I know you used to want a light tan on the plug but I remember someone saying that with the ethanol gas you are now looking for a whitish color.

I recently re-jetted my bike and have a slightly off white color on the plugs but no backfiring on decel. The bike runs great but I am concerned about running too lean.

What exactly does running lean do to the motor?

 

As long as your plugs are not blistered around the center electrode you are probably not to lean. A lean engine will run hotter, and possibly detonate quicker. Sounds like yours are pretty good. Not popping on decel is a good sign that it is not to lean, at least on the pilot jet.

 

Thanks Jim.

I was kinda hoping that was the case.

 

Hard to get a nice tan in the states with the additive they got in the gas now.

 

If it runs right then enjoy. Hill country riding is the best....where are you exactly?

 

On 290 between Dripping Springs and Austin.

 

Try this website...I found the info very good

http://www.4secondsflat.com/Spark_plug_reading.html

Cheer

 

Sounds like your ok but being Canadian and not using corn fuel , i cant be sure.
Best advise is to keep checking plug condition . If they look as new without any previously descibed nasties , you should be good to go .
If you suspect you are running lean , your motor will run hot and plugs will show a glazed polished look . Suggest you web search for a simple spark plug diagnostic pic.