R1150RT-P spark plug wires

[k12k12]

Hi guys, got an '03 1150RT-P, wanted to replace the plug wires as they were cracking. Got a set from Beemer Boneyard, those and the ones on the A&S parts fiche plug in at the coil, like plug wires usually do, with a rubber cap.
The problem is, on my bike, the connection at the coil is held in with a nut on the wire as it enters the coil. I wasn't aware of the police version having a different coil.
Any thoughts?
The replacement wires won't fit, as they're not quite as long, and don't seat well .
I don't see any plug wires like that, the boneyard wires are for all 1100, 1150s.
Thanks

[jireynolds67]

Unless you can find some used ones for sale, you will have to buy new ones from a dealer. They will probably have to order the ones you need as they are for a RT-P and most likely are not in their stock. You might want to have your VIN Number with you as they may want it when ordering. Expect to pay close to $120.00 for each of the ignition wires, as that is what the one which I bought recently cost. Jim Reynolds

[Dave_Faria]

If your sure your wires are bad at $120 a set you might want to try making new wires. I have the same bolt into the ignition coil wires on my 04 RT. I got a spare ignition coil off EBAY and it came with a set old wires. The coil was correct but not the wires so i cut off the nuts on the wire with the idea of making new wires in the future if needed. The wires appear to be a coax that you might be able to match up at a good electronic distributor. The ends at the plug you will have to find but, they used to be available for custom wires. I'm retired so I can fiddle with this kind of thing.

Good Luck

[JHGilbert]

You might check with Magnecore (http://www.magnecor.com/). They make wires for the 1150 and may be able to put a different coil terminal on it. If I remember correctly, the wires were about $60, still pricey.

Anybody ever taken a wire apart to see if they are carbon or wire conductor?

[Dave_Faria]

They are copper wire with a copper shield.

[jireynolds67]

If your sure your wires are bad at $120 a set you might want to try making new wires. I have the same bolt into the ignition coil wires on my 04 RT. I got a spare ignition coil off EBAY and it came with a set old wires. The coil was correct but not the wires so i cut off the nuts on the wire with the idea of making new wires in the future if needed. The wires appear to be a coax that you might be able to match up at a good electronic distributor. The ends at the plug you will have to find but, they used to be available for custom wires. I'm retired so I can fiddle with this kind of thing.

Good Luck

That is not for a set, unless I was overcharged, that is for each wire. I just checked my receipt. The Ignition Wire for my 2003 R1150RT-P was a special order item, the part number is 12121342179. The price was $109.58 plus tax for a total of $118.48 :jawdrop. I picked the wire up from the dealer on 11/18/9. Jim Reynolds

[Motor31]

Just keep saying to yourself, "it's gotta be good because it costs so much". Then have another cup of the kool aid.

:stick

[bikerfish1100]

well, at $330 + the set (or do you actually need 4 wires, given the dual plug heads?), that is even greater reason to go for an aftermarket hop up.
i know some folks on other boards that swear by Nology wires & coils http://www.nology.com/products.html

[JHGilbert]

They are copper wire with a copper shield.

Not much to go wrong on a copper wire unlike a carbon core. But in case you need a new set, MSD (msd.com) sells copper wire and might even have the appropriate terminals. They also sell a crimping tool to install the plug ends.

Edit: Sorry about the URL. It's www.msdignition.com

MSD Powersports is http://www.msdpowersports.com/

[k12k12]

I have the single spark RT, so 2 wires total. I don't know if they are bad, just the cracked rubber on the wire concerned me about future failure. I suppose electrical tape might be my friend here.

[bikerfish1100]

it's just about a new moon; nice and dark. start the bike outdoors (or in) at night, and look for any arcing. you see blue electric stuff happening, for sure they're bad.

[k12k12]

cool,will do!

[jireynolds67]

Not much to go wrong on a copper wire unlike a carbon core. But in case you need a new set, MSD (msd.com) sells copper wire and might even have the appropriate terminals. They also sell a crimping tool to install the plug ends.
msd.com goes to Merck & Co.,Inc

[Dave_Faria]

Since the BMW wires are so expensive I looked in a book which had voltage insulation levels for various coax cables. Coax cable will not handle the high voltage used in our bike ignition systems.

I was thinking an alternate might be stripping the copper shield off the coax and slipping it on a replacement ignition wire before you install the ends. Then a sleeve of heat shrink tubing over the coax shield. Then install the plug ends. This should work and be much cheaper than $120per wire.

How often do the wires go bad??? anyone replaced them???