How to Change Motorcycle Spark Plugs

Motorcycle spark plugs should be replaced at regular intervals to ensure a motorcycle runs efficiently. Check your owner’s manual to learn in depth how to change motorcycle spark plugs and know how often you should be changing them. Forgetting to change spark plugs means that your bike will soon lose performance and some level of reliability.

All in all, changing spark plugs is an easy motorcycle maintenance routine that only requires a small investment in terms of money and time. Here’s how to do it:

Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started, you’ll need these tools:

• Ratchet
• Spark plug gap tool
• Spark plug socket
• New spark plugs for your bike

Remove the Spark Plug Wires

Accessing your bike’s spark plugs is easy from either side of the bike. First, wait for your engine to cool down if you’ve been riding. Then, look for that spark plug wire that is easily identifiable with a small cap on the end of a spark plug, and gently twist it to remove it. Don’t forcefully remove the wires to avoid damaging them.

Clean the Spark Plugs on Your Motorcycle

Before you learn how to change motorcycle spark plugs, use a small amount of  cleaning agent and a wet cloth to rub your spark plugs before removing them. Although you’ll not be using them again, what you’re doing here is getting rid of any dirt, grime, or debris that may be on the spark plugs, so it cannot fall into the engine cylinders when removing the plugs. You can also blow over the spark plugs using a tire compressor to clean off any dust or dirt.

Remove the Spark Plugs

Use a ratchet and your spark plug socket to remove them in an anti-clockwise direction. You can use some extensive pressure as the spark plugs have linings that are designed to prevent any surface cracks to the case. Once loose, you can spin them out of the case using your fingers. Look out for any signs of damage to the plugs as it could be an indication that some debris may have fallen into the engine cylinder head.

Inspect Your Cylinder Heads

As part of learning how to change motorcycle spark plugs, make sure to check the engine cylinder heads before you install your new spark plugs. If the cylinder head is in good condition, the plugs should be installed easily. If there’s dirt on the heads, use a damp cloth that is soaked in some penetrating oil to wipe it off. Cleaning your cylinder heads will help with engine ignition.

Install Your New Spark Plugs and Reattach the Wires

Fit the new spark plug into the cylinder head and screw it into place using your fingers. You can then use your spark plug wrench or socket to give the plug a strong turn. Make sure not to over tighten your plugs as they may not ignite your motorcycle engine as they should. After installing the plugs, you can now reattach each wire to its specific spark plug with your fingertips. Follow the right sequence when putting back wires to avoid damaging your engine.

Shop Customizable Parts and Accessories

Get started on how to change motorcycle spark plugs by buying new spark plugs for your cruiser bike at West End Motorsports. We bring you top-quality aftermarket customizable parts and accessories such as exhaust kits, seats, fairings, windshields, and motorcycle tires that you can install on your V-twin cruiser. Explore our online store now and enjoy guaranteed fitment with free shipping on all orders over $99.