This is a general maintenance post on how to replace the two spark plugs in your Kawasaki Ninja 300 motorcycle easily without disconnecting your fuel tank, and only using standard hand tools.
According to the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Owner's Manual, the two spark plugs should be changed every 12,000 Km (or 7,600 miles). This is a lot more frequent than in most cars, so learning to change the spark plugs yourself can be a worthwhile exercise.
Symptoms of bad spark plugs is a lack of power, leading to higher RPM required to maintain your usual acceleration or cruising speed - assuming everything else in your motorcycle is running perfectly and you have fresh engine oil.
The method described below may bit a more involved than other methods, but I found it the easiest without any special tools. You'll need to have first removed the side fairings and rider's seat.
Contents
Tools & Parts Required
Essential Parts
- NGK CR8E Nickel Spark Plugs (1275) (x2)
Spark Plug Options
Alternative Ninja 300 spark plugs include, but are not limited to:- Autolite 4303 Copper Spark Plugs
- Autolite XS4303 Iridium Spark Plugs
- Denso U24ESR-N Nickel Spark Plugs
- NGK CR8EIX Iridium Spark Plugs
Main Tools
- Ratchet Wrench with 16 mm Spark Plug Socket 3/8" and minimum 75 mm Extension
- A solid block of wood to prop up the fuel tank, at least 25 mm thick
- Allen Keys + Socket/Open-end Wrenches for Fairing and Seat Removal
- 3/8" Torque Wrench (preferred)
- Spark plug gap gauge coin tool (preferred)
Prerequisites
- You have already removed the left and right side fairings
- You have already removed the rider's seat
Lifting the Fuel Tank
Notes
- For ease of access to the spark plugs the fuel tank should be raised about 2-3 inches at the front.
- You do not need to disconnect the fuel lines, there will be no fuel lost.
Instructions
- Undo the highlighted bolts securing the fuel tank under the seat.
The two bolts have already been removed in this photo - Disconnect the Breather from the tank (14069 as shown in the image) to allow easier upward movement of the tank. You don't need to undo any of the circlips.
Disconnect the breather from the tank - Have the block of wood on hand, shift the fuel tank backwards to move it out of the front mount points as shown, then you can lift it upwards.
A view of the top of the fuel tank near the handle bars. Shift the tank backwards to move the pink highlighted holders out of the green highlighted mounts. - Prop up the fuel tank with the block of wood as shown.
Tank is raised, supported by a block of wood.
Removing Spark Plugs
- Now that the tank is raised there is enough space to pull the spark plug and tool out through the top, under the tank.
Spark plug removal/installation path - Remove the two ignition coils attached to the top of each spark plug.
- Insert the Spark Socket end and extension, ensure it's pushed all the way in and the rubber holder in the socket is hugging the spark plug.
- Attach the Ratcheting Wrench, and remove the spark plug.
A socket wrench ready for action!
Installing Spark Plugs
- Double check the spark plug gap is at specification: 0.7 to 0.8 mm (0.028 - 0.031 inches). I use a cheap Spark Plug Gauge Coin tool for this. New CR8E spark plugs that haven't been tampered with will likely be fine.
- Attach the Spark Plug into the Spark Socket Tool and insert it through the top of the motorycycle, be careful not to hit the Ground Electrode (tip of the plug) on anything otherwise the gap will no longer be accurate, causing your engine to run inefficiently.
- Tighten to 13 Nm (115 ft-lb) with a torque wrench.
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