Why are the spark plugs for all the 1996-2000 RM125's so expensive?They are $34.99 A PIECE!!!!The plug # is R6918B8.Can i use a different plug?What is so special about this one?THANKS
I remember reading a thread about this a few months ago. Try searching using the words: "RM 125 NGK Spark Plug". Someone actually got a letter from NGK concerning the RM125 plugs. Apparently, the regular es/eg/ev plugs could not handle a vibration problem with that particular engine. The special plugs have electrodes that are welded on better. The low quantity make them more expensive to make.
I'm 100% sure that you could run a regualer NGK, but you have to accept the risk of major engine failure.
Hope this helps. Run the search to read the actual letter.
NO a spark plug has no effect on the duration of the spark (unless you adjust the gap) that is a BS gimic to try to get you to buy the more $$ plug. if you want a better spark then buy an FMF ignition, only like 100$
Thank-you for your recent inquiry about the Suzuki RM125 and the recommended
spark plugs for this application.
First I would like to explain why the R6918B-8 is so expensive. This
particular spark plug was designed and engineered for this specific
application. Due to the fact the production volume is lower and the number
of spark plugs sold is much lower then that of the BR9ES, the cost of the
spark plug is increased. The production costs and the fact this spark plug
utilizes gold palladium, a precious metal the cost is much more.
The Suzuki RM125 is a high revving, high compression engine and has
vibration issues throughout the power band. We've tested with Suzuki and
found the ES, EG, EV and EGV and determined these spark plugs fail under
certain loads and conditions. If you compare the two spark plugs you'll
notice a major difference in ground electrode design. The R6918B has an
electrode designed to withstand severe vibration and possible detonation
associated with these bikes. A standard spark plugs ground electrode is
welded on the outside of the metal shell and can vibrate like a tuning fork
throughout certain rpm ranges. This severe vibration causes fatigue and the
ground electrode fails. This is why the R6918B was chosen for this
application. The R6918B is very reliable and durable in these conditions.
Ignitability with this spark plug is better then the ES series due to the
diameter of the center electrode. Any time you have a racing engine you
need to choose a spark plug designed to withstand this type of environment.
I would also like to inform you I am the person who takes care of damage
claims at NGK Spark Plugs. I have had more BR8ES and BR9ES spark plugs
cross my desk every month with broken ground electrodes and receipts for
repairs. When the ground electrode fails it bounces around leaving
indentations in the cylinder head and the top of the piston. If your lucky
the ground electrode will sneak out of the cylinder, however if your not the
ground electrode wedges itself between the piston and cylinder wall and
intern destroys the engine.
I hope I have helped you in better understanding why this spark plug is used
in this application. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free
to contact me at (248) 926-6900 ext 248.
Make: suzuki
Model: rm125
Year: 2002
Engine Type: single cyl., 2-stroke 125 cc
Comments: I read this comment on Dirt Bike magazine''s website and
basically didn''t believe what I read.
"Dear Mr. Know-it-all,
The spark plug suzuki recomends for my 2001 RM125, an r6918b-8, cost 20
bucks. i''ve been running a br8es without any problems.what is the
difference in these plugs and what can possibly justify charging twenty
dollars for a spark plug? Thaks for your time. lu449@yahoo.com - 4/4/02 1:20:18 PM
A. Unfortunately, the recommended plug works best with the RM125. Yes, you
can get away with the BR8ES but your performance suffers slightly. I
talked with Cole Gress the Amateur Support Manager at Suzuki and he told
me that the higher priced plug emits stronger spark with a longer duration
and that it needed for optimum power on the RM125. Sorry."
Can you shed some light on this for me? I''ve always ran your BR8EG plugs
in most of my bikes, occasionally running the BR7 or BR9 & never once had
a problem with them. My basic understanding of spark plugs & ignition
systems is that the ingnition, plug gap & insulator are what determine
spark duration, strength, heat, etc. So how can this guy claim that their
$20 plug is better than a $2.50 plug from NGK?
When: 4/9/2002 5:04:11 PM
Used Part Finder: 0
I only use the specified plug in my 99 RM125. It costs 19 bucks here in California at a Suzuki shop. Since i have jetted properly, I run this plug for about 6 months and it still works and looks great! I don't mind spending 38 bucks a year for a plug with that durability. I keep a spare plug in my tool box but have never had to use it.
Darringer
I've had very good luck with the bike. I use it for hill climbing , trail riding, and some mx. Power is great. Low end power very good (for a 125). Unfortunately, I get off alot, but have never broken anything other than a couple of levers and dented the pipe. It keeps up with my bud's 01 cr125. And it absolutely carves on tight trails and tracks! I'm happy with it. Very dependable.
Darringer