like "F@#& the neighbors, wheres that hammer..."