How To Replace Your Motorcycle Spark Plugs | Vstrom 650 L0, 1st Gen

[@voodoobokor2165]

Thanks for the tutorials; they are very well done with some good tips that are not in the service manual. The Suzuki dealer quoted $400 USD parts and labor for the 7,500 mile service (replace spark plugs, etc.) on my 2011 DL650 VStrom. After watching your video I completed the service myself. The front plug was a hassle but all went well and the bike is running great. As an added bonus I have a better understanding of my bike.

[@wojtekwalach9748]

I'm preparing myself to buy my first, long-awaited DL 650 Vstrom. I love this motorcycle. I watched all your videos and found them very helpful and done with a lot of effort from your site. You are perfectly prepared for each movie, like a surgeon before the surgery ;) I like the way you explain every single step. Thank you so much for your great work. I'm sure you've helped many v-strom riders around the world. High five and best greating from Poland :)

[@DrVstrom]

Gen dobre :). Thanks a lot my friend.

[@UncleWally3]

Storing the old plugs in marked containers is what I learned today - thanks.

[@DrVstrom]

In this way you can also have a history of the status of each cylinder in terms of the fuel burning

[@atfilmshort1]

Good job, very helpful. I gotta say though if I had known changing plugs was such a pain, i'd have bought a different bike. I'm actually now appreciating the BMW design genius. I love my FJR, I love my Vstrom but the R series BMWs are genius for the accessibility of common service items. Thanks again

[@davidekelman5715]

Just bought a 04 v strom 650. I appreciate the video and time you put into making this video.It has helped me big time.

[@DrVstrom]

Hello David, I appreciate the kind words. Glad it was useful. Ride safe. Best, The Doc

[@gajdanviktor2774]

Thanks for pointing out 4spark plug in the engine 2007on. I thought is only from 2017 and also good to see you at the vstrom group and I glad I did recommend your videos before!

[@jonathans6179]

I've successfully completed my first DL650A spark-plug replacement (all 4 plugs and the air filter, 2007 model). I was surprised that I managed to replace the front spark plug without removing the radiator :) A selection of different tools helped. Thanks Dr Vstrom for your very useful video which acted as a guide throughout the procedure.

[@DrVstrom]

That’s great, good job.

[@PadraigPBeag]

Your videos are GREAT and watching them allows me to service the bike. Many thanks

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks

[@thealvaco]

I replaced my airfilter and sparkplugs yesterday, I couldn't have done it without you! I was amazed how much rust the bottom of the tank had, that's a shame. But anyway, thanks alot man!

[@DrVstrom]

I am glad I helped. Thanks

[@kevinbrown7219]

Very good demonstration, you are a very careful and conscientious mechanic. Anyone who follows your instructions will easily understand how to do it. By the way, the " pipe" connecting to the spark plug is called a spark plug cap. Thanks for this video.

[@Marty66502]

Doc, all your V-Strom videos are excellent and help me to keep by 2008 DL650 in tip top shape. Thank you so much for making these videos!

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks Martin :)

[@LuisVega-se1wb]

thanks man ..... i do this last week..... operation vstrom was a success

[@IoannisParapontis]

Great i m glad you managed :)

[@AngelMassa]

What a great channel and videos. You really helped a lot with my VStrom maintenance. Thanks!

[@meohnnavi]

Thanks, John. Just got the dl 650, used but great one. Will do this replacement next weekend.

[@DrVstrom]

Great just go through the videos and you ll be fine. Thanks

[@staninjapan07]

Great videos. Enough detail to be useful, but in plain English and with "caution" points included. Thanks again.

[@SuperAviatar]

Thanks for the informative video - better than a manual! Still cannot believe how much has to be done to change plugs..... then again, I did ride a BMW R series.... change plugs without getting off the bike.....

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks a lot my friend. Glad you like them. It is actually comments like these that keeps me going. I will add more of them as soon as I can make the time. If you know more people in need of this information please let them know. Take care

[@nima44]

I am very happy that I found your very, very helpful videos, because I have just bought a brand new v strom and suppose that I can use your instructions on that even if it is the 2012 model. Thank you again for taking your time making the videos. Kind regards Nils from Denmark

[@tennyis28]

Thank you for posting this video, I am going to be doing this to my bike in the spring.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks also

[@barroncocamado887]

John these are all well done, educative series. Thanks for that. Just one thing, you state that the spark plugs should be changed either every 18.000 km but the Manual says it should be done every 12000 km. Is that an oversight?

