Replacing spark plugs with something newer.

[Sid Squid]

Spark plugs? How passé. How about lasers instead?

Click me (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13160950)

[flymo]

its the future I tell yer

[rictus01]

if it an't broke.......

[tom-k6]

if it aint broke, get a laser version! =D

[flymo]

if it an't broke.......

oh yeah, we would still be eating bread without garlic if we took your advice ;-)

[DarrenSV650S]

The chavs will have fun with those :)

[yorkie_chris]

Cool

[Biker Biggles]

Will there be a version for diesel engines too?

[rictus01]

If I'm getting lazers on the bike I want them forward facing and preferably able to cut steel .......:smt074

[collis]

i want some on the bike... bet you wont be able to fit them on older machines though

[Stenno]

oh yeah, we would still be eating bread without garlic if we took your advice ;-)

:smt042 +1

[rictus01]

whilst it's a "bit of bling" you could boast at having and no doubt does as they claim, spark plugs aren't the most unreliable part of a bike by a long way and people are only concerned with the environment when it doesn't hit there pocket, plugs are both cheap and easy to change and also something that normally lasts a fair time to, it's just added complications to my mind, and yes I'd still have carbs if I could, prefer a screw driver to a laptop and don't particularly like garlic either.

Cheers Mark.

[-Ralph-]

people are only concerned with the environment when it doesn't hit there pocket

Most people won't buy it because it's better for the environment, they'll buy it if it saves them money on fuel. Diesel cars are generally more expensive to buy and that hits the buyers pocket, doesn't stop people buying them. If a laser system adds 10% to the price, but 30% to fuel efficiency, they will be a sales success.

We don't know what those percentages are yet, so it's impossible to tell if this will take off or not.

[ophic]

If you pull it out and look at it to see if it's sparking, you might go blind... or zap your dog... :smt072

[Sid Squid]

Despite my, (not entirely serious :)), earlier suggestion, I rather doubt that there will be a version of these to replace your existing spark plugs with, the technology, if adopted, would probably require a redesign of the combustion chamber in order to take advantage of its possible capabilities*.

In particular, there is the suggestion that multiple ignition 'beams' could be provided and therefore multiple - and shortened - flame paths and reduced burn times. If such potential can be realised this could certainly improve economy and lessen emissions.

Maybe.

* That's not to say they won't be seen on ebay as performance upgrades to be sold to the irrepressibly credulous. Like the brackets to mount radial calipers to existing axial brake mounts - the worst of both worlds http://community.secondlife.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/6299iDC1A1164915592DF/image-size/original?v=mpbl-1&px=-1

[tom-k6]

pull it out to see if its sparking = LIGHTSABER!!!

[maviczap]

Old news, I've had them fitted for ages :D