Standard Copper Core or iridium

[RickSkye]

I am doing the 8000 mile service and they say to change the spark plugs

Do I choose Standard Copper Core or iridium £3.99 and £10.49.

If the iridium ones are so good, why change them?

Will the copper cores last the 8000 miles ?

The handbook recomends copper.

2006 transalp

[StumpyFingers]

What do you want to spend?
The Iridium plugs would possibly last for two or three services but it is down to personal choice.

[davsato]

id go with what the book recommends, especially if you can buy nearly three for the same money as one iridium plug! copper plugs are well up to at least 8000mi, especially on an unstressed engine like in a transalp. ive had one new plug on my xt600e in 10 years, and i screw the nuts off that. just get a good brand like NGK or champion

[RickSkye]

Originally Posted by davsato

id go with what the book recommends, especially if you can buy nearly three for the same money as one iridium plug! copper plugs are well up to at least 8000mi, especially on an unstressed engine like in a transalp. ive had one new plug on my xt600e in 10 years, and i screw the nuts off that. just get a good brand like NGK or champion

Well thats what I am thinking, I don't recall having a problem with plugs in the past, even my 125 honda, which I thrased to within and inch, only had one in its life.
Agree with the good brand though.

[davsato]

if it was a little two stroke like, say, a PX125 vespa, i would estimate at least 50 plugs in 8000mi!

infuriating barmy little things and i would have one again tomorrow..........

[xr6r0b]

Iridium. Every time! They give a much better spark. You will doubtless get your money back on fuel savings alone.

[RickSkye]

Originally Posted by xr6r0b

Iridium. Every time! They give a much better spark. You will doubtless get your money back on fuel savings alone.

Thats interesting, can you elaborate.
I assumed the iridium component was just harder and lasted longer, ie same spark intensity.

[Alba]

Originally Posted by xr6r0b

Iridium. Every time! They give a much better spark. You will doubtless get your money back on fuel savings alone.

Need some numbers here, what bike are you running and your mpg.

cheers

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Stock plugs changed at 13,000 miles - looked perfect.
Tried Iridiums
NO change in performance/starting/economy etc
I changed them after they'd been in about 23k and they looked perfect.

Changed for stock as the Iridiums offer no advantages that I can see.

Phil

[StumpyFingers]

Originally Posted by piguglyshandydrinker

Stock plugs changed at 13,000 miles - looked perfect.
Tried Iridiums
NO change in performance/starting/economy etc
I changed them after they'd been in about 23k and they looked perfect.

Changed for stock as the Iridiums offer no advantages that I can see.

Phil

The Advantages of iridium plugs only become apparent in sports and performance bikes where the engine is under more stress.
A lazy engine like that of the Transalp is not hard enough on plugs to warrant the extra cost.