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks for that, you are right the manual says 12.000Km it was a typo. In general it depends also from the use you make and the conditions. Glad you liked my videos

[@BenceBME]

Dear Doctor, first of all thank you for your videos and the effort, you are the best for the V-strom owners we cannot be enough thankful! My questikn would be, what is the reason you covered all the regular maintenance tasks, but not the valve adjustment? Is it too complicated for a home owner? Or you just dont do it amy often? Thanks for the answer!

[@DrVstrom]

Dear friend, thanks for the kind words. The answer has many parts. The 1st one is that the valve adjustment from experience is nowhere near what it is suggested from the manuals. The 2nd one is that as you say, it will be complicated to follow for a great majority of home owners due to the many tasks to be done. The 3rd is that in order to be helpful I would need to put all the detail needed and therefore it will be a very long video or one broken into parts. To film only a simple video and to have it ready on youtube it might even take a week with editing and having a job and a life does not leave a lot of time. Nevertheless I will do that the very first chance I get. Before that there are also other vids I wish to cover. If you have a question regarding the valves you can ask. Ride safe :).

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

Your bike is spotless. How do you keep it so clean?

[@DrVstrom]

Hi there I ll have to make a vid on how I clean it :)

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks for your kind words, I will upload more videos in the following weeks. take care

[@alessandromarsella4009]

Hi John thank you for the suggestion on the magnetic arm. I have ordered it and as soon as it arrives and go to work I will let you know if I have resolved the problem in removing the metal from inside the tank. Alessandro, Italy

[@djwmunro]

Always a good idea to use some Anti-seize on the threads.

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

yes, good idea. Also, initially insert then by hand before using the wrench.

[@kostasmou]

Μπράβο φίλε! Πραγματικός γιατρός!

[@IoannisParapontis]

Να σαι καλα

[@runningman370]

Love all your videos. Great help. Thank you very much for doing these. Very easy to follow and clear advice.

[@B0M0A0K]

Another great video, excellent process and information. I have a question? Did you remove the tank for the "top" spark plug or was it the tank and the seat?

[@infinityride4446]

tanks for all vid's, they are always usefull. In operation manual they change only 2 sparks

[@DrVstrom]

Infinity Ride thanks

[@DrVstrom]

Actually I did. Let me clarify something. Since these service tasks are usually take place at the same time make your life easier and clean the air filter at the same time you replace your spark plugs and change your coolant also. Try and match these tasks together. If you take your tank off you work easier and can avoid damaging parts. I ve had people tell me there are clever ways to just lift and do some of them but thats just playing smart. Take the safe way home.

[@BrewingInHungary]

Just found your video series, great videos, very informative and helpful. Great work.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks a lot for your kind words

[@MattTZew]

Did you use any anti-seize on the spark plug threads or use any dielectric grease on the spark plugs and wires? Thank you, Matt

[@bestwayto5469]

No I did not

[@DrVstrom]

which one are you referring to?

[@rogerlarson8040]

which models would you suggest?

[@quantrilion]

Συγχαρητήρια για τα εκπληκτικά βίντεο! Έχεις κατά νου (γιατί από ότι είδα δεν έχεις γυρίσει ο ίδιος) βίντεο για αλλάγη καρβουνάκια μίζας για vstrom K7 ?

[@DrVstrom]

Ευχαριστω John, ομως δεν εχω κανει τετοιο βιντεο.

[@quantrilion]

@@DrVstrom Ναι το ξέρω, για αυτό ρώτησα αν έχεις κάποιο βίντεο υπόψιν. Δεν ξέρω και πως να το ψάξω στα αγγλικά

[@DrVstrom]

Βιντεο οχι αλλα στο hellas vstrom forum νομιζω ειχε φωτογραφιες που καποιος το κανε

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks also, I am also glad you now have a better understanding, stay tuned cause i intent to upload more in the following weeks

[@Falbear]

Excellent!!

[@DrVstrom]

Thank you :)

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks Nils, yes you can certainly use them on the new model cause there are a lot common points and the principles are the same. Stay tuned cause I will upload more. Thanks again

[@B0M0A0K]

The one by the coolant reservoir.

[@tennyis28]

I have an older model V-Strom do you know what two spark plugs it has? is it 1 and 2?

[@rogerlarson8040]

what are your thoughts on the new vstrom 1000 2014 model?

