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As Tex says, plugs don't gout of date. Precious metal plugs (platinum/iridium) were introduced for a couple of reasons, the electrodes are much smaller (that's the precious metal bit) which concentrates the charge, sparks more easily, and exposes the spark to the mixture more than the "traditional" nickel/copper design. This enhances the combustion stability. Being precious metals they can withstand the conditions and the erosion rate is reduced, so they last longer meaning reduced servicing requirements and better emission durability (legal/regulatory requirements for manufacturers). In

Good point. I was assuming as its a Honda it would never need topping up, and that its standard practice when draining old Antifreeze to flush out the engine and radiator with water before filling with fresh. After a few months over the two year limit on standard antifreeze, I found rust around the radiator filler and in the expansion bottle on the Triumph. I went for the OAT as it has a five year life. And finally just be tree freindly, never put old antifreeze down the drain, or let you pets lick it up (it has a sweet taste) It has to go as special waste to the local civic disposal amenity

Thanks for the Web site suggestions. I have done 32,000 kilometres on the bike. I don't plan on changing the plugs just yet. I like to order parts early so I'm not stuck waiting on parts. The seller asked me for a picture of what I received. He must think I'm conning him. If he doesn't sort it today I'll open a PayPal dispute as suggested. Regarding the life span of the plugs. I'm nearly sure I read before just because the bike seems to be running fine the old plugs could be causing damage if they are out of date. I will change them when the manual suggests.

Be very careful when 'mixing' anti-freeze types. If you're topping up your coolant do so with the same type as the existing one. If you're draining the system be sure to flush it through thoroughly if you're going to use a different type. Never mix glycol and OAT. There are pages and pages about this on the Internet if you wish to research it. Simple rule? All 'green' anti-freeze will mix, all 'pink' anti-freeze will mix, green and pink won't mix.

The only damage I have heard of from spark plugs is if , for whatever reason , the ceramic insulator cracks and bits get into the piston chamber and cause some foolery. I think worse would be issues causing pre ignition and the excess cylinder temperatures that can cause, which can be a spark plug issue if they are the `wrong temp` for your bike or conditions of use. To my knowledge there's only one type of plug for the nc . On my cbf125 I run a plug that is cooler as most my journeys on that are flat out head down and that is what s recommended if that's how you use the bike . I occasionally

What a lovely forum this is! Well done Brian, that's a very nice gesture (not that I would expect anything else!).

It's behind you!

Oh no we don't !

Plugs that are worn will effect fuel economy and general running, not sure about actual 'damage' though. They don't go 'out of date' like, say, a pint of milk, but, yes, follow the book recommendations for change intervals and you'll be fine.

Oh yes we do!

Did a customers Nc700x valve check at 8000 m every valve was tight - customer says he thought it ran fine before now he reckons it starts better and runs smoother

Gareth, it will definitely need doing, give me a call, this weekend I'm at home dog sitting and it only takes a couple of hours. I'll do them for you. I've been checking mine for the last two years, I have all the tools. I even make a mean coffee. Brian

Feel free. We love questions! Although we don't always agree on the answers..

Ah I did spot the halfords coolant alright. It's the pink colour one ? If that's safe I'll go for that I suppose. Ireland is in the Midlands. Just follow the north star and take a left at the mossy top hill. You can't miss it.

Thank you very much for the detailed response. I will check the coolant level tomorrow. It's my first big bike so I am sure I will be coming back with more questions :-) Cheers

The coolant system runs at somewhere round the 90C mark most of the time, so pretty hot, far too hot to touch. The fan shouldn't come on until it reaches typically around 105C or similar, which you should normally only get if you're stationary for long periods or moving in very slow traffic. Once moving at any sensible speed the normal airflow cools it sufficiently. The fan doesn't "run-on" after switch off. Worth checking the coolant level. WHEN IT IS COLD take the cap off the radiator, the coolant should be pretty much full to the top. NEVER remove the cap when it is hot, that's