Hi! I just found out that the guy I got the bike from didn't use the proper iridium spark plugs. Instead, he installed some "equivalent" non-iridium NGK spark plugs
The bike runs fine from what I can tell... Probably not quite like it should, but I'm worried that I may damage the engine if I continue riding it like this. Any opinions?

Thanks,
D.

 

no damage...you just have to change them more often.

 

And by change them more often he means almost never. My bike had 30k on it when i decided to change them but even then I asked myself why? It was more for something to do than anything......the chances of needing to change your plugs once let alone twice in the time you own it are VERY slim.
The plugs in there will work fine.

 

Thanks guys... that's great news.

 

so do the stock plugs need changed very often?
i just bought my bike w. 21,488 mi. on it do i need to change mine before riding season starts?

 

spark plugs go straight into the block, so if you over-tighten or don't mesh the threads properly it can be a big issue. So unless you bike's coughing I'd leave it alone. If you're really uncomfortable then maybe remove just one and get a feeler gauge to check if the gap's widened, and check if the plug has too much gunk layered on it. before you buy new ones.

 

yea my bike runs real smooth and strong and starts straight up everytime so i think ill just leave it alone.
i know the guy before me took extremely good care of it (reg oil change, etc) so im just gonna leave them for a while then.

 

Save your money for a couple of tanks of gas then. Like I said, mine was more of a "tune-up" which more of a way to kill some time in the garage when it was raining/snowing last fall..........otherwise, no need to bother. Not that they cant or dont go bad but if it's not running odd then it's likely sparking all it needs to.