Hi all, I went to change my spark plugs recently and was not able to do it. The spark plug from my socked set you fit down the gully where the spark plug fits but would not grip the plug to loosen it. I tested it on the replacement plugs, no problem. I tried varoius other spark plug spanners I have, even one from my old 1988 zx10 but none of them would fit because there is not enough room to get them in. Any suggestions? Is there a special tool for this? My tool kit that came with the bike didnt have a spark plug spanner.

1/4" drive ratchet
1/4" universal joint adapter
1/4" to 3/8" adapter
1/4" 3" extension
5/8" spark plug socket (I have a Craftsman, it fit perfectly, I'm sure OD vary)
in lb torque wrench for installation

Put socket-1/4 to 3/8 adapter-u joint-extension. This will let you lower the socket into the spark plug tube onto the spark plug.

I use the same process to snug the new plugs, then removed the u joint adapter for final torquing. This shouldn't be necessary, it's just what I did. Took a little work to get the socket out pulling up the extension, removing the extension then removing the socket (have to put pressure on the socket to keep it from falling in).

Also, instead of changing all 4 plugs from the right I changed the first 3. I unbolted the bracket cables and wiring is attached to and changed the last one from the left side.

* Last updated by: VicThing on 11/22/2014 @ 5:56 AM *

The spark plug removal tool from the OEM tool kit works great. HAs a joint to allow insertion in the spark plug well, fits the hex and grips the tip of the plug to pull it out. All you need is a 14mm ratchet to turn it.

Rook great point. I didn't feel like buying one so I just went with what I had. Bought enough special tools atm for this bike, not that she's not worth it but this worked really well/easy after figuring out what I needed to do. Already had everything, if I didn't I probably would've bought the tool you're recommending.

"The spark plug removal tool from the OEM tool kit works great"...yes...on the pre 2012's.It does not work for 2012 and up.I tried.The motor head is just too close to the airbox under there(plus..the 2012 and up tool kit does NOT have a sparkplug tool in it).Vic is right...you need a knuckle joint and an extension to get the workable angles going.I used an automotive spark plug socket(same size as the factory size socket)that has the foam insert in it to grip the plug.Allows very simple reinstallation when doing that part of the job(no falling spark plugs).I slid the socket with plug down into the hole...attached the short extension...then finger started...removed extension..then used the knuckle,attached a LONG extension on there...it worked fine.But you can't connect those tools together BEFORE you begin the install or removal(at least I couldn't)...has to be done one piece at a time...to get the tools in there..I mean...that's how I did it.

I suppose there's other ways as well...but this worked for me.Like Vic said...I also switched sides for that last one on the left side.

I finger started the plugs rather than just put it in there and start turning so it wouldn't crossthread...very easy to do with the fine threads in there.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/22/2014 @ 12:58 PM *

"The spark plug removal tool from the OEM tool kit works great"...yes...on the pre 2012's.It does not work for 2012 and up.I tried.The motor head is just too close to the airbox under there(plus..the 2012 and up tool kit does NOT have a sparkplug tool in it).

Another case of Gen2 deja-DON'T!

....no plug tool...manual says'use the wrench'...with pic.No such wrench in there(the box wrench shown in the pic in the manual isn't included in the factory tool kit)...and as for that 'tool' sitting there to the left of those pliers....WTF?I couldn't find anything on the bike that that deal there even remotely worked for LOL...if somebody knows what that thing is...PLEASE share;)It definitely doesn't slide over the plug tip and connect to the plug hex down there...they show using a box wrench on SOMETHING connected to the plug itself...but there's no picture of what that 'something' is.Doesn't look like that other 'tool' there.I will say though...that 'tool' DOES have a hex head on the one end...for turning with a wrench...but no way is it gonna fit over a spark plug.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/22/2014 @ 2:19 PM *

Mine didn't come with anything resembling a spark plug socket. The service manual list the part number and I've looked it up and it is available. The owner's and service manual are referring to this part. Kawasaki list changing spark plugs as a Kawasaki service item, so that is why you don't have the tool.

Grn, what that bar is for is using it in combination with the wrenches for more leverage.

I have a 2012 14R and until now thought I was the only one missing the spark plug tool.

When it came time to change plugs, I already had the body work off before I found there was no tool. I ended up using the spark plug tool that came with one of my Honda Blackbirds. It worked great once I took a dremel and notched main body of the tool so the hex could swivel more.

"The service manual list the part number and I've looked it up"...ummm...okay...care to share that part number with the guys here?Page 2-68 Service Manual...

It looks like it may be a socket with a hex apparently on the top.???

I can't find that part in my tool kit...I must have removed it and put it somewhere...but now looking at that pic...I wonder if MAYBE that slides into a Kawasaki Plug socket,and allows turning up top with a wrench????(like that one pic shows in the manual).

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/22/2014 @ 9:38 PM *

...ummm...okay...care to share that part number with the guys here?Page 2-68 Service Manual...

Not really. Just do what I did. Same difference.

Wait, so this wrench isn't going to work ?

