Pinking - a 'cure'?

[Sergeant Pluck]

Whilst doing some unrelated experimenting with cat code plugs and other bits and bobs - I noticed that my bike started pinking much more noticeably under load - especially in the recent hot weather. So I halted experiment X, and went back to my original (non-pinking) set-up and (to cut a long story short) worked out that the pinking was much worse with the original OEM (NGK) spark plugs fitted. When I reverted back to the Brisk sparkies that I'd been running for the preceding 2000 miles - the detonation virtually disappeared. I can induce it by riding slowly, going into 5 or 6th and yanking the throttle, but under normal riding circumstances pinking simply doesn't happen.

Here's how I came to this conclusion...

GS1150, y-piece, standard can - no CCP for 2000 miles (runs slightly rich) - Brisk plugs = no pinking.

GS, y-piece, standard can - standard (yellow 282) CCP in place for 200 miles (runs lean) - Brisk plugs = no pinking.

GS, y-piece, standard can - standard (yellow 282) CCP in place and NGK OEM plugs for a frightening 150 miles (runs VERY lean!) = pinks like a bitch

so i try...

GS, y-piece, standard can - no CCP for 50 miles (runs slightly rich) - NGK OEM plugs = still pinking, not as bad as above.

and finally back to...

GS, y-piece, standard can - no CCP for another 200 miles (runs slightly rich) - Brisk plugs = no pinking!!

So there you have it! Brisk Spark Plugs. Not only is my GS smoother and more responsive (and possibly better on fuel), but they also solve any problems with detonation.

Can anyone else corroborate this?

pr0ne

Oh and PS - my GS was all working OK, Hall sensors and everything are good, the TB's are quite well balanced although those and the TPS, timing etc will all be adjusted this weekend to see if I get it running even better. So what I'm saying is that the detonation I was experiencing wasn't caused by any specific 'fault'....

 

[Marty Gutenfart]

Very interesting/useful research there PrOne. I am suffering from pinking at present and though I can't corroborate your findings I'm certainly going to give the Brisks a go. Likewise seems worse during the hot weather. So "do they all do that sir?" .

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

not sure about twin-spark - should have mentioned that mine is a single...

you can get them from www.motorworks.co.uk

pr0ne

 

[The Mechanic]

Probably exactly why they produced the twin spark.

In an attempt to cure detonation they (the manufacturers) produced the twin spark head, they say for emission purposes but if you put your technical head on it could translate like this.

"We run the engines borderline weak to enable emission test passes to meet EU beaurocracy."

"The single plug heads were not sufficiently burning all the fuel hence detonation, which also causes the emissions to rise. Hence the introduction of the twin plug heads."

As the weather warms up the tendency for an engine to 'pink' will become more apparent by its performance seeming to 'go off' slightly. The reverse happens when operating the engine later in the evening when there tends to be a slight dampness in the cooling air, performance seems better and less tendency to 'pink'.

The new 1200GS with its double Lambda sensors and more finely honed ECU map should not suffer the same problems that these older (agricultural) engines suffer from.

The Brisk spark plugs produce a more effective flash (igntion spark)from the supplied HT current, although NGK produce a whole range of plugs that would create the same effect. Don't ask me why B*W don't fit them as standard I'm just an oily rag!

At the fear of jumping into the vipers nest a V-grooved Y rated NGK would benefit or VX and the V type would improve running just as the Brisk plugs.

It is how the spark is produced at the plug electrode and tip that is the problem, to quote NGK ' Fine electrode provides better sparking and enhances ignitability.' (Yes I have their technical book in front of me as I type....sad or what!)

Trouble is detonation is also down to combustion chamber design and when a manufacturer develops a new engine it is in the combustion chamber design that most of the development time is invested.

To end this reply, I have had enough of 'tractor' technology and am p/xing the GS for another type of motorcycle. Still like to stay in touch though

Finally a word of caution, wrong plugs/ incorrect settings could lead to piston melt down on seriously fast or strenuous engine loadings.

 

[Alex B]

Tractor technology !! OK, you have a point.

What are you going for ? Something from Nippon, an Italiano or something Triumphant ?

 

[Fanum]

Re: Probably exactly why they produced the twin spark.

To end this reply, I have had enough of 'tractor' technology and am p/xing the GS for another type of motorcycle. Still like to stay in touch though

You'll be back


Sorry to hear that actually Tony.......but fer crissakes do stay browsing and posting here...your honest and knowledgeable words have helped many of us out.

Right.......enough bum-fondling.........

Once a tosser, always a tosser

 

[The Mechanic]

Going back.......

Tractor technology !! OK, you have a point.

What are you going for ? Something from Nippon, an Italiano or something Triumphant ?

Well its got a Rotax Vee Twin 1000cc engine, usd forks, Brembo Goldline brakes, singlesided swinging arm and an underseat exhaust.... Aprilia Futura ....rode my mates and fell for it hook line and sinker.....brought back memories of my beloved Mille 1000.

I know all about Aprilia's financial woes but there will be spares enough for years and I for one don't think the Italian government will let the factory fold, look how they propped up Ducati when it was in trouble.

I expect there will be some grief with this new bike, but although mines brand new (but no longer made...yet) there is a three year warranty of sorts and I just love the character of this machine. Plus my partner loves the bike to (she loved the GS but I won).

For the experts I'm making sure that it gets the 05 ECU map update and will ditch the tyres (Metzeler's) when the bikes got a few miles on it. I'm also aware that there could be a problem with the charging, but lucky for me some guys on the Aprilia forum have come up with a permanent fix...fit thicker wires from the alternator to the regulator and battery, I or my selling dealer can do that if needed I'm not too bothered either way...all good fun and it keeps me sharp.

Will keep tabs on this site and remain in touch....good communicating with guys.

 

[BarcodeMan]

Good luck with the new bike Tony. As an FFO (Former Futura Owner) I know you'll enjoy yourself!

TTFN

 

[Keith Chapman]

PR

I am running brisk plugs at the moment in my 02 1150.
The bike feels generally smoother with a better pickup. But I can still get it to pink, but only under bad riding.

Sitting at 85Mph 4000ish RPM in 6th gear on an uphill bit of road will cause it to pink. but as 6 gear is an overdrive I am not suprised.

On the flat it pulls like a train

 

[jimbo]

Is pinking the same as detonation?
How do you tell the difference between that and pre-ingition

Or is that the same too.

 

[cookie]

all the same thing.