Strobe timing

Commando75 · May 11, 2010

Ok...I feel like a dolt but can someone give me a step by step procedure for using a scope to set the timing on my 75 MK 3? I am running the Trispark ignition. I thought I had it dialed in but when warm, I am getting some ping which I believe indicates timing too far advanced. In the past I would static tune and hope for the best. Not going to cut it with this bike. Any help greatly appreciated.

Andy

pete.v · May 11, 2010

Static settings are just to get you started.
First thing I do is tie my front to a tree or bumper cause when it gets up to 5000 it really moon walks. For me, this is the key.
Get it warm. Hook up the strobe leads to the battery. Put the probe on a plug lead, either one. Start the bike and settle in over the timing hole on the primary. Reach up with the left hand to the throttle with the steering turned to the right. Run it up to 5000 rpm and take the reading. If adjustments are needed, make them small, really small. I suggest between 30 and 31 BTDC.
Neither higher, nor lower. Repeat till good

norbsa48503 · May 12, 2010

Tri spark is a little different it's 3000 RPM and 28 degrees. So at 3000 the line under the strobe will stop moving and appear to land on 28 degree mark. With a helper to hold the bike off all stands who also controls the throttle your job of taking readings and bumping stator plates becomes very easy.

littlefield · May 12, 2010

Why would the bike want less advance with a Tri-Spark?

norbsa48503 · May 12, 2010

Because it arrives at the point of full advance at 3000 not 5000. 28 is right for points and the Tri spark is close to this.

Commando75 · May 12, 2010

Thanks very much to all who responded. My bike is now timed as well as it can be. The $30.00 strobe from an auto parts store worked like a charm. Just a few more minor leaks to tackle and I will be ready for the road. Oh yea, my girlfriend really liked being the throttle babe ; )

Coco · May 12, 2010

Commando75 said:
Thanks very much to all who responded. My bike is now timed as well as it can be. The $30.00 strobe from an auto parts store worked like a charm. Just a few more minor leaks to tackle and I will be ready for the road. Oh yea, my girlfriend really liked being the throttle babe ; )

I'll pass that onto my girlfriend as she'll be the throttle babe when the time comes. She hates helping me in the garage. Everytime I ask her for a hand out there, she always assumes it involves lifting a motor into the frame. She said never again.

swooshdave · May 12, 2010

Coco said:
Commando75 said:

Thanks very much to all who responded. My bike is now timed as well as it can be. The $30.00 strobe from an auto parts store worked like a charm. Just a few more minor leaks to tackle and I will be ready for the road. Oh yea, my girlfriend really liked being the throttle babe ; )

Click to expand...

I'll pass that onto my girlfriend as she'll be the throttle babe when the time comes. She hates helping me in the garage. Everytime I ask her for a hand out there, she always assumes it involves lifting a motor into the frame. She said never again.

If you can't convince her that sitting on a wildly vibrating bike isn't a good time...

Trumpeteer · May 12, 2010

Nothing like a parallel twin between the legs!

highdesert · May 12, 2010

Ha!

My wife runs the other way when I go looking for her to assist me with anything Norton related

She assumes she is going to handle some dirty part and need to shower again.

But, she does love me and knows how much I love working on and riding my Commando so she tolerates my madness.

BrianK · May 12, 2010

Have your reluctant throttle girls watch this guys:
Removed broken link

MarshalNorton · May 12, 2010

Can you use the battery in the bike when your timing?
I thought it was rec. you hook the strobe leads to an external battery to avoid interference.
I just jumped off the lawn mower battery and hooked the plug leads up to the plug wires.
I got 28 degrees w/ points.
Marshal

blaisestation · May 13, 2010

a seperate battery is better !

Seeley920 · May 13, 2010

hahaha....my ex wife always volunteered to warm up my bikes before a race......and nowadays, the lady who does the assembly area always runs over to stand beside my bike and asks me to rev it!!

rvich · May 13, 2010

The primary on my bike goes back together today. I plan to use a timing wheel to check whether my timing scale is anything close to accurate. It has been recommended in different threads here.

Russ

pete.v · May 15, 2010

I emailed Stephen Kelly at Trispark. This was his responce.
Peter,

This is a question I get asked all the time. I've timed a few Nortons to 30 degrees and that seemed to be fine. You would need to put your bike on a dyno to see if more power is produced by advancing further.

Cheers,

At 4000 RPM

Stephen Kelly
Northstar Electronics - Tri-Spark Ignition
mob 0414 379 674
tel +61 08 8371 1664
fax +61 08 8371 0839
sales@trispark.com.au http://www.trispark.com.au

norbsa48503 · May 15, 2010

Interesting I just broke out the instuctions on my two new units and did a read through. No referance to RPM is given. Just check it with a strobe. So rev the motor till the line no longer advances under the light and have it land on a number you find works for you. The main thing being when it stops advancing make sure its not at say 34 degrees or what ever makes it ping. BSA's and Triumph's just have the one mark not a scale like Nortons.

Strobe timing

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