The absolute best tool is the stock honda spark plug tool. It will fit w/o a problem. If you dont have it, you can order it from bikebandit.com, etc.

I understand, that a thin wall socket may work also.

 

http://www.collegebikeshop.com/

also has the stock honda s/plug tool and tool kit...and stock parts ..

 

A Sears Craftsman 12 point will work. But as 98ACE750 said the Honda socket actually does the best job. It looks cheap but works well. Most of the time, the whole set is very close to the cost of the plug wrench, but in your case, it sells for around $60. Looks like you have a couple of special tools in there. Might be worth considering since they might be needed to work on the bike.

 

If all you're ever going to do with the factory tools is change the plugs or once in a while adjust your shocks, then they'll suffice.

If you're going to actually wrench on your scoot, buy some real tools. A Craftsman 18mm 12 point is a good place to start.

 

I forgot to mention that you may have to grind the open end outside diameter of the Craftsman (the first 1/2") to get into the spark plug pocket on some bikes. My 03' Sabre 1100 has one place I couldn't get to without a little grinding.

 

Craftsman 18mm 12 point works just fine on my 96 VT1100C2 no grinding needed

 

Real tools!!!! I have real tools! Just nothing to get into that spark plug. I wrench on everything I own. Just don't have a good 3/8 18 mm deep well. I have tons of 1/2 inch but it's too fat! I'll try an 18mm socket and then buy the factory one if it doesn't work!

Thanks guys!!

T.C.

 

I too have real tools (not including craftsman) and I would still recommend the factory spark plug tool. That is what it's designed for. No grinding necessary.

 

My Plug size...?

I know... I ought to know. My bike is an 86 Vt 700, can anyone tell me what size the plug is? I havent had to change it yet but I have figured out that the sockets I have wont get down to it. I'm gonna order one from BikeBandit and maybe a couple of plugs too.

 

Re: My Plug size...?

I know... I ought to know. My bike is an 86 Vt 700, can anyone tell me what size the plug is? I havent had to change it yet but I have figured out that the sockets I have wont get down to it. I'm gonna order one from BikeBandit and maybe a couple of plugs too.

Bikebandit show the plug for the '86 VT 700c as being an DPR7EA-9. That is the same plug as the newer VT's, just a different heat range.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1986-honda-motorcycle-vt700c-shadow/o/m2875

Here is a handy spark plug number chart.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/docs/tech/partnumberkey.pdf

 

This is the most relevant post to this so I won't make another thread as others will come upon this thread as I did, searching for why their spark plug tool and other "real tools" won't access the plug.

Some folks keep referring to craftsman 12 point 18mm as a working tool, maybe these are old sockets or brand new ones because my 12 year old ones will not fit into the plug holes, none of my sockets will.

As someone who has worked professionally on cars the factory tool is THE BEST, easiest option and is most certainly a "real" tool...awaiting arrival of mine now. Also, if you have to grind on a tool to make it work then that isn't the right tool either.

 

???? I have used a craftsman 18mm 6 point on most of my bikes and never had an issue. Always drop right in all with no grinding as well. Is the 700 really that much different?

 

mine's an 1100, even my matco socket won't fit. And it's not the cover as far as I can tell, just a very narrow hole *shrug Maybe mine's just special then, '06 model

 

It won't fit because you need a 6 point 18mm THINWALL deep socket. Standard deep sockets won't fit and every keeps forgetting about the thinwall description.