Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

Attempted to change the spark plugs today. First time I've done it on any bike. Well, i say 'done', but i didn't even complete the job.

According to Mr Haynes, and my assumption, i thought it'd be a half hour easy job. How wrong was i.

How in God's name are you meant to get the front plug out? I unscrewed every bolt for the rad. It then moves forward an inch at the most. After lots of swearing and wrestling to find space, i eventually got the spark plug socket (from the bikes tool kit) into the hole and gripping the plug (i think).

Here's where i got stuck. Theres barely any space to turn the spark plug socket with a spanner, and its the most fiddly frustrating thing i've ever done. I managed to turn it slightly, but not enough i don't think. How many turns should it need before the plug becomes free? Once it is free, will it pull out with the socket?

I eventually gave up, and tightened it back up. Hope i did anyway, as it was hard to tell. I didn't even attempt to change the rear plug. So, looks like a simple maintenance job has defeated me.

Any tips?

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

I had a similar experience when doing mine too, ended up splitting a radiator hose trying to pivot the rad out. Much easier without that there lol, Since i have done it with the rad connected up but it is very tight.

Time for a coolant change?

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

I used Carol's 3/8 drive Snap on set to change mine, was fiddly, but as long as you take your time and are patient, it is ok.

I removed the splash guard and then I pushed the Radiator forward and supported it with a rod. After that it was tight, but a small ratchet makes it easier.

Good luck. :D

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

It takes about 2 mins to drain the coolant, then you take the radiator off, then you can get at the plug and then you can add some new coolant.

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

I used one of those jointed adaptors on my socket set . Wedge the rad out of the way with a block of wood , put the spark plug socket down the hole and onto the plug , then a short extension bar and then the jointed adaptor . You can undo it nicely on an angle and do front and back plug in less than 15 minutes .

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

If it's a curvy unbolt the horn

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

Corrected for you YC ;)

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

After an hours struggling, i remembered the sv tool set under the pillion seat and lo and behold the perfect tool for the job was in there. Felt a bit stupid after it then took 2 mins to remove!!

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

We did binkys plugs in no time, I could not understand what all the fuss was about.

I'm in no position to start giving in depth descriptions on how to do it though. I have a fair few tools, I guess if you have limited tools you may struggle

Re: Didn't know changing the spark plugs would be so bloody hard
 

It's a bit of a palaver if you can't get the rad forward very far.

I tend to do it on major (annual service) when the coolant's drained- that way I can get the radiator off the hoses and right out of the way (off the bike if necessary!).

I had similar issues with the front takeoff point today when balancing the carbs- a nightmare to get the carbtune hose onto as there's no room for fingers- I suspect really long nose pliers would have had a job too.

I fitted a larger tube over the end of the hose and it went onto the nipple easier (oo-er!).