Was looking at the periodic maintenance schedule. Recommends replacing the plugs every 7500 miles - I'm a little past that now. Sounds way short to me. My ST-1300 interval is every 16000 miles. Thoughts?

A lot of us question that interval.

I replaced mine after the first 11,000 miles along with the air filter. The filter was filthy but the plugs looked serviceable. There was very little wear on either electrode and deposits were light.

It's logical to conclude that if your 7500 miles were accrued at high RPM then the plugs would show more wear as opposed to cruising RPMs.

Im at almost 15k on my 2012. Stock plugs still. I am thinking about changing them this winter though.

I am at roughly 7,500 too

I also question how necessary that is with so few miles

I'm at 18,000 miles and got the bike tore down to put new plugs in it for a second time. Just saying. I've been following all the scheduled maintance religiously.

The advice I have read here which makes the most sense to me is to take the service interval seriously, or at least keep in the ballpark because the performance of the plugs will begin to suffer before you can tell a difference by casual inspection.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 12/6/2014 @ 5:00 PM *

Ive had the same plugs for 43000 miles. Doesn't seem to have a single problem. I'm still going to change them because they're so old but as far as performance, seems just fine. Started up in 40° weather after aboiut eight crankovers. That was after sitting 4 months without running.

replaced mine at 10 grand and they needed it, but I was riding hard and a few dragstrip days.

Checked mine at 12k and they were like new so left them in. Now at 20k and bike is still running as sweet as the day I bought it. Will be doing the valve service in a few K so may change them then. Don't go along with changing them for the sake of it, if they look virtually as new and the engine's running sweet. If you're running a non-standard setup, i.e.. different fuel mapping or race exhaust then that will certainly affect plug life.
Type of use will also have a bearing on plug life. Repeated short journeys/cold starts as in commuting can be harder on an engine in general as opposed to many K's on long runs. I rarely do less than 100m when the 14 gets an outing, longest up to now being 798m in one day. JMO.

* Last updated by: pegscraper on 12/7/2014 @ 4:27 AM *

I had an '09 with 19K miles and the original plugs, it ran like new. I plan to do something similar with my '14.

* Last updated by: runnerhiker on 12/7/2014 @ 11:29 PM *

7500 miles? Naaaaaaahh. If it "feels" like it's still running strong, save your money. And someday when you do decide to change 'em if you get a big boost from it ... then, hey, you just got a big boost! ... for minimal money!

* Last updated by: extrapolator on 12/8/2014 @ 2:24 PM *

Thanks guys - my bike runs like new - think I'll just wait for the valve check and replace them then.

i have done 26,000km on the original plugs, running sweet. also you need a special tool to replace the plugs, I found out the hard way, but most plug spanners dont fit the 14r, you need one with an elbow on it as there is very little room between the frame and engine cover

Kaw seems to specify replacing at 7500 for supersports and inspect for sport bikes at 7500.

I replaced mine, but might reinstall the originals again next interval. Considering the OEM aren't too expensive I don't mind replacing them annually. Not like $30 will break the bank.

just brought my 2012 in for the 15k service. had the plugs changed. they changed them at the 7500 mile service as well. hell, why not. it don't hurt and theyre really not that expensive.

they changed them at the 7500 mile service as well. hell, why not. it don't hurt and theyre really not that expensive.

Indeed, smat.

For the price you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Turtle and I maintain that the plugs are the windows to your engine's soul: every thing bad that can befall your Ninjee is foretold on the plugs.

Read them often. That necessitates removal.