Iridium and platinum spark plug technology and its benefits for motorcycles

Inspection and preventive replacement of these components ensure that combustion is always efficient, providing smoother acceleration, lower pollutant emissions and fuel economy

São Paulo, October 2025 - O sistema de ignição é muito importante no funcionamento de motocicletas e scooters, being responsible for generating the spark that starts the burning of the air/fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. This process is essential for performance, engine efficiency and emission control. On high-performance models, that have traction control systems or riding modes, the ignition system works in conjunction with other electronic modules, adjusting engine torque to prevent loss of rear wheel traction.

The exact moment of the spark is decisive for engine performance and fuel efficiency.. An ignition system in perfect condition ensures optimal burning of the air/fuel mixture, resulting in better performance, lower consumption and reduced pollutant emissions. To ensure that this entire process occurs accurately and efficiently, the choice of spark plugs is essential. In this context, noble metal candles, such as iridium and platinum spark plugs, provide significant benefits over conventional nickel. A NGK, Niterra brand specialized in ignition systems, presents the main advantages and benefits that these parts offer motorcyclists.

1- Easier to start the engine, even at low temperatures: noble metal spark plugs require lower voltage to generate the spark, which makes it easier to start the engine, even on cold days or after long periods of non-use.

2- more stable idling, with more regular operation: the most precise and constant spark ensures uniform combustion of the cylinders, avoiding failures and vibrations during idling.

3- Better response during acceleration and greater performance: with more efficient ignition, the engine reacts more quickly to turning the accelerator, providing smoother and more powerful restarts and accelerations.

4- Reduction in fuel consumption: especially when traveling at constant speed, complete burning of the air/fuel mixture makes better use of every drop of gasoline, reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency.

5- Increased durability, reducing the need for frequent changes: noble metal electrodes better resist wear and high temperatures, extending the life of the candle.

6- More efficient burning of the air/fuel mixture, contributing to lower pollutant emissions: more complete combustion reduces the release of waste and harmful gases, helping the engine run cleaner and more sustainably.

Preventive maintenance

Ignition system maintenance is simple and inexpensive, but fundamental. Recomenda-se a inspeção das velas e terminais a cada 6 meses ou 3.000 kilometers, and its replacement according to the manufacturer's maintenance plan.

“On low-displacement motorcycles, which generally have only one spark plug and one terminal, preventive maintenance prevents malfunctions, increased consumption and even the impossibility of starting the engine”, explains Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant.

For the aftermarket, NGK offers Iridium IX spark plugs, that allow a quick and economical upgrade on motorcycles that use nickel spark plugs as original equipment. Laser Iridium spark plugs, originally applied by several automakers, maintain these advantages with greater durability. Replacement recommendations must always follow the motorcycle or scooter manual..