Guy's help me sort this before I sell the bike.

[fouramdesigns]

No, what's the difference between the expansive Champion Ducati sales vs. the $5 plug Champion sales?

[hypurone]

The NGK crossover is a DCPR9E. I use the DCPR10EIX (Iridium, one range colder for my mods) in my RS. Awesome plug! Takes much less power to fire it and the increased kernel exposure is noticeable.

The DCPR8E you are using is actually a hotter plug than required. If the bike is modded at all you should be going to a colder plug....if you ride it hard at all.

[Speeddog]

Dunno what the difference is.

Last time I looked, the Champion wasn't available other than through Ducati.

Seems the situation is different now.

[Tigermeat]

Current status on the plugs:

Both the Champion RA59GC and NGK DCPR9EVX are discontinued.  Champions still exist as the inventory hasn't sold out.

Replacements are NGK DPR9EIX-9 or Denso IXU27.  Both are Iridium plugs.  The NGK is $2 cheaper but requires an 18 mm socket to install.  The Denso plug is 16 mm hex but the trusty old 5/8" spark plug socket is a sure fit.  It also fits the cheapie tube that's under the seat.  Both are readily available on line.  PlugClub will have both.

I don't know the value of an Iridium plug but I figure an Iridium comet only hits the planet once every couple million years so we might as well take advantage of it.

[ducpainter]

Had some issues with the CO/fuel. Took the bike to the local Ducati dealership, said it was off, and the throttle bodies were out of synch. Also, the chain was loose as they just replaced it in February. I picked up the bike last Friday, had the clutch issue. Problem solved. Fast forward:

Installed 2 new NGK R plugs, correct part/ Seemed to be running like a champ. But, even before I changed out the plugs, it seemed to be missing that whipping neck feel. Almost there, but not there. Follow me?
I rode the bike 400 miles from Nashville to Jackson, Miss. Bike seemed to be running fine, but I was loaded down with a back pack, and on the interstate, so I couldn't play around. Filled it up 3 times on the ride down.
Went out for a quick ride tonight, gas light comes on, I stop, fill it up. I romped on it a bit on the way home. Feels like it's lagging just a hair. I didn't ride the bike for almost 3 weeks. But I was thinking to myself. Maybe I've gotten use to the bike.
That thrill in the seat just seems to be missing. I even wondered with all this Ethanol in gas, if maybe that's the issue. I had the belts replaced, but not the valves adjusted. What are the chances that the work the Ducati shop did has changed again?
I mean what would cause the CO/fuel system etc to keep changing itself? I still smell gas in the exhaust, and had one backfire on the way down from Nashville. Also had one pop in the throttle body. I just want this bike fixed, and not be the money pit it is becoming. I'm not raw hiding the thing to death.

Sounds like a bad tank of fuel to me.

[brad black]

bugger, i like the dcpr9evx.  altho they had the large terminal, whereas the dpr9eix has the small thread, which is what i would use a s4 or s4r.

might have to try that denso.  wonder if bursons have it.

[brad black]

found this bit of denso deciphering - http://www.clubplug.net/denso_sym.html

or even better - http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/densojpg.htm

[Tigermeat]

found this bit of denso deciphering - http://www.clubplug.net/denso_sym.html

or even better - http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/technical/densojpg.htm

Be careful here.  I found a .pdf file on the Denso website listing most bikes including Ducati but the listing for my bike (s4rs) is WRONG.  The reference calls for the IU27 as shown on the links but the actual plug is IXU27.  The difference is the thread diameter.  The IXU27 is a 12mm thread, 19mm reach with a 16mm hex.  To the best of my calculations and cross-reference abilities this is the correct plug for s4rs.  Other ducs with non-testastreta engines may require the 10 mm thread.

To replace the Champion RA59GC or NGK DCPR9EVX you nee the Denso IXU27 or NGK DPR9EIX-9.

Is it just me or do the Denso numbers somehow sound like birth control devices? 

[dlearl476]

Where can I score some online? None available locally.

Sometimes the answer is so simple it eludes us.
http://www.ChampionSparkplugs.com/Default.asp

[Tigermeat]

Sometimes the answer is so simple it eludes us.
http://www.ChampionSparkplugs.com/Default.asp

Yeah that's great.  They list the ra59gc for $8.83.  The iridium NGK is $7.83.  So for a mere $2 more you can keep your bike stock rather than accept the upgrade.  As for me I've already made too many mods to go back so she's not going to end up in any museum.

[plugmaster]

Sometimes the answer is so simple it eludes us.
http://www.ChampionSparkplugs.com/Default.asp

That link is broken. Champion's site redirects to this site when trying to buy their parts online: http://www.sparkplugs.com/Automotive-c134.aspx?Brand=Champion

Where can I score some online? None available locally.

Champions site: http://www.championsparkplugs.com/results_appOther.asp?otherMotiveID=15101&mfid=2 Not the same model number as you mentioned

Same with this part: http://www.sparkplugs.com/product.aspx?zpid=8550

[jerryz]

before worrying about spark plugs the FIRST thing to replace is the FUEL FILTER  its a classic problem in S4  when slightly blocked with dirt / grit and scum from gasohol , I have seen this issue many times ,, makes the bike run lean and seem to lack punch .

[monsta]

haha
I'd guess that after 5 years he either solved the problem or got rid of the bike!