It may work...not sure now.I think I tried it...there was SOME reason I didn't use it..can't remember just now what it was...maybe I'll try it again next time....I do have it here somewhere.Would make that plug change a lot simpler tool wise.

And regarding 'tools' here...

I asked.."care to share that part number with the guys here?"
Vic said..."Not really. Just do what I did. Same difference".....thanks...good lookin out there I've already DONE what you did...silly wabbit.

"Same difference".Not really...with that Knuckle on there..there's a real good chance of cracking that insulator...

"The owner's and service manual are referring to this part"...I must have gotten the Taiwanese version or something.It does however clearly state..."use the wrench"...so that's good to know.They must have forgot to include that particular wrench in my kit though...I swear...I looked high and low for that thing...

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/23/2014 @ 9:52 AM *

From 2009 ZX14 fische

TOOL-WRENCH,BOX,16MM
Part# 92110-1132

Okay...great!Thanks Cara... The 2012 doesn't have that tool in there...IDK why...I do have that other one.I mean...I understand that the plug change is 'supposed' to be done by a Kawasaki dealer(tech)...but they're using something(and it aint extensions and knuckle joints)...the manual pic is showing the mechanic using that tool...whatever it is.I'll get one...my dealer's very good at getting me the stuff I ask for.

I'm guessing here that the one the pic shows(the wrench on anyway) in the service manual is different somehow from that 09 tool...though it may be the same design.I does say...'finger tighten'...I MAY have been trying to install that plug inserted into the socket...rather than starting it by hand...just that much 'extra' sticking out from the socket tip may have been why it wasn't going into that plug well...could have been.I didn't want the plug to slip outta my fingers and hit that electrode/gap deal.Not even sure now IF the plug could be inserted in there by hand...maybe on the outboard plug...but the rest?It was tight in there.My hands didn't fit in there.Let alone hold a plug and try to get it started by hand.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/23/2014 @ 10:28 AM *

In this situation the spark plug socket I used it's impossible to break the insulator. It's night enough in the tube there's no chance of it, probably a mm of play and I'm sure the Kaw tool isn't any tighter in the tube.

So wth you know?

"So wth you know?"...well...I know your comment about seeing the part number listed in the Owner's Manual AND Service Manual is a lot of hoooey.I'm curious why you even went that far to point that out?You'd have faired far better by just stopping at this..."Mine didn't come with anything resembling a spark plug socket"....We aint a bunch of ignorant hillscoggins around here.You 'finding' a non-existent part number clearly shows...yer full of itLOL!!!...must be rewarding 'impressing' everyone here with yer stories;)Now I have to wonder...do you even HAVE a 14? Flame On Vic...flame on;)

BTW...I just got back from a NICE 200 miler...in the SNOW...lovely...just lovely;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/23/2014 @ 2:25 PM *

"So wth you know?"...well...I know your comment about seeing the part number listed in the Owner's Manual AND Service Manual is a lot of hoooey.I'm curious why you even went that far to point that out?You'd have faired far better by just stopping at this..."Mine didn't come with anything resembling a spark plug socket"....We aint a bunch of ignorant hillscoggins around here.You 'finding' a non-existent part number clearly shows...yer full of itLOL!!!...must be rewarding 'impressing' everyone here with yer stories;)Now I have to wonder...do you even HAVE a 14? Flame On Vic...flame on;)

BTW...I just got back from a NICE 200 miler...in the SNOW...lovely...just lovely;)

...ummm...okay... when someone starts a reply out with ...ummm...okay... it makes me want to do anything but be nice to them.

At this point it's a matter of convenience for me. Seeing how it'll probably be the end of next year before I change my plugs again, and if I can't remember the process and have to review the manual maybe I'll post it.

You mean...I'm gonna have to wait till next year's end?Geez Vic...show some mercy will ya?No teaser vids?Nothin?Shit man...you aint right.

Not unless you're a stupid asshole. Which....

You Ladies don't ride enough to need new spark plugs.

You could go 100,000 miles, and your plugs would still be fine. Unless your fuel map is jacked up.
Argue with me all you want, just don't forget who you're trying to convince.

I've been around the block a few times.

I've gone 44,000 miles on my original plugs and as far as I know, they're okay. They don't look new but they seem to be doing their job quite well. The bike has sat for 4 months and last night with a fully charged battery, it started right up in 40° F air temp. I'm changing them though. I have new ones and I'd say it's about time.

Ok, I understand this is a high performance engine, and not like a car engine per say, BUT
most iridium plugs go 100,000 in cars, some of which are pretty high performance themselves,
I can't find any info from Kawasaki or Suzuki etc .. to tell me WHY they need to be replaced
in these bikes at 7500, as oppossed to some pretty high performance cars go 100,000 easy,

just trying to find info, not trying to argue or anything ....

It's the exact same reason they tell you to shift into 6th gear at 35 MPH.
Look in your owners manual, it's in there.

Then again, maybe if you ride around doing 35 in top cog, you might need plugs.