Ignition timing with Dyna S

[yoshisakan]

Hey all, I just installed a Dyna S yesterday and the bike has been running great ever since. I adjusted the plate 75% counter clockwise, which I am estimating to be about +6 degrees advanced. The bike has low end torque like never before, but near the upper range of the power band, the power comes to a stop.

That being said, i've decided to let the bike sit until I get the timing adjusted properly. I've read that 32-34 degrees is where the 16v gs1100 motor should be. I was planning to rent a timing light from autozone to do the job. Ive never set timing before, is there anything I need to know first or be cautious of?

Thanks

[trippivot]

Open the ignition cover on the right side of the engine so you can turn the engine by hand

take the #4 spark plug out and put it back into the spark plug wire. let it ground out on the engine. ( you can use a spare plug instead)

turn the key for the ignition "on" -- turn the engine with a wrench or socket and breaker bar -- not a ratchet

watch the spark plug for the blue spark and align the#1/#4 "F" mark and the pointer line when it fires...

that will be stock setting which ends up being 34 at full advance /// and 13 at idle

[yoshisakan]

I'm not sure how that works, because I don't believe the Dyna S plate has any markings on it.

[Guest]

I'm not sure how that works, because I don't believe the Dyna S plate has any markings on it.

You have timing marks on your mechanical advance and a notch on your inner ignition plate.

[yoshisakan]

You have timing marks on your mechanical advance and a notch on your inner ignition plate.

Right, but don't I adjust the timing by rotating the position of the dyna plate? So how do I line that part up?

[Guest]

You rotate the plate to get the plug to fire at those timing marks.
Search "static timing"

[yoshisakan]

Oh, got it. That makes sense. Sorry about the dumb questions, i've just never adjusted ignition timing.

[Guest]

Oh, got it. That makes sense. Sorry about the dumb questions, i've just never adjusted ignition timing.

Not dumb at all
We all start somewhere

[yoshisakan]

I got the timing lined up exactly. The engine now runs smoothly like it should. This motor makes a lot of power, its almost a shame that it's only getting another month of use.