APRILIA RSV 1000 R Factory Use And Maintenance Book page 96

Inspection and cleaning:
CAUTION
This motorcycle uses spark plugs with
platinum electrodes.
Do not clean with wire brushes and/or
a b r a s i v e c o m p o u n d s . C l e a n w i t h
compressed air only.
Key:
√ central electrode (3)
√ insulator (4)
√ side electrode (5).
◆
Check electrode and insulating material for
carbon deposits or corrosion. Blow with an
air line to remove any deposits, if needed.
A spark plug must be changed when: the
insulator is cracked; the electrodes show
traces of corrosion or exceeding deposits;
the tip of the central electrode (3) is worn
away and has achieved a radiused contour
(6).
use and maintenance RSV 1000 R - RSV 1000 R FACTORY
96
CAUTION
Ensure that the replacement spark plug
is the suitable length and thread.
A short thread will cause carbon to
build up on the thread in the head.
When you fit a proper spark plug at a
later time, the engine will damage.
Use recommended spark plugs only,
see page 113 (TECHNICAL DATA). A
spark plug of the wrong rating may
shorten engine life and cause loss of
performance.
Use a wire feeler gauge (7) to check air
gap between electrodes. Any other tool
will damage the platinum coating of the
electrodes.
◆
Check the electrode gap with a wire
feeler gauge (7).
CAUTION
Do not attempt to adjust electrode gap.
Electrode gap should be 0.6 - 0.7 mm. If
not so, change the spark plug.
◆
Make sure the washer (8) is in good
condition.
To refit the spark plug:
◆
Fit the washer (8) and screw the spark
plug finger-tight to avoid damaging the
thread.
◆
Tighten using the supplied tool. Screw in
each spark plug by one half turn to
compress the washer.
Torque wrench setting for spark plugs:
20 Nm (2.0 kgm).
CAUTION
It is essential to tighten the spark plugs
properly. A loose spark plug will cause
engine overheating and result in severe
damage.
◆
Refit the spark plug cap (1) securely onto
the spark plug (2), so that it will not work
itself loose when exposed to engine
vibration.
NOTE
Repeat the above procedures for
the other spark plug.
◆
Lower the fuel tank, see page 81
(LIFTING THE FUEL TANK).