Topic: Funky ignition timing

[Dos]

Hey everyone I am able to get 1.4 and 2.3 lined up on F but when I pull the the throttle 2.3 always goes over the two || marks . 1.4 stays in between. What gives?

[rosewood]

I need to double check mine again but I think I have the same issue with my setup....

I've reached out to Hondaman who as advised it could be:

1. The points shaft being bent a little
2. The points cam on the advancer being a little loose (not sitting squarely)

The latter he has mentioned can be corrected by shimming, not sure about the first one or what he is exactly referring to when he mentions the 'points shaft'.

I haven't had a chance to double check my timing or inspect the advancer mechanism itself so interested to hear from others on this topic..How do we check/measure if its not sitting squarely?

I have had some tuning issues so far after a complete engine rebuild. it appears to be running rich. I probably have/had some other issues aswell which I've tried to correct. My last run showed 1&4 plugs (maybe 2&3 i cant remember now) sootier than the other pair that took me back to checking the timing again which revealed what you have described. I suspect my advancer springs may have annealed/weakened with age also so also looking into trimming the springs too.

rosewood

[Dos]

Do you think getting an electronic timing system might fix it?

[bryanj]

Never ever had one that when spot on gap and spot on F mark was outside avance marks

[Dos]

What’s more important, lining up on F or having those advanced marks in place

[PeWe]

Point gaps can mess it up. Verify with Dwell gauge, 23 degrees at 8 cyl setting. max 23.5. Both points should be equal. Adjust at around 1200 rpm (stable idle). Some cheap auto multimeters have Dwell function. 23* is equal to max gap, 24.5* to min. I have seen on my bikes that max gap is needed to avoid too advanced at Idle and get max advance 2600-2800. Both have cut springs too.

Your point plate sit advanced so its not strange that 2:3 is advanced. Why not 1:4? 1:4 point gap might be huge...

[Dos]

My 1.4 could be adjusted but the screw holding it is so stripped. I have no idea how to remove it without making it worse

[DaveBarbier]

What’s more important, lining up on F or having those advanced marks in place

Advance is more important than idle timing. So set the timing at the two hash marks and let the F mark fall where it wants. 99% of your riding will be at full advance. That being said, if there are any issues with point gap or dwell those should be fixed first.

[rosewood]

Do you think getting an electronic timing system might fix it?

I think if its an issue with the advancer probably not as the electronic timing still uses the advancer mechanism as far as I'm aware...

If its to do with your points/plate assembly possibly but then you have the extra load on the alternator debate going down this route....I've considered it but not sold on the idea just yet.  Think you need to try and diagnose/address whats wrong first..   

[PeWe]

It is possible to get it right.
Have a bike that runs bad below 2500-3000 rpm is bad wrenching mechanic!
Why give that up?

Completely different with a race bike that does not need that low rpm smooth runner.

But a street bike must have it.