V7 III Racer spark plug caps

[Artem_Gus]

Bought a V7III Racer with damaged head covers and spark plug caps, so replaced original plugs (NGK CPR8EB-9) with CPR8EA-9 and caps with NGK XD05F. Many web pages say XD05F fit the V7III (e.g. http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_157&products_id=5146). However, after I've replaced them, I can not fit the head cover (spark cover on the head cover). There's a gap between the head cover and spark cover (see the image below).

I'm sure I've fully snugged down the spark caps. No more room for movement.

Am I doing smth wrong? Are there better spark caps? Do you modify them somehow to fit?

Please advise.

[Cam3512]

Last time I was at Hamlin’s, he was explaining how the plug covers do NOT fit over the new (better) NGK caps on the V7 III’s.  He cuts the bottom half of the cover off leaving the plug cap exposed. 

[Roebling3]

As Cam suggests. It was likely my bike. I try hard to optimize reliability where ever possible.
Adding NGK plug caps and trimming the wire cover were essential. Replacing the distorted fuel filter was easy & useful. I swapped out thoroughly. I also swapped the wire wheels and tubes for a complete set of cast wheel     Good Fortune, 

[pete roper]

Look, I've only ever seen one of the hemispherical head series because, well, they don't sell here, but looking at the cap that doesn't work I'd suggest going to the NGK site and seeing what they offer with a similar angle on the application point at the head.

NGK make a host of differently angled crap for a host of vehicles from mopeds to jet-skis! You shouldn't need to start cutting and f@#&ing anything. Really, believe me, I's a mekanik!

[Artem_Gus]

I'm really hesitant to trim the spark covers. The engine is beautifully designed.
Will try to find other spark caps. Will post when found. May be useful for others as well.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'm really hesitant to trim the spark covers. The engine is beautifully designed.
Will try to find other spark caps. Will post when found. May be useful for others as well.

Attaboy, and welcome to WG.. 

[Roebling3]

OM! I've besmirched the master. It's my s*** and the results are 100% good.
Except for a great number of diesels, I've driven most things on wheels w/spark plugs (for fun and commercial purposes). We have all(?) ridden about in every kind of weather with exposed spark plugs. I know you have. They work rather well, most of the time. Should we go back to plastic suitcases. Paso and Pacific Coast?

Aesthetics are important to me and they are why my 'racer' doesn't look like the faker
MG and others think is just fabulous. Racers! Painted in matte finished shades of black?
Every see such on a race track? Do you like being run over on the highway?

I've read a lot of your stuff, Pete. Thank you.
Methinx you're ranting from both sides of the street, today.  BTW: You have suggested being old and fat. I'm certain to be way ahead of you on the former. Fatness is relative.
   Good fortune,  R3~

[kingoffleece]

Correct.  I know HAMLIN really well.  If anybody wanted something different for the caps, or no trimming, he would have accommodated them.  The customer is always given options.

[Roebling3]

King Of: Sleep warm.

Spark plugs, though inelegant other than their simplicity of design, are like a match to fire. Totally essential. But not even a brass era Rolls Shooting Break @ Pebble Beach Concourse draws a crowd w/its spark plugs. That nifty brass tray w/fuel jiggling about is near spectacular, - to some. For an instant.  R3~ 

[Cam3512]

Correct.  I know HAMLIN really well.  If anybody wanted something different for the caps, or no trimming, he would have accommodated them.  The customer is always given options.

The shortened covers looked fine.  Still much better than the plastic crap covers on my ‘14. 

[Roebling3]

I'm such a lucky sumbitch I only carry the nearly useless factory tools.
My last driving/riding emergency was 3 years ago, when the right side CV joint let go @ ~75m/h on an interstate. That Acura CLS cpe. 6 spd. only had 435, 377.6 miles on it. Darn!
I sold it to a friend @ 455,554.5 miles. A Grosjean #, btw.   R3~ 

[Artem_Gus]

Just to close the thread.

Although many claim "NGK 8072 XD05F Plug Caps" fit V7III 2017-..., they DO NOT. V7III have different to V7II cover. I've tried few options and "NGK 8052 VD05F Plug Cap" do the job with "NGK 2306 CPR8EA-9 Standard Plugs"

[blu guzz]

you can't just close a thread here.  it must be beaten into submission.

[Roebling3]

Yeah! Watch what yer doin' here, youngster.
It's a beautiful day in the 'hood. I'm going for a ride.  MMV every day.  R3~

[mr_pacman]

Ok, So we know the following:

XD05F plug caps fit the V7 I and II (and the III if you trim the covers which isn't desireable)

VD05F plug caps fit the V7 III

Do we know if the VD05F plug caps fit the V7 I and II?

Looks like, in Canada, the XD05F are discontinued and I've got a 2014 V7 I.  Wondering the VD05F will fit fine?

Thanks
James