Do my plugs need to be changed?

[696DCRider]

So I've been having some cold start issues (yes, I use the recommended procedure) and I have also started doing some more mods.  Last night I pulled one of my plugs, and I figured I would change them if they look like they bad.  Can someone tell me if this looks bad or not?  Thanks!



Edit:  Lastly, if they do need to be changed, does it make sense to just go with the NGK OEM plugs or should I upgrade to something better?  The bike is an 09 696.

[DarkMonster620]

How many miles? Are those the OEM ones? They look OK

You can replace them, but, stay with the OEM NGK designation

[696DCRider]

I'm at about 7800 miles.  They are the OEM ones that came with the bike.

[Howie]

Wouldn't hurt to change them.  Color is nice, but possibly glazed a bit, hard to tell from the photo.  Stay with the OEM NGKs.

[696DCRider]

So, one correction, I learned that the OEM plugs are actually Champion.  I wasn't paying close attention.  I think I will follow the advice and just go ahead and change them though since they are pretty cheap.  I suppose I will stick with the Champion ones.

[Howie]

Ducati now uses the NGK equivalent that has always worked better than the Champions.  You want DCPR8E, part# 4339.

[696DCRider]

Thanks for the tip Howie.  I actually checked the OEM parts listing for the lastest 696 model and I noticed it still lists Champion, but I called the local dealer that I trust and they also said the NGK's are better.  Not to mention they are also cheaper as well.  Thanks!

Ducati now uses the NGK equivalent that has always worked better than the Champions.  You want DCPR8E, part# 4339.

[SDRider]

Thanks for the tip Howie.  I actually checked the OEM parts listing for the lastest 696 model and I noticed it still lists Champion, but I called the local dealer that I trust and they also said the NGK's are better.  Not to mention they are also cheaper as well.  Thanks!

Order the NGKs from CA Cycleworks for $3.99/ea.  I just bought a set for the 15k mile service on my bike.  They are identical to the plugs I removed from my bike.

Your plugs look fine.  Have you had your valves adjusted though?  I had a cold stalling issue and found the exhaust valves were too tight.  I had them adjusted under warranty at around 4k miles and then again at the 7500 mile service they were again too tight.  I just did the 15k service and the unloaded gap was too tight on the exhaust valves only and the loaded gap was too loose.  No stalling issues though since the 4k adjustment.

[696DCRider]

Not yet, but I'm about to get my 7500 mile service soon.

[SDRider]

Not yet, but I'm about to get my 7500 mile service soon.

I bet that solves your problem.