If I'm not mistaken, I would use how-to on installing the AIS plates, that will also get you to the plugs. I don't think you need to drop the radiator to get to the plugs, they are literally right next to the AIS plates. Here's a pic from the thread, the off-white circles are the coils, pull them out and the plugs are underneath.

If you don't have a 5mm allen head drive for a ratchet, now's the time to get one. It will make removing/installing the AIS plate bolts much easier since the factory red-loctite's the f*ck out of them.

http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265306

 

i never did get the tool. figured it would be a tool i used once and forgot about...so just used L shaped allen wrenches. T handles wouldn't fit on the two outer bolts.

but these damn things were covered in a green kinda lock tite thing. anyone ever seen that kind? or just an off brand?

 

And to answer your other question, I'd set aside a solid 2-3 hours to do this, which includes some time to bullshit, time to make sure it's right, and some "shit, why do I have an extra bolt?" time.

 

oh well hell I can handle that then! was it the older model r1's you have to drop the radiator to get to the plugs? I swear I read that somewhere on here.

And I live right next door to a Northern Tool so ill pick up allen head ratchets.
I was thinking roughly 3 hours. so i should be good to go. I'll wait till after the clouds gather up so i dont feel bad working on the bike while the sun is shining haha

 

With my '07 I had to drop the radiator. And by dropping it meaning taking 2 bolts out of the top and 1 at the bottom and moving it out of the way. No coolant hose connections were broken or anything. Took about 45 mins total. The hardest part was getting the coils off the valve cover actually. In NO WAY is the $200 fee at the dealer for a plug change justified!!

 

well got the plugs changed and installed smog plates. beginning to end..from time i stepped in garage to time i stepped out was just under 3 hours. plugs were easy the biggest pain in the ass was the damned AIS those damned bolts were stuck in there with 20lbs of lock-tite.
bike seems to start instantly now. push the start button it cranks half a second and its on. old plugs had 7800 miles on them. not quite black ..but they were a solid grey color.
thanks for the help fella's