What Spark Plug Does a Honda ATV Use?


I love riding ATVs, and I do the prescribed scheduled maintenance on them every 6 months or so. I particularly like Honda ATVs, so I thought I’d answer a question many people that have Honda ATVs need to know the answer to. Which is, what spark plug do Honda ATVs take?

The latest Honda Rubicon, Foreman, and Rancher all take the same spark plug which is a BKR5E-11 (NGK) or K16PR-U11 (DENSO). But, the rest of the rec/utility and sport Honda ATVs use a unique spark plug each.

Below, I will provide a table that shows what spark plug you need for the different rec/utility and sport Honda ATVs for the last 3 years. As well as, provide some additional info about how to know when your spark plugs need replacing, and how long spark plugs tend to last.

ATV Rider in the action on Honda sunset background

What Do The Numbers For An ATV Spark Plug Mean?

The numbers on a spark plug refer to the temperature at which the spark plug will work the best. A lower number means it can withstand hotter temperatures. The various letters indicate different specs for the spark plug. Instead of size, they use a letter.

For example, B, D, and C are generally the first letter and indicate the diameter of the spark plug. Each letter corresponds to a specific diameter.

The last number is the gap distance. This is the space where the spark is created on the spark plug. There are two broad standards for spark plugs.

The first is NGK which is for spark plugs made by NGK who are one of the leading spark plug manufacturers. The second is DENSO which is an abbreviation for Nippon Denso, another leading spark plug manufacturer. Either is fine to use for Honda ATVs.

But, they have slightly different letters and numbers to describe the characteristics of the spark plug. The main thing to know is that you don’t generally need to know what all the numbers mean specifically.

And you can simply refer to your owner’s manual to see exactly what spark plug you need and then search by the number on a retailer’s website, or provide the number to an auto parts store, and have them order it in for you. Or, they may have it in-store.

I’ve compiled some tables to show what spark plug you should use based on the info in the owner’s manuals for the different Honda ATVs.

ATV-Spark-Plug-Number

Honda Rec/Utility ATVs spark plug from the owner’s manual

Year, Make and ModelSpark Plug
2020, 2021, 2022 Honda Rincon ATVCPR6EB-9 (NGK)
2020, 2021, 2022 Honda Rubicon ATVBKR5E-11 (NGK) or K16PR-U11 (DENSO)
2020, 2021, 2022 Honda Foreman ATVBKR5E-11 (NGK) or K16PR-U11 (DENSO)
2020, 2021, 2022 Honda Rancher ATVBKR5E-11 (NGK) or K16PR-U11 (DENSO)

 

Honda Sport ATVs recommended spark plug from the owner’s manual

Year, Make and ModelSpark Plug
2020, 2021, 2022 Honda TRX250XDPR8EA-9 (NGK) or X24EPR-U9 (DENSO)
2020, 2021, 2022 Honda TRX90XCR7HSA (NGK) or U22FSR-U (DENSO)

It’s important to note that for certain models such as the Recon, they recommend a different spark plug depending on the climate. For cold climates where temperatures are below 41°F (5°C), you should use a DPR7EA-9 (NGK) or X22EPR-U9 (DENSO) spark plug.

And for prolonged racing at high speeds, it is said to use a DPR9EA-9 (NGK) or X27EPR-U9 (DENSO).

The same is true for both sport Honda ATVs, where you should use a different kind of spark plug in cold climates and for high-speed racing.

The recommended spark plug doesn’t change each year. So, it’s also likely that the 2023 models will also use the same spark plug.

However, it’s always best to refer to the owner’s manual to ensure you get the exact spark plug you need. If you fit the wrong spark plug it can cause a range of engine issues according to NGK, one of the leading manufacturers of spark plugs, and the brand recommended by Honda.

ATV Rider in the action on Honda

How Do You Change the Spark Plug on a Honda ATV?

Changing the spark plug on your Honda ATV is fairly straightforward. But, I’ll give you an overview of the process and what’s involved.

The cap for the spark plug is removed by hand, which exposes the spark plug that is screwed into the engine. Using the right-sized socket the spark plug is loosened until you can unscrew the rest by hand and pull it out. After that do the same process in reverse.

Some people prefer to have a Honda dealer do it for them, especially if they’re not familiar with how to do it. But, Honda ATVs come with a set of tools to replace the spark plug.

It’s always important to let the engine cool before doing it. As you generally need to put your hands very close or touch the engine, which can be extremely hot after riding.

Virtually all Honda ATVs have parts that surround the spark plug such as the seat of your ATV, as well as the resonance chamber.

How Do I Know if My ATV Spark Plug Needs To Be Replaced?

Visually inspecting the spark plug can reveal any issues with it, but there are also noises the engine makes that will let you know that your spark plug needs to be replaced. Here’s specifically how to know if your ATV spark plug needs replacing.

Generally, the engine won’t vibrate constantly when idling, and the engine can backfire. Also, more than normal fuel consumption and decreased engine performance indicate an issue with the spark plug.

If you notice any of these issues, you should inspect the spark plugs on your ATV. A spark plug will show very clear signs it needs to be changed when visually inspected.

Here’s a really good video that shows what to look for when visually inspecting the spark plug.

Also, visually inspecting your spark plugs, and replacing them when necessary should be done every 6 months according to all of the Honda ATV owners manuals.

Other popular ATV manuals also say that you should visually inspect them after 600 miles (1000 km), or 100 hours of riding time. This is because you could use your ATV a lot within 6 months which can cause them to wear out, or develop an issue sooner.

Rob

I’m Rob, the owner of RX Riders Place. My family and I have a long history of riding dirt bikes and ATVs and want to share what we have learned.

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