Topic: Denso Plugs for 550K

[Popwood]

Decided to try some Denso's rather than NKG. The manual spec is for a Denso x22ES-U. At Sparkplugs.com they offered an expensive irridium plug (like $11/pass) and a platinum plug number x22ES-ZU. It came up after searching for make and model number as one of three options. Anyone use this plug? Could it cause problems? It was only a dime more than the the "regular" series plug which was listed as an x22ESR-U. I'm a bit confused and just don't want to assume something is OK and might cause issues. Appreciate any insight here.

Oh yeah, I also ordered some plugs from an outfit called Sparktec.com. Very non-responsive and lousy customer service. I thought I was about to be hosed, but the product is finally shipping three weeks later. Good prices, bad service.

[jessezm]

Yeah I ordered those sparktec Denso plugs as well.  They were on back order for several weeks and just shipped yesterday.  I did get good customer service, though--quick and personalized response to my inquiry about what was going on.  Sorry, can't answer your questions!

[Duke McDukiedook]

The platinum or the normal should work fine, I wonder why the platinum plug is so cheap. Weird, usually they are a few bucks more expensive.

[shizzomynizzo]

I work for Denso and get everything at wholsale pricing. Only catch is everything ships from the Sales center in CA. Ground shipping on an order of plugs runs 7-8 bucks and isn't worth it. I get standard plugs for $.92 and standard iridium (not racing) plugs for $5.30

standard plugs must be ordered in sets of 10, and iridium in sets of 4.

Anyone interested in going in on a large order?

Sorry for the thread jack!

[Duke McDukiedook]

When I buy I buy several sets at one time, justifies shipping costs.
It's not like they go bad like oil with time.

[Popwood]

The platinum plugs from sparkplugs.com had a small premium vs. the regular plugs but the shipping was not incidental. But compared to sparktec.com, the unit cost of the plugs plus shipping yielded a much better unit cost. I was ordering two sets (8 each) for my 550 and 750. Sparktec had the regular plugs for both models and one set has been received and the other shipped yesterday (so nearly 30 days from order to receipt), so I guess they do come through== eventually.

I'd say ordering in quantity and being patient is what counts here. But in the end, I'm a happy camper. I'll report back how the platinum plugs perform.

[Charlie]

Hey Popwood,
Greetings from the east-side of the Nati.
I'm anxious to hear how the plugs worked out.
Looking for a change from NGK too for my 75 CB550.

[Popwood]

Hey, Charlie, thanks for getting in touch.

For the record, I received the second half of my order from Sparktec.com today. Took nearly five weeks, but all's well that ends well. Not like I'm sitting on the side of the road.

I have little doubt the Denso plugs in their original design will do well as several on the forum here who know know far more than I have advised. As for the newer design, I guess I'll try them, but they do give me pause.

Anyone want to weigh in on Denso ZU style plug? Platinum center that's much smaller than standard U plug, and a smaller ground tip too.