Topic: Timing question- please help!

[Anton]

So this is my first attempt at adjusting timing, getting a little frustrated to be honest.

Heres my problem,

I set my gaps to manufactures specs, check 1-4 with timing light and is out, so I adjust until the marks line up.
Check 2-3 and there out too, I make necessary adjustment.
Re-check 1-4 and it out again, so i re-set.
Re-re-check 2-3 and its out again............ 

how can you adjust both 1-4 and 2-3 differently if adjustments are made with the same plate??
This is not making any sense to me right now, am I missing something?

Also, is it ok to adjust the plate while the bike is running or does it have to be off?

This is my first bike, really enjoying learning but can it ever be frustrating. Im glad I found this forum, seems like a really good tool.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks guys!   

[brewsky]

There are 2 different "plates".
One set of points is on the big, round plate, the other set is on a smaller "sub" plate, and adjusts separately.

Do the big plate first (1,4), then the smaller one (2,3)

[Romhog]

I see you have quite a few bikes listed in your sig! Not sure which one you are setting your timing on but if I had to guess, like Brewsky is saying, there are 2 plates.

Set 1-4 gap and forget it. (turn your attention to the 2-3 ones but only loosen the 2 screws close to the points on the sub-plate (this being on the right side). If there isn't enough movement in that smaller plate, then loosen the 3 screws in the triangle formation on the "main plate" aka the whole assembly. and get the compensation you need. lock that in redo 1-4 and then 2-3 once more.
the key is getting 1-4 locked in and then never touching the 3 main screws again, but having it in a position to give the 2 smaller screws on 2-3 enough "leeway"

do you have the service manual for your model year bike?

[bollingball]

Download the factory service manual it clearly shows the two plates and how to adjust them.

[Anton]

Thanks for the replies guys. What about adjusting while the bike is running, Is that okay to do?

[Anton]

And what about adjusting for full advance? If 1-4 at idle is set and 1-4 at 2500 is out, then when I go to set it will it not put the idle back out of time? Or is there a different adjustment for the advance?  Sorry have down the manual and it doesn't get into these details.
Thanks

[Duanob]

Dynamic vs static timing. I prefer dynamic with a timing strobe light myself.

[greenjeans]

The advancer is not adjustible.  It goes with the engine speed.   Since your setting the timing, you might as well take the timing plate off
and make sure the advancer is clean.  Not much to it.  Just clean it, make sure the little spring is clean and the surfaces are shiney and not rusty and you should be good.