It's always a good idea to keep an extra spark plug in the storage compartment under your Dragster's seat. Your spark plug should be among the first things you check if your scooter is running poorly (especially on a two-stroke like the Dragster). So to find out which spark plug you should use, you should check the owner's manual, right?
Well, if you have a Dragster 125, then sure - go with the manual's recommendation of a Champion RN2 C.
But if you have a Dragster 180, then ignore the manual, because it lists the wrong plug! It says you should use an NGK BR8HS. An "8" is too hot, and can burn a hole in your piston. And the "HS" is too short, so it won't fit properly.
Depending on how you use your Dragster 180, you could choose from the following plugs:
- Champion RN2 C - this was the plug that came in my Dragster 180 from the factory, and the recommended plug for use in a Dragster 125. It works in the 180, but I recommend using any of the NGK spark plugs listed below instead - especially if you've performance tuned your scooter in any way.
- NGK BR9ES - this is the best plug if you ride your scooter on long distance runs, or if you go on the freeway often.
- NGK B85EGV - this is a good choice if you ride short distances around town
- NGK B9EGV - this is a platinum race plug, and should only be used for race use, since feedback from the plug will interfere with the indicator relay for your turn signals
- NGK B9ES - this is essentially the same plug as the BR9ES, but without the EMC certification (which means it can also cause interference)
If you experience electrical interference from your spark plugs, you could install a new spark-plug connector with a resistor element. NGK makes some that can supress noise across a wide range of frequencies without affecting engine performance.
When you decide to change your plug, be sure to follow the directions in the manual for how to change the plug (even though you should ignore which plug it tells you to use!).
More detailed information about the different types and recommended uses for NGK Spark Plugs can be found on their Web site.
Thanks to Robert Volz for his input.
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