Are NGK Iridium Sparks Plugs better than standard plugs?

[Sid Squid]

From some time ago:

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Performance wise it doesn't matter, Platinum/Iridium/U groove plugs might make it easier to start in borderline conditions, but if your bike is properly maintained and running OK anyway, they're unlikely to make much difference. Save your money.

[Spanner Man]

Good evening all.


As spark plugs age, the internal resistance increases, therefore making your ignition system work a little harder. So leaving your plugs in for umpteen thousand miles is not to be recommended.
However, as stated, changing them every 7.5k seems excessive.

Spark plugs should be checked every 3-4k to make sure they're tight, if nothing else, so it's the ideal time to inspect them. Most plugs will start to show signs of wear at somewhere between 10 to 12k, so anymore than 15k is not to be recommended in my opinion.

Due to the finer centre electrode, Iridium plugs allow more room for the spark, therefore giving slightly better burn characteristics, & because of the lower resistance of the electrode material they give the ignition system an easier life.
They're not intended to last longer, so should be changed at the same intervals as standard plugs.


Cheers.

Agreed... I was probably a little flippant with my earlier response. There is no way I would expect them to last 60,000 miles, but 7,500mi is IMO a little silly. The reality is that I change them every 30,000km/20,000mi.

Cheers