[@DrVstrom]

Its nice but if you go at this price there are better models

[@MichaelPsyrras]

Συγχαρητήρια για τα πολύ κατατοπιστικά βίντεο. Έχω ένα Κ8 το οποίο δυστυχώς μετά από 176.000χλμ καίει λάδια. Το μεγαλύτερο πρόβλημα είναι ότι κατά καιρούς βραχυκυκλώνει μπουζί, λόγω του πιο πάνω προβλήματος. Ξέρω πως αυτό που ρωτάω είναι ημίμετρο αλλά αν δοκιμάσω να χρησιμοποιήσω NGK μπουζί κ όχι Denso που μέχρι τώρα χρησιμοποιώ, μπορεί να είναι πιο ανθεκτικά; Παιδιά μην αρχίσετε να "βαράτε" ξέρω πως το μηχανάκι θέλει επισκευή απλά θέλω να βρω λύση μέχρι να καταφέρω να την κάνω. Ευχαριστώ πολύ!!!

[@DrVstrom]

Michael Psyrras Μπορεις να δοκιμασεις κ ngk αλλα επειδη δεν θεραπευεις την αιτια αλλα το συμπτωμα, δεν θα κανει μεγαλη διαφορα.

[@MichaelPsyrras]

@@DrVstrom Ευχαριστώ πολύ για την απάντηση. Ναι είναι δεδομένο ότι δεν θεραπεύεται η αιτία απλά η επισκευή είναι ένα αρκετά μεγάλο κόστος κ αναρωτιέμαι αν αξίζει πλέον. Βέβαια το μηχανάκι είναι σε πολύ καλή κατάσταση εμφανισιακά για τα χρόνια του. Για αυτό αναρωτιέμαι αν τα NGK αντέχουν πιο πολύ. Καλή συνέχεια!!!

[@jellybeanproductions3705]

thanks, very useful.

[@hill1127]

Hi doctor，could you tell me 2017 L7 dl 650,can use same way to change no.1spark ,about remove cooling system cover lock hole ? Thanks！

[@DrVstrom]

Yes the same way. The front spark plug is removed by removing the radiator mounting bolt and then moving the radiator slightly forward,

[@hill1127]

Doctor Vstrom thanks ,I will try the way,as soon ！

[@DrVstrom]

True

[@falchiherve2024]

Hi doc....is there à vidéo with the spark plugs change on the last gen v strom ? Thanks

[@DrVstrom]

Hello, the same video applies for the 3 gen also.

[@falchiherve2024]

@@DrVstrom hi doc.... tomorrow is the big day fot me to do the air filter change and spark plugd change;;;;; I m a total newbie with mecanical work...... i saw ten times this video and it should be ok even if i own the last gen strom..... the question is i don t own all of your tool but only the spark plug tool wich is under the seat of the bike...... is it gonna be ok juste with this tool? i see you have a lot of tool to do the job...... do you think it s gonna work with just the suzuki tool to remove all of the spark plugs? please do answer before tommorow morning if you can;;;;;any advices will be appreciated............................ thank youuuuuu

[@DrVstrom]

Hello my friend. The truth is that the front centre spark plug is the most difficult and it helps to have an extension because the radiator is close and its easy to damage the fins. Also the spark plugs need to be tighten with a torque wrench. Theoretically you could do it without a torque wrench only if you are experienced as again its very easy to over tight and damage the threads.how many kms do you have? If not much I advise you to get the tools I have to make your job easier and safer. Another subscriber asked me in the past and once he bought the tools he did it with no problems.

[@falchiherve2024]

@@DrVstrom i bought it new two years ago and made 50 000 km i m totally in love with this bike ........i m gonna try To do it with the Suzuki tool under the Seat..... I cross fingers Thank you so much for your interrest

[@falchiherve2024]

@@DrVstrom ok i finally did it It wasnt easy......the most difficult was the rear left.......way worst than the front left.....Well.......it s done! At 60 000 i Will do the coolant water and the vraie fluids ....never done on the bike for the moment.....the bike has only 3 years.....the water is still clear.......keep doing videos for the strom doctor and thank u so much

[@petercarty8139]

great video real Pro.

[@geopav2503]

Γιαννη καλημερα !αυτο το μοντελο παρατηρησα στο book φοραει CR8EK k oxi CR8E .. εσυ εβαλες CR8E ..ποια η διαφορα ?

