Spark Plugs and Wires

I think this question is quite basic but I wanted to make sure I had things correct. I am going to switch out the spark plug wires on my bike.

The manual for my bike specifies NGK BR8ES plugs. However, the caps I am looking to buy are NGK LB05EP. These caps have resistors in them and have a value of 5kOhm. I should use B8ES plugs instead of the BR8ES, correct? Also, my local shop lists 7mm wire. I assume that would be fine?

I do not use resistor caps or resistor plugs on my daily rider GPz1100. If you don't plan on mounting a radio than you don't require them. You will have a much better spark without resistors. Some people claim that the RF noise can interfere with the IC box but I have had no problems in the last three years. 7mm or 8mm is what you want. Solid core (non suppression) cables not carbon core (suppresion).

Couple of points you might want to consider.

#1 You're going to piss off anyone listening to AM radio within a couple blocks of you, and especially that wacko that's just lost his job and listening to Glenn Beck till "you" wiped it out, while sitting right next to him at a stop light.

#2 You're also going to piss off any ham trying to communicate on HF within a quarter mile (or more) of you.

#3 It's called RF pollution.

And there is absolutely no reason to do so. Running a proper resister ignition system will have no effect on performance.

Of course you'll also be violating Federal Regulations, but if you don't care what you're doing to everyone else, I doubt you'll care about violating some Federal Regs.

Glad to here I'm not the only one with the Laws in mind, I'll have to agree with steell on this one.

steell, was that directed at me or otakar? I'm pretty sure it was otakar but I would just like to make sure.

highly likely at me. As far as the Feds are concerned, F*** Them. I doubt that very many people will be listening to AM I even did tests with a vintage RC system on AM and unless I put the transmitter or receiver within 3' of the spark plugs there was no interference. I tested both on 27mHZ 40mHZ 50mHZ 72mHZ and 76mHZ. no affect on any of tham once out of the 3-4' range. But I am also the one that rides around with a cell phone jammer turned on, that I bought in China, (Actually two of them). I know that I really piss of the talkers when I get within 10 yards of them (that is how far it works) I have absolutely no apologies for that one.

So if I am willing to put the resistor in the system, am I right in that you don't want a resistor in the plug and the cap? Just one or the other?

I'd think one or the other, not both, being two resistors in the circuit would(I think) lower the spark energy.

MFolks wrote:

I'd think one or the other, not both, being two resistors in the circuit would(I think) lower the spark energy.

2X

You can either;
1)use resistor caps with standard plugs and solid wires.
2)resistor plugs solid wires and silicone caps.
3)suppression wires with standard plugs and silicone caps.

steell wrote:

Couple of points you might want to consider.

.... Of course you'll also be violating Federal Regulations, but if you don't care what you're doing to everyone else, I doubt you'll care about violating some Federal Regs.

Please don't get pissed; I'm not calling you a liar, but I doubt there is such a federal regulation. If there was why would the feds allow the sale and purchase of non-resistor plugs? I use them every time as called for in my factory manual and have had zero problems buying or using them. Please give your source. Peace Ed

kz750saskatoon wrote:

...am going to switch out the spark plug wires on my bike. The manual for my bike specifies NGK BR8ES plugs.

The manual for my bike specifies NGK BR8ES plugs --- If correct, does the manual give a reason?

I run and would recommend Dyna solid core plug wires from Z1E (come with caps already attached) and NGK B8ES (non-resistor plugs).

The R in NGK BR8ES means "Resistor."

If supplanting ear-pounding rap noise supplied by local automobile boom-boxers, just smile and consider it a welcome public service. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Good Fortune!

American bikes were spec'd with out resistor. Canadian and other markets were spec'd with (Thanks to our HAM Op's & there need to protect the air waves {rf pollution}). Both Canuck and US bikes were spec'd with 5 kohm resistor caps through the early / mid 80s... probably earlier as well. We Canucks did get the good carbs though, and no smog pumps / EGR stuff till the mid 80s. I personally find a performance gain running without the resistor, especially with a ND plug. However, I reserve them for off-road applications.

Run the 5 kohm cap and resistor plug Sask, the difference is VERY minor. The Wired George relay setup will net you much greater gains.