Don't suppose anyone has a spare one for a 2012? Have spent most of the day stripping the Blade down for a full service (only an oil service due but thought what the hell, now I'm regretting it). What an absolute bind it is to even get to the plugs. Eventually got there and opened the OEM toolkit which according to the service manual 'should' have a special spark plug removal tool owing the the tight angles but as luck would have it, it's missing. Have looked on eBay for a replacement and can't find any. I'm guessing people take these out owing to the tools usefulness. Now the Blade is in pieces until I can get the plugs out, no point putting her back together now I have come this far. Guess she'll be looking like this for a while...
Aargh, what you done! All that for an oil service? Why on earth is your grip off? Anyway, I'll take a look in my kit tomorrow, but in the meantime where are you in case anyone local has one to hand?
New grips to go on as well, changing to Renthal mediums. Taking the opportunity to do a few things whilst she's stripped down so may do the PAIR mod too. I know, seemed a good idea at the time. I'm in Swindon, Wilts.
Owing to the angle and depth of the plugs, they supply a special tool (well apparently but mine is missing!) I can barely get my fingers in, especially the outers. Honda sure know how to make things awkward.
I reckon they took them out! I had one in my 2011, but when i got the 2012 yep...none in mine either.
I wouldn't exactly call it a special plug socket.........it's still just a standard 10mm plug socket (magnetic version works best) that's used in most modern engines but has a bar that is used to unscrew the plug, fix the plug socket to a wobbly extension or two and a ratchet at away you go!
Thanks for checking. I have a standard flexible one I've had you years that won't even touch the plugs so a trip to Halfords later to see what they have then!
Spoke to the dealer today, looks as though from '11 onwards they were not included in the owners toolkit even though the workshop service manual still references it for the '12. I have ordered one at the rather expensive price of £19. Hopefully it'll arrive by the weekend so I can put the old girl back together.