Spark Plugs - A little black, a little wet

[bikeb4cage]

Pulled plugs tonight on a 2001 B12.  8600 miles.  Third owner.  Second owner stated the bike did not use oil (but he only put 1000 miles on it, and the oil level was too high - not sure how closely he watched the level).  3 out of 4 plugs were black and wet.  One was closer to what a healthy plug would look like.  Cleaned all 4 up with a wire brush and reinstalled.  Started it up (choke on) and ran for 30 seconds or so.  Shut down and checked plugs again - they were wet again (could not tell if fuel or oil for sure, but seemed like oil).  Now, this bike could have the bad pistons.  Also, the K&N filters probably need to be cleaned (could be leading to running rich).  I really need to put some miles on the bike and see if it's burning oil - just haven't had the chance to ride.  Just wondering if there is cause for concern with the plugs - my gut says YES, I just don't want to admit it.

[CWO4GUNNER]

Just go through the normal check list of diagnostic checks in any good service manual to determine the status of the engine.
(1) compression check. If within parameters go to next step. If not rebuild engine.
(2) New spark plugs, air filter and then synchronize carburetors ensuring no vacuum leaks around hoses or clamps for a good synchronization.
At this point your bike should be running much better but if you are still running rich on some plugs, before pulling the carbs to clean and inspect, run some carburetor cleaner in a tank of gas and make sure you dose it appropriately, half bottle or whatever.
(3) If you are still running excessively rich on some plugs you will need to pull and clean the carb and jets, reset and reinstall and resynchronize.

[bikeb4cage]

thanks for the advice.  rode fot 10 min, WOT. checked plugs, all is fine now
thanks!

[Bazza]

It should be noted that it's best to check plugs after a ride once the bike cools down. You will get a much more acurate picture of things this way.