[@DrVstrom]

Εμένα στο βιβλίο αυτό τον κωδικό είχε εξαρτάται αναλογα με το ποσό ψυχρό η θερμο είναι ένα μπουζί για το κλίμα που οδηγείς την μηχανή.

[@albion2742]

I love my 2011 dl650, but the maintenance on it looks to be a real pain in the ass.I dread having to do it the first time,then there is the valve adjustment ..

[@gray-stromer-pt]

Just forget valve adjustment. They "never" really need it.

[@albion2742]

I could,nt agree more, I think Suzuki wants us to give the dealers money for simple maintenance.Crazy designing if you have to work for two hours removing all the plastic to remove the tank just to do simple maintenance.It is a great bike to ride , but as for working on it A REAL PAIN.

[@DaddyEric222]

What I find really interesting is looking on the forms with the guys that have made it past 100,000 miles on their Wee storms and ALL have made no adjustments until around 120,000. They also only do spark plus about every 20,000 which seems much more reasonable. I think they have the spark plugs so often because of some kind of emissions rules.

[@IoannisParapontis]

Have my V since 2010. No valve adj made and yes its a pain but at least you have my videos

[@albion2742]

Ioannis, how many miles on the bike, and when do you think you will adjust the valves.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks also my friend

[@diannesmith8279]

I would have liked to see how to get the middle plug out on the front cylinder.

[@DrVstrom]

Colin Smith I used the same wrench and socket and added an angle extension. I was also holding the radiator towards the front to get room and not damage the fins. It’s the right tools that help in situations like this.

[@diannesmith8279]

Thanks Doc, but I found trying to get 72 year old hands in the confined space not possible, so I drained the coolant at the water pump and disconnected the 2 radiator hoses .There are wires that go from temperature switch the on the right side of the radiator back to a white connector. If you unplug the connector and pull it up through the black cowling the radiator is easily removed. A small trap, you need to reach under the cowling to reach the bottom of the white connector, (which is shaped like a boat anchor) . and pinch the 2 points together while pulling gently up. I found this a little longer, but I'm not in a hurry, and was pretty easy, The skin should grow back on my knuckles soon. I'm going to refill the coolant now so I will watch that excellent video again.PS I found the hook on the left side harder to find than the right side. @@DrVstrom

[@mr.jeffreyparker8124]

You didn't show or clarify if you have to remove the radiator from the pin on the left side. How is this done/

[@DrVstrom]

Its has been at least 8 years when this video was done. At that time, youtube had a max limit of 15min per video upload. This video is almost 15 min and because of this limitation, certain steps were left out. At some point I may redo this video since now there is no limitation in time.

[@georgeathanasiou6574]

χρησιμοποιείς απλό μακρύ καρυδάκι ή μπουζοκαρυδάκι με λαστιχένιο ένθετο?

[@DrVstrom]

Μπουζοκαρυδακι με ένθετο μάρκας proxxon και προέκταση οπου χρειαζεται

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks friend

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks

[@mixalisampel5311]

Μπράβο ωραίος!

[@DrVstrom]

Να σαι καλα

[@onouf21]

thank you very much

[@paulclare6589]

If the ngk plug only says cr8e is ok?

[@DrVstrom]

Then probably its not ngk. Where did you get it? Which model you have? Photo of the soark plug? All ngks write both ngk and the model.

[@paulclare6589]

@@DrVstrom one other question.is a 2015 and a 2017 air filter the same size, Thanks from Thailand

[@DrVstrom]

Yes the same for 650

[@drm4rtink]

Thanks for sharing! ;)

[@geopav2503]

Γιαννη καλημερα!! να σε ρωτησω γτ δν βλεπω αν εχεις βιντεο με αλλαγη τρομπας βενζινης κ αλλαγη φιλτρου βενζινης !!κατι σημαντικο για τις μηχανες μας που πρεπει να γινει κ αυτο καποια στιγμη !!

[@DrVstrom]

Γεια σου φιλε μου. Ναι δεν εχω ακομα γιατι 6 χρονια που εχω την μηχανη δεν χρειαστηκε να το κανω. Αυτος ειναι ο λογος.

[@geopav2503]

+John Parapontis (Dr Vstrom) εμένα φίλε μου μετα τις 5000 δυσκολεύεται να ανεβάσει στροφές σαν να είναι μπουκομενο κ εχω προβλημάτιστει πολυ τι μπορεί να είναι

[@DrVstrom]

Ποσα χρονια το εχεις. Γενικα παιζει να ναι πολλα ειτε με παροχη καυσιμου ειτε με ρευμα. Πρωτο πρωτο το Φιλτρο βενζινης.

