Anyone know the trick to removeing the air box above the radiator so I can remove and replace the spark plugs on my 05 cbr1000? I downloaded the manuel and followed the instructions for plug removal. It is being a little difficult as the air cleaner above the radiator will not come out so I can access the spark plugs. Any help or tips would be appriceated. Thanks rob

 

Your removing the air duct that goes over the engine correct? If memory serves me correct, its just snapped into place once the screw are removed. It takes some force to get it to move. I remember thinking the same thing as you as its really in there. I think I just pulled on one side and it finally came out.

So I take it you never got it fire?

 

No never gotit to fire. Replaced battery with new fully charged battery. Still a no go. So pretty sure it's foul plugs. It's got 22000 miles on it and I don't know if the plugs have ever been replaced. I know She is getting fuel and all the fuses are good. Guess I will tug harder on it. I just don't want to screw anything up. Wish me luck she's real ugly right. Now with everything off the bike.

 

Well after a lot of help from you all and much walking away and calming myself dowm I fineally got them out here are some pics of the plugs and the bike torn appart. Thanks all for the help. I'll post again after she is up and running

 

These are the worst plugs I have ever seen! Aside from the heavy oil fouling on all four plugs It has to run tons better when done

 

those look just like the ones I pulled out at 8,000 miles on my bike. I've heard of other 1000RR owners saying the same thing. I think these bikes would benifit from a power commander as they run rich. the amount of build up is rediculous. By far the worst I have ever pulled from a bike as well. But it runs good now, and I love the way it handles, so I'll forgive it. Until I have to change them agian. There was a few reports of these bikes taking extra long to break in, as in the the rings werent seating to the cylinder walls like they should. Also, an issue with the crankcase vent allowing oil to be sucked into the airbox under hard acceleration. If these are the original plugs, that could explain a lot of it. Hopefully the engine is fully broken in and you wont have this problem anymore.

 

Wish I new if they we're the original plugs. From the looks of them would not suprise me. What are the reccomendations on plug replacment? I'll look it up. I think while it's torn appart I'll go ahead and remove the radiator and give it a new coat of paint along with the air intake grill and clean all the dirt that has made it's way under the fairings into the cracks and crevices. Also the radiator has a few spots with bent fins that I can straighten. Good time for some matinence that would otherwise be put off I think. Rideing season is still a month or so off anyway as it's still pretty wet here in Washington state. I still need to get the plugs ordered. Probably be a month before it's all done.

 

Service Manuel reccomends plugs every 16,000 mi. The bike had 20,000mi. last july when my son bought it. So who knows. It's getting new plugs on it now. Also this bike does have the power commander on it but im sure has not had it for it's entire 22,000 mile life.

 

just hold onto your azz when you order plugs. their about 16 bucks a piece. I did manage to get a set from advanced auto. the desigination didnt have the Hes, just the H in the suffix of the plug number. I guess the only difference in the plug is the HES has a stainless crush washer. But, for 9 buck a plug versus 16, and them being in stock, I went with the H designation plugs.

good call on cleaning everything while your there. just a heads up, make sure you use the proper coolant. Regular auto antifreeze wont work in these bikes.

 

Ok I got the plugs in and new battery. Put her back together and she fired right up! But when she warmed up to 140 degrees the idol dropped way down. Help!