Best Spark Plugs For 883 Sportster – Reviews & Comparisons Chart

1. NGK Iridium IX DCPR7EIX Spark Plugs for 1999-2016 Harley Davidson Twin Cam (Pair)

Even though this pack of 2 iridium spark plugs is highly compatible with Harley Twin Cam (1999-2016) models, they work really well on Sportster 883 models as well.

Along with the nickel core, the iridium electrode here is 25% smaller than regular platinum electrodes and the size of the electrode is like a typical ¼ nickel electrode. In order to reduce the voltage requirement, the center electrode has been designed into ultra-small diameter. Additionally, the use of metal shells solidifies the anti-corrosion quality of the plugs.

So, by installing the plugs you can have a smooth and long ride with your bike. However, if you want to regap the electrodes, make sure you don’t damage the tips.

2. Harley Sportster XLH 883 Performance Spark Plugs Pair repl. OEM# 6R12

• Sold in Pairs
• Insulator is made of 95% pure alumina, features strong resistance to heat shock and superior insulation
• Harley Sportster XLH 883
• Conventional style spark plugs, available in OEM heat ranges
• Plugs have a unique look with a black ceramic body

What makes the plugs suitable for your Sportster XLH 883 is the copper core electrode. The copper helps to have high thermal conductivity and also corrosion resistance in the parts. In addition, the insulator has a multi-rib design to reduce the flashover and it also has 95% pure alumina to provide strong resistance against heat and shock.

The multi-layer gaskets and heat crimping process ensure the plug to be leak-free and also to have gas-tight seals. The part number for these spark plugs is 6R12. The pair can be used in other Harley models as well, for example, Twin Cam, Dyna Super Glide, Electra Glide Classic and so on.

3. E3 Spark Plugs E3.36 Powersports Spark Plug (1) (E336)

• Fit type: Universal Fit
• The patented DiamondFIRE ground electrode is secured to the shell with two legs to help facilitate heat transfer, and to withstand the intense vibration of powersport engine applications

4. Harley Sportster Roadster XL 1200R Iridium Performance Spark Plugs Pair repl. OEM# 6R12

• The ultimate in spark plug technology and performance
• Sold in pairs and replaces Harley# 6R12 / NGK# DCPR7EIX
• Iridium electrode is smaller than a standard electrode; requires less voltage
• Hotter spark and extended spark plug service life compared to conventional plugs
• Has the distinctive black ceramic with and gold-colored corrosion-protected coating on the metal shell

5. Spark Plug NGK DPR7EA-9 – Harley Davidson Sportster 883 1995-2003

Though copper plugs cannot support you to cover long mileage, it is quite efficient to give high thermal conductivity and even wide heat-range for the engines. So, if you are looking for an instant solution to the ignition problems, these plugs can be a good option for you. Additionally, the parts come with suppressed spark plug sockets to prevent the radio frequency interference.

However, apart from Sportster 883, you can use this plug as a replacement part for the Honda CH 125 Spacy. So, you are suggested to check the compatibility of the product by looking at the letter combination written on the packet. These letters sit before the heat value number of the plugs. If you see the letters, you will understand whether the hex size and thread diameter are compatible with your engine or not.

6. NGK # 6046 Iridium Spark Plugs — DCPR7EIX — for Harley-Davidson Twin Cam and XL — 4 PCS NEW

• This Listing is for 4 Spark Plugs
• NGK 6046 now s/s to NGK 97637
• NGK 97637 DCPR7EIX is the Newest Number
• NGK is the world’s largest supplier of OEM spark plugs
• Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity.

The plugs have been made by following the specifications of original equipment which make them a perfect fit in different Harley models. These 6046 iridium replacement spark plugs are available in both 4 pcs sets and 2 pcs sets. So, if you only need to replace 2 plugs, you can choose the 2 pcs set for your motorcycle.

The plugs are durable enough to cover long mileage without any hassle. The parts will reduce various problems like misfires, excessive fuel consumption, poor acceleration and so on. So, in order to increase the performance of the ignition system, you can choose the plugs for your motorcycle engine.

However, as they don’t come pre-gapped, you are recommended to gap the electrodes before installing them. One thing to note is that the plugs have a new number now, as in NGK 97637, so don’t get confused if you see this number instead of 6046 on the packet.

7. Harley Sportster Sport XL 1200S Performance Spark Plugs Pair repl. OEM# 6R1

• Harley Sportster Sport XL 1200S
• Conventional style spark plugs, available in OEM heat ranges
• Plugs have a unique look with a black ceramic body
• Insulator is made of 95% pure alumina, features strong resistance to heat shock and superior insulation

The pair of plugs have been made in a conventional style which can provide OEM heat range to the engine. The parts have black ceramic body with a copper made core electrode. The materials ensure that they have strong wear and corrosion resistance.

Besides, the insulator is made of 95% pure alumina to make the parts heat and shock resistant. The insulator also has the ability to eliminate flashover because of its multi-rib design.

As the parts have multi-layer gaskets and they have also gone through a heat crimping process, they can ensure leak-free and gas-tight seals in the plugs. You can use the parts in many Harley models such Sportster 883, Dyna Fat Bob, Dyna Street Bob, Electra Glide Ultra Classic and others.

Pros:

Comes with heat and shock resistance.
Provides long service life.
Good electrical conductivity.
Strong insulation.
Available in OEM heat range.

