Spark plug read

Just put in a new battery, and took it out for a spin. My headlight is brighter, and the voltage reads a lot better, I think. I didn't do any electrical testing on it myself, but judging how well she fired up after the ride, it may be alright.

I shot the SPARK PLUG pics after the ride. Does the color look acceptable on the plug? It seems much more consistent accross the set now, than it did with the old battery.

See below for closeup pic replacement.

Resistive plugs for your model, that correct....?

For now, look fine where non soot/carbon on the insulator, strap 50/50 hard to say, carbon on base ring...

Need more than a ride around the block.... Take her for a nice 50-100 mile run then compare...

I fixed your pic for you. Also cut one out and blew it up.

Why using R plugs?

R plugs may in this instance be causing weaker (i.e., less complete) combustion and therefore darker plugs.

Would replace plugs with brand new B8ES (non-R) and repeat the plug reading after a nice long test ride.

Good Fortune!

Heres a better closeup pic

:blink: There is no other resistor component in the setup.

Otherwise, a resistor wire set, OR resistor caps would be needed, if I'm not mistaken. I currently prefer using solid-core wires.
If run with no resistance, then what about the poor people's pacemakers or cell-phones? The exhaust setup already makes every obnoxious Harley seem quiet.

Today will be a good day.

daveo wrote: ...

:blink: There is no other resistor component in the setup.

Otherwise, a resistor wire set, OR resistor caps would be needed, if I'm not mistaken. I currently prefer using solid-core wires.
If run with no resistance, then what about the poor people's pacemakers or cell-phones? The exhaust setup already makes every obnoxious Harley seem quiet.

Today will be a good day.

Correct. Your digital volt meter may get whacky with no resistor element as well.

Plugs look ok, if they've been in the bike for some time. Otherwise, could be a tad rich (as OMR's photo guide says), but not too bad.

I don't want to thread jack but I have a question thats directly related.

I bought new Dyna 7mm Copper Core spark plug wires and B8ES spark plugs. This combination is what's preferred in these bikes right? After reading through a lot of spark plug threads, including this one, I'm beginning to second guess.

I have a an 82 KZ750 LTD

"There is no other resistor component in the setup. "... No, that isn't correct.

Spark plug wires themselves are designed with resistance/inductive properties! You can have a couple ohms up to a couple thousand ohms pending designs...

This is one of the main reasons a single universal plug wire set (other than lengths & boots) won't work for all vehicles/ignition sets.

If your kawi model does not call for resistive "R" rated plugs, you'd be limiting the voltage/current (Ohms Law) for your ignition spark....

daveo wrote: ...There is no other resistor component in the setup....

R plugs being the only resistor component wasn't noted in the original post, but is indeed an important consideration.

Am thinking most KZ models are produced with resistor spark plug caps as the sole resistor component; and that most if not all KZ models are produced with non-R spark plugs.

Running without any resistor component may cause interference in delicate electronics on a bike.

Z1, KZ900, and most if not all KZ1000 were not factory-fitted with delicate electronics that could be adversely affected by lack of a resistance component.
Plenty of owners run their Z1 and KZ without any resistance component.

An uncertain if or when large Kaw fours became factory fitted with delicate electronics that could be adversely affected by lack of a resistance component.
But the long-standing resistor spark plug cap was likely relied upon as sufficient protection for the delicate electronics.

As is well-known, running without any resistor component may cause interference in audio reception located near the running motorcycle engine.

Am dubious about whether running without any resistor component has any effect on a pacemaker, as mechanics wearing pacemakers regularly work on ignition systems, perform arc welding, cook with microwave ovens, etc, without serious ill effects. Even MRI is now considered safe for many pacemaker patients.

Good Fortune!

daveo wrote: ...:blink: There is no other resistor component in the setup.

... I currently prefer using solid-core wires.

I think he is saying he is running solid wires, and non-resistor caps, correct? So resistor plugs won't hurt.

I wouldn't worry about their pacemaker. Their heart should skip a beat anyhow when they see a beautiful KZ ride by.

Jrbrownie00

Your setup would necessitate using resistor caps...correct? :kiss: