[Ducati] Spark plugs and plug wires for 748

[John Sheerin]

Hello,
One of the cylinders died on my 748 at the end of my ride on Sunday.  I've
been reading here a lot, so my first thoughts were "check for spark, check
for fuel".  Reading my Haynes manual, it recommends using an extra plug
while checking so that you're not potentially squirting fuel out of the top
of the head and then igniting it with the plug.  But I can't find any local
place that has the spec'd Champion RA59GC plugs, and the auto parts places
can't even look it up to cross reference it (well they try, but it's not in
their system).  I did some poking on the net and found a recommendation for
NGK DR9EIX iridium plugs, D9EVX platinum plugs, or DCPR8E plugs.  However,
these are two different heat ranges, right - 8 and 9?  Anyone have any
experience with these?

Also, on my bike I have a set of red "MSD 8.5mm super conductor spark plug
wires" and straight boots on my bike that I think are upgrades.  See:
http://www.shopatron.com/product/product_id=MSD3327/424.0
I've pulled one off before to check the plug, but it was an absolute pita to
get the boot out of the head.  The wire pulled out of the boot, and then I
had to pull out the boot by itself and feed the wire back through before
reassembly.  Anyone have any tricks for this?  From reading their website, I
guess this is supposed to be 'better' than stock, but I'm really tempted to
find a stock pair of wires to put on just so I can check my plugs with going
through this wrestling match.

Thanks,
John
http://ldsg.snippets.org/HORNS/