Cons:

Doesn’t come with a warranty.

How To Choose Spark Plugs For 883 Sportster?

The spark plugs of your motorcycles should be durable so that they can create constant and long-lasting sparks. It is always better to replace the plugs before they completely wear out. So, you are suggested to follow the owner’s manual when you buy the new parts. However, you can also use the given checklist while purchasing the plugs.

Materials: Whenever you select the plugs, make sure they are heat and wear resistant and they also can withstand vibrations. So, the plugs can be made of different materials such as copper, iridium, platinum and silver.

Platinum and iridium can ensure the long durability of the plugs but they have low thermal conductivity. Where the plugs made of copper and silver have high thermal conductivity but they don’t have longevity.

Thread And Hexagon Size: The sizes of the thread and hexagon can vary according to the bike type you own. For example, the threads are available in various sizes such as 10, 12, 14 and 18 mm. On the other hand, the common hex size of the spark plugs is 5/8″ (16mm) and 13/16″ but sometimes they can be 8 mm small or longer than 1-inch.

Therefore, see the owner’s manual to be sure of the right thread and hexagon sizes. In case you don’t have the manual, you can use Vernier calipers to measure the size and the lengths.

The measurement of the thread length is equally important because it shows how far the spark point can reach the combustion chamber of the engine to create sparks.

Spark Gap: The gap mainly shows the distance between the center and ground electrode. It is essential that the gap is correct between the electrodes because they influence the heat range of the sparks to ignite the fuel. Before buying the plugs make sure that the gap is correct, you can take help of the manual to know the gap range.

For instance if you see the Sportster manual of 2020, you would see the spark gap is from 0.97 to 1.09 mm. However, it is wise to purchase gap adjustable plugs so that you can easily control the distance as per the requirement.

Heat Range: This range is represented by numbers which indicates how fast or slow the heat transfers from the spark tip to the cooling system. The heat range will differ depending on the different specifications of the manufacturing company.

So, according to the heat range, the spark plugs can be divided into hot plugs and cold plugs. If you have low rpm engines, you will need hot plugs because they have higher insulator nose lengths which makes the heat transfer process (from sparking tip to cooling system) slow.

But if you have high rpm engines, the cold plugs would be more compatible for them because they will make the heat transfer faster with their less insulator nose lengths.

Spark Plug Codes: The plugs contain certain codes to give a short description of the plugs so that you can easily decide whether they would be compatible for the engines. For example, in the NGK iridium BPR5EIX-11 plugs, this code means:

• B- thread size (14 mm)
• P- projecting insulator type
• R- resistor
• 5- heat rating
• E-thread length (19 mm)
• IX-iridium spark plug
• 11- spark gap (1.1 mm)

FAQ:

How To Replace Spark Plugs In 883 Sportster?

You can easily spot the spark plugs conditions by looking at the color of the plugs. If you see the plug color is light gray, it means you can still use the plugs. But colors like dark black indicate that plugs have gone too cold to use in the engine and the bright white color shows the plugs are overheated.

The other colors may indicate different problems with the plugs. So, you are suggested to follow the steps to replace the plugs when you see the changes of the colors. Before you start the process, collect these tools:

• 11/16” or 13/16” spark plug socket
• Spark plug gap setting gauge
• Anti-seize lubricant
• Torque wrench

Once you have the equipment, follow the given steps:

Step 1: Remove the spark plug wires. Hold the cap of the spark plug while releasing the wires, it will make the work easy and there would be less chance of damaging the wires.

Step 2: With the help of a 11/16” or a 13/16” socket unscrew the plugs by turning it in the counterclockwise direction.

Step 3: Before installing the new plugs check the electrode gap with a gauge. The gap should be between 0.035″ to 0.040″. In case the electrodes are not in the correct distance, use the gauge to bend them until they achieve the correct gap.

Step 4: Apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant in the thread of the plugs and then firmly install them. You can use a torque wrench in this step. The plugs should be tightened around 14 to 16 ft/lb.

Step 5: Lastly, reinstall the wires into the new spark plugs.

How Often Should You Replace The Spark Plugs?

The replacement of the plugs highly depends on the materials used to manufacture them. For instance, the copper and silver spark plugs can start to wear off after crossing 10,000-20,000 miles. Whereas the iridium and platinum plugs can run from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Thus, the number of replacements will vary according to the type of spark plugs you use. However, don’t forget the plugs can also fail prematurely, so, in that case you may have to replace them quite early.
Which Material Is Better For Spark Plugs, Iridium Or Platinum?

The plugs made of iridium tend to serve a longer period of time than the platinum ones. As the iridium made plugs are harder and stronger and also have higher melting points, riders prefer these plugs rather than the platinum plugs. However, the iridium plugs are a bit expensive compared to the platinum parts. Hence, you are suggested to check the owner’s manual to be sure about the material compatibility of the plugs in the ignition system.

Conclusion

Spark plugs are essential to create sparks to ignite the fuel of the engine. You can use a single brand plug in different motorcycle models with the varieties of engine types. However, it is also important that you check the compatibility of the parts because if they don’t fit the engine, it will create ignition problems in your motorcycle.

Lastly, make sure you mount the plugs properly, otherwise, even if you find the right plugs, they will not work on the engine.