How Long Does a Motorcycle Spark Plug Last?
2 Answers
Motorcycle spark plugs have a lifespan of 15,000 kilometers. Methods to determine if a spark plug is damaged: Remove the spark plug and observe its appearance to assess its condition. A normal spark plug will have an insulator skirt and electrodes that appear gray-white, gray-yellow, or light brown. A properly functioning spark plug will have a reddish-brown insulator skirt, with an electrode gap between 0.8-0.9mm and no signs of electrode burn. If the spark plug is covered in oil or deposits but is not damaged, it can continue to be used after cleaning off the oil and deposits. If the spark plug is severely damaged, with signs such as blistering, black streaks, cracks, or melted electrodes, the cause of the damage should be identified. After troubleshooting, replace the spark plug with a new one. Additionally, if the spark plug appears black as if smoked, it indicates the wrong heat range was selected or the air-fuel mixture is too rich, or there is oil leakage.
The lifespan of a motorcycle spark plug typically ranges between 20,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending largely on your riding habits and the spark plug material. When I was riding my street bike last time, the original copper spark plug lasted about 25,000 kilometers before it started misfiring, especially struggling during cold winter starts. If you often ride short distances in the city or use low-quality fuel, the spark plug wears out faster, and accumulated carbon deposits reduce ignition efficiency. I recently switched to a platinum spark plug, and it feels much smoother now, expected to last around 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. I recommend regularly listening to the engine sound; if you notice unstable idling or sluggish acceleration, get it checked immediately. Delaying can not only increase fuel consumption but also risk a breakdown. I learned this the hard way when my bike suddenly lost power on the highway—it was really frustrating.
