CL450, running slightly lean or looking good?

[anthonylane]

I've been meaning to do a proper plug chop, but just haven't made the time to do so. Bike seems to smoke a little during idle after a good ride, it's white smoke and appears to be coming from one of the carbs—really hard to tell though. I don't think it's crank case (oil) smoke though. Compression is a solid 175–180 on both cylinders.

Here's some details on the bike:

Stock CL450 w/upgraded UNI foam filters.
Recent carb rebuild (stock jet sizing)
New and properly gapped points
OEM coils/wires/condenser as far as I can tell
New battery
92 octane always
Slightly retarded timing at idle, perfectly advanced at WOT
NGK BR7ES plugs gapped to .028 (one heat range warmer than factory recommended B8ES)

Pulled both plugs after about 100 miles of riding and here's what they look like. Anything to be concerned about here? Secondly, is this even a reliable or is a plug chop the only true way to get a reliable reading from the plugs?

 

[xb33bsa]

those are fine ride it have fun,no reason for the 7's tho, run the 8's

 

[DrJ]

Look good to me.

 

[anthonylane]

Thanks for taking a look. Planning on switching over to the 8's and dropping down to 87 (reg) octane, experimenting a little.

 

[xb33bsa]

87 ? just be careful lugging the motor if you here any rattling that is bad bad bad
if it will take it then you may get best power tho
personally i run 92 'cause it is the only alky free pump gas,that said i have "10.5" pistons

 

[anthonylane]

I could always split the difference and run 89. There's a pretty solid discussion on HondaTwins about what octane to run. Some swear by 87 on a stock setup with zero issues. Some run the higher stuff. I've only ever run 91+, and I've noticed the bike takes a good 4-5 kicks to start (one or two when warm). Can't speak for performance or rich/lean conditions though vs 87.