Spark plug socket

[kwallace21]

Hi folks,
the toolkit in the twin cam GSA doesn't include a spark plug spanner. I'm sure my 1150 GSA had one.
I always take a couple of spare plugs when I'm touring but obviously need a socket for them. Any recommendations for emergency use ?
I think it is 14mm and might need to be thin walled. Not sure. I saw some in Halfords but they were a foot long !

cheers
Kev

 

[Bear]

On my 55-plate model, i.e. pre-twin-cam, you need a very long and very thin plug socket to reach the primary plugs. The Laser one from Halfords fits fine.

 

[Bendy toy]

I use a Laser plug spanner on my 08. I can't see the twin cam needing any different

Why would you need a plug spanner for emergency use? Things have come a long way since the days of BSA Bantams and MZs with whiskered spark plugs.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Why would you need a plug spanner for emergency use? Things have come a long way since the days of BSA Bantams and MZs with whiskered spark plugs.

It's not just the plugs themselves. A lot of 'roadside' jobs are easier if you can turn the engine by hand e.g. Alternator belt.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

HexHead 16mm AF x 19mm Reach Thread 12mm dia
CamHead 14mm AF x 19mm Reach Thread 10mm dia

 

[Joca]

To be honest, I think it's very poor of BMW not to provide a spark plug tool. It'd cost them a couple of £.
I had the same problem when checking mine...

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Tools = responsibility...

 

[MattW]

To be honest, I think it's very poor of BMW not to provide a spark plug tool. It'd cost them a couple of £.
I had the same problem when checking mine...

They always used to.
My 1100 had quite a respectable tool kit but it takes up space and with today's 'electronic' bikes, they'd rather you just phoned the dealer...

I was disappointed to see the bits of cheap tat in my 1200's little tool roll. I believe KTM provide quite a respectable tool kit with their bikes.

 

[Bendy toy]

It's not just the plugs themselves. A lot of 'roadside' jobs are easier if you can turn the engine by hand e.g. Alternator belt.

I use a big socket on the alternator belt drive pulley. It winds the belt on nicely.
BMW sell a fancy tool to slip the belt but mine have all been fine without.
The bike can be pushed backwards in top gear but it's a heavy BS when it falls off the side stand.
The 1/2" handle and 33 socket are not exactly tool kit friendly but neither are the plug spanner and 3/8 handle

 

[MattW]

I use a big socket on the alternator belt drive pulley. It winds the belt on nicely. /QUOTE]

I put it in third gear and use the back wheel.

 

[Bendy toy]

The socket is less hassle than refitting the centre stand.

 

[MattW]

The socket is less hassle than refitting the centre stand.

Well that's what you get for taking the centre stand off.

 

[Bendy toy]

Not really.
I look at the alternator belt less then 1x a year. The centre stand (on the bike) is a pain in the arse all of the time.
If I was planning a long tour I might fit a new belt but then I'd probably forget to do the job and still be fine.

 

[Bones]

On my 55-plate model, i.e. pre-twin-cam, you need a very long and very thin plug socket to reach the primary plugs. The Laser one from Halfords fits fine.

I am using a 16mm laser socket and removong the 'underside' plugs is a right pig as the socket is jamming against the cases.do they do a thin wall version of the socket?

 

[Popell]

If all else fails make yourself a thin wall version - get a shop to turn down a standard..

 

[Bones]

If all else fails make yourself a thin wall version - get a shop to turn down a standard..

I am considering taking a grinder to the socket. A couple of thou off should help

 

[Roymondo]

Motobins and James Sherlock sell sockets that are known to be the correct dimensions for the job.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[Bones]

I am considering taking a grinder to the socket. A couple of thou off should help

Motobins and James Sherlock sell sockets that are known to be the correct dimensions for the job.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

2 minutes on the bench grinder taking an almost imperceptible amount of metal off (little more than the chrome plate) and the socket glides in and out. I suspect that if my cases didn't have as much corrosion then the socket would have been fine without doing this.

The laser socket was £3.40 from the local motor factors. I suspect motobins etc would charge a lot more for a 'special' tool

 

[X21ekx]

£8.50 ding dang do, really nice guy too I've had alsorts off him
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R1200...Thin-wall14mm-Spark-Plug-Socket-/181646563145

 

[Roymondo]

£8.50 ding dang do, really nice guy too I've had alsorts off him
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R1200...Thin-wall14mm-Spark-Plug-Socket-/181646563145

Only 6 quid from James Sherlock (also nice people to deal with).