Re: live and learn. you other new riders need to read this

Posted by sgtslag on Oct 03, 2011; 3:39am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/live-and-learn-you-other-new-riders-need-to-read-this-tp3388364p3388760.html

Actually, I am relieved!  Bad piston rings have sent many a bike to the junkyard!

Iridium plugs are made by NGK (as far as I know, other companies make similar plugs, by a different name?) -- NGK is the only plug I will run in a motorcycle of any make/model.  As far as 'wasting money' on the Iridium plugs, that is wrong:  the ignition system (coils, mostly) on these bikes, are weak; the Iridium plugs require less energy to create a spark so they fire more consistently, and they last for 50,000+ miles in a bike (will last 100,000 miles in a car...).  The gap on the Iridium's is pre-set at the factory, so there is no need to adjust them, unless you believe they are out of adjustment due to being dropped, or something.

Bottom line is that you did not waste your money on unneeded plugs (my bike starts remarkably fast with the Iridium plugs, and it fires more smoothly than it did on regular plugs, too; they will likely outlast the engine!), and you have your bike running -- that is what it is all about!!!

Glad you had an experienced friend to assist you.  Getting information on a forum is great, but it is no substitute for hands-on diagnosis.  Don't feel bad.  You probably learned a lot along the way -- namely that your bike was nowhere near as bad off as you thought.  Hopefully the weather will allow you to get some miles on that bike now.  Thanks for sharing the good news with us.  Cheers!