KX 500 different plugs.

[Salt Lake K5 Guy]

Hey out there.
Any K5 owners out there ever used an NGK BPR8EIX plug in their unit? A friend of mine that runs a couple of snowmobile engines in a land speed car told me he would trade me 8 almost brand new ones. (About 5 min on them. One step too cold for the secret sauce.) in exchange for me doing some weight and balance/aerodynamic calculations for him. ( I’d do it for free, of course. I’m a former aerospace/flight engineer and current ATP) They should be the same size physically as the BR8s that I ran for years. Just with a projected tip, Iridium construction, and a different groove in the ground post (“Booster Gap”). Anyway, just curious. Thinking about giving them a try.

Thanks,
Brent.

[Sandblaster]

Hmmm... I believe that is a Resistor plug.
I'm pretty sure the stock KX500 cap is a resistor cap.
If so, you don't want to use a resistor plug..
Kind of winging it here...
Double check me..

[Salt Lake K5 Guy]

Good point.
My Kawasaki service manual states a B8ES for original equipment. The later model (last 5 years) supplemental manual says BR8ES. Looking through my stash of half used plugs from the years, I’ve used both. Never noticed much difference, I guess.

Brent.

[Salt Lake K5 Guy]

Oops.
I misstated that. The original service manual says B8EG, unless it’s Canadian or European, then BR8EG. The updated service manual supplement (2001-2004, 500 specific) says B8EG in one spot, but B8EV in another, unless it’s from anywhere but US, then it has an R model. The owners manual that came with the bike says BR8EG. I guess I could just put a standard, non resistor cap on, and give it a whirl?

[Sandblaster]

Yes, my understanding is if you run the resistor cap then run a non resistor plug.
If you run a non resistor cap then run a resistor plug.

[Salt Lake K5 Guy]

These might come in handy some time.

[Sandblaster]

Nice
Thanks for posting those..

[Salt Lake K5 Guy]

Update:
The ‘00 USA models and after all use a non resistor cap, and a resistor plug. (And some before. And a few French ones, and sone older ones, and most Aussie ones, except the ones built on Tuesday) I looked all over to determine that, including tearing apart my stock cap. No doubt, someone will find a counter example somewhere. But that’s what I found after looking everywhere I could. The BPR8EIX has worked awesomely so far! No low end fouls, (Not that it is usually a problem) and slightly better top end stability. I think it would benefit from a beter ignition system though. It seems that the engine is a bit harder to start when cold and on the choke though. That’s not a small issue when churning over a 5Hundo on a cold morning. I did the start and warm up on an old BR8EG the past 2 times, then swapped in the EIX after the chain lube. It’s a one kick deal if it’s warmed up. That’s a pain in the butt though. Bottom line: it’s a way better plug, but could handle a lot more power down low to function just right.