Honda-SOHC

Delta, i disagree,
On the asvise of an ngk rep who was a well respected sidcar racer i used D7EV in my 500 that went all over the UK and to the Isle of Man regularly plus commuting 7 miles to work.
Never fouled, never failed yes nearly twice the price but well worth it  the =L was always sold as a "half grade"

NGK came with the D8ES-L for a reason. Other plugs that had a less protruding electrode, fouled. That problem needed to be adressed. In my documents, the D8ES-L was characterised by NGK as "Special Design". Although it's been interpreted by forum members as "half grade" I've not seen this confirmed by NGK as such, nor by Honda. As the D8ES-L indeed fouled less, it could be used by CB500/550 owners that had read in their Owner's Manual and I quote: [...]" if the motorcycle is going to be operated for extended periods at extremely high speeds and near maximum power in hot climates, the spark plugs should be changed to a colder heat range number." That the American EPA was somehow involved in the birth of the D8ES-L, is a story that so far comes from one member only in the international forum. I have seen no confirmation of that story yet. I mean: how about all the other markets that didn't have an EPA?
Back in the day, every owner of a CB500/550 on the European continent ran the D8ES-L plug. My personal experience was that this plug fouled no more than the D7ES did.
One of the best manuals I have, is the French one that was established in close participation with Honda France. On page 83 we read:
Bougies
La CB 500 est équipée de NGK D-7 ES alors que le modèle actuel (CB 500 K1) possède des bougies NGK D-8 ES-L qui ont la particularité d'être autonettoyantes. Il est conseillé de monter également ces bougies sur la CB 500.
In translation:
The CB 500 is equipped with NGK D-7 ES while the current model (CB 500 K1) has NGK D-8 ES-L spark plugs which have the particularity of being self-cleaning. It is recommended to also fit these spark plugs on the CB 500.

And that's what most of us did.

I'm sorry I cannot comment on experiences/reviews which may be biased by free handouts. Untill I have more information, I consider them anecdotal.

 

I got the F1 out today for 50 miles on some nice Twisties!  Auburn Black diamond Road/Green Valley Road with the destination of Green River Gorge.Bike Ran awesome and it was Actually warm out! 72 F.

When they arrive in a packing case is the rear wheel on place?
If not it might be down to the PDI assembly.
Can't see it makes any difference TBH.🤔🤔🤔

1st pic From Dealer Setup Manual and 2nd the 'Push mile' bike auctioned a couple of years ago. I think the  push miles one is wrong (as was a lot of other things were on that bike for a cool 16k or whatever it was after fees etc. )
I always fitted on right but I think Mr Honda intended it to be on the left.

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That's a great view Hubert,
I was round there last year and it always feels very special, almost regardless of the weather as long as you have the right kit. My favourite is the Mam Ratagan pass.  Although I had a few 'Wings, I never had an 1100 but the odd ones I rode did seem more cumbersome than the others - the 1500 felt like more of a sports bike in comparison!

Ian

I've had a KZ Wing, Ian and both these are good handlers never ridden the 1500, it's the bulk that's put me off...the sheet size of it...my 1100 handles quite well with the Hagon Nitros at the back and Hagon fork springs at the front and bt45's...well enough for me anyway...you're right it's lovely up there, I was surprised that all the hotels up there want £130 plus per night b&b! Cheapskate me makes it there and back for the last ferry