[@DrVstrom]

+Geo Pav φιλτρο το πιο πιθανον. Εχει το hellas vstrom forum photo ρεπορταζ δες απο κει και με προσοχη θα τα καταφερεις.

[@DrVstrom]

Thankds :)

[@alexelali3185]

HI guys ,nmy 2003 1000 DL . is not starting any more , the battery and the starter are fine . the problem started at the end of last season, it was stalling and shooting off five minutes after taking off . it was fine when idling , i opened the gas tank and cleaned the pump, put it back together it worked fin for two weeks , now it is not starting any more ….. any ideas what could be the problem ??????? i think may be the pump ,, but why was it running for two weeks ,,,, any ideas any one thanks in advance Alex

[@gray-stromer-pt]

Fuel pump probably.

[@mariotrevisani5641]

Muito bom !! pena que não esta em portugues.

[@DrVstrom]

Isos an bro xrono na balo upotitlous

[@MrPchubare]

It has been discussed on Vstrom forum www.stromtrooper.com/dl650a-2012-2016/215593-new-spark-plugs-7500-miles.html If your bike is 2012 and newer they come with iridium spark plugs from the factory. No need to change them for at least 36,000 km. For me its a 2 year mileage...

[@DrVstrom]

The bike on the video is a 2010 model which does not have iridium. Similarly the bike I have now, is a 2017 3rd gen model and again does not have iridium plugs.

[@MrPchubare]

Doctor Vstrom that’s interesting! I too have a 2017 Vstrom. Have been riding it for the past 4 month. Just reached 12,000km. Its Canadian model, are you sure it comes with basic spark plugs again? If it is true, I will change them next spring for iridium spark plugs.

[@DrVstrom]

MrPchubare mymodel does not have iridium plugs, probably to keep cost down. Please check your owners manual and check the code suggested. Let me know also, it’s interesting to see if Canadian model is different.

[@raptorpome2577]

@@MrPchubare if you look at their NGK website normal plugs are good for 30 to 50k miles iridium spark plugs are good for 100 to 150k miles

[@DrVstrom]

Να σαι καλα

[@stavrosbilalis-professiona8590]

file polu kali i prospatheia sou kai i voitheia sou se emas tous asxetous alla se parakaloume anevaze 2 version me ti mia na einai sta ellinika.einai krima na exeis parei tetoia prwtovoulia kai na min katalavainoume tipota.tha voithiseis polla apo ta melh tis v strom.filika.

[@zohirelabbasy7422]

Por lo menos, ya que hablas es español podrias poner subtítulos... Gracias

[@DrVstrom]

:) I dont speak Spanish, I m from Greece and the subtitles its a problem with Google in my channel and I wait for them to fix it.

[@dimitriosfotousis8506]

Αμα ήξερα ότι πρέπει να βγάλω ντεπόζιτο για μια απλή δουλειά όπως τα μπουζιά, μπορεί και να μην έπαιρνα V- Strom. :-(

[@DrVstrom]

Ολοι το ιδιο λεμε αλλα ευτυχως δεν θελουν συχνα αλλαγη και καθισα και εκανα το βιντεο εγω για να ειναι πιο ευκολη η δουλεια για ολους τους υπολοιπους.

[@dimitriosfotousis8506]

@@DrVstrom Μπράβο πάντως για αυτό που κάνεις. Εγώ είχα Virago πρώτα, οπότε καταλαβαίνεις την τεράστια διαφορά στην αλλαγή μπουζιών και το σοκ που έπαθα.

[@pavlikas4589]

ελλαδαρααααααα

[@DrVstrom]

pavlikas staba Ελλαδαρα ναι :)

[@steliosapergis]

Πες τα ελληνικά βρε αδερφέ!! 😂😉

[@DrVstrom]

Δισ ιζ α μοτορσαικλ

[@dannyvan5792]

euuuu euuuu euuuu

[@DrVstrom]

?

[@Kokkinoskoufitsa92]

βγαλτο και σε ελληνικα φιλε γιατι ζοριζομαι λιγο :P

[@DrVstrom]

pes mou pou dyskoleyesai na boithiso. Xronos na to balo se ellinika den uparxei.

[@DrVstrom]

:)

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks also my friend