How to ck & set ignition timing on GS1100GK?

[Guest]

Since I have chronic pinging on my '82GK, I always use "premium" gas. The bike will still ping if I get caught in stop & go traffic during warm weather (NOT a problem lately, Brrrr).
So, I need to check the timing setting & make sure it is correct. Even though this is fundamental stuff, I haven't seen anything on how to do this. I know that with crank triggered electronic ignitions, it normally does not shift from original setting, but I need to check anyway,
What's the normal method/procedure for doing this?

[mr4x4king]

mine does the same thing hopefully we get an answer to help us both

[azr]

If you have a timing light it's pretty easy. If not download a manual from Cliffs site and follow along, it's pretty easy. It's all under your right side ignition cover.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[hjfisk]

I believe the timing is set up from the factory and is none adjustable. I have thought about playing with it on my 1000G also but never have, as it also pings. I have noticed that it pings less with lower octane gas though. So I don't run 92-93 anymore in it

[azr]

Wow, I never knew that about stock ignition setups, disregard my other post. I have my 80' 1000G but I pulled the stock setup for a Dyna so never had to play around with it. Why would they make an engine that you can't adjust the timing on??

[chuck hahn]

Noise can also be from needing a carb syncing again.

[chef1366]

It's from a lean condition.
You have to richen the jet needle by replacing the spacer over the needle with a stack of less height of washers.

[Steve]

Why would they make an engine that you can't adjust the timing on??

If I remember correctly (it has been a while), you can adjust it.

However, once it is set, there is no need to change it, because there is nothing that wears and requires adjustment.

.

[azr]

If I remember correctly (it has been a while), you can adjust it.

However, once it is set, there is no need to change it, because there is nothing that wears and requires adjustment.

.

See, that makes more sense. So it's not a matter of cannot adjust, more of a 'you don't need to once it's set'. Thanks for clearing that up Steve, I was perplexed. So fella's, get yourself a timing gun or you can do it manually with a simple 12volt tester with a bulb in it but likely your 'ping' is from your carbs needing a synch from your valves that need adjustment.

[LarryJ]

My carbs are well synch'd & valves are set. My bike still detonated whenever I get stuck in stop & go traffic in warm weather. So, it could be timing or I need to move the needles up a little. Or, the chambers are just too carbonated up (I hope not).

[Nessism]

I think detonation is a common condition with the GK; normal but not desirable. Richening up the mixture may help, but might also destroy mileage. Dialing back the timing should help, but not sure how much. I'd try slotting the mounting screw holes for the signal generators and rotating the plate clockwise a few degrees. Trial the bike and see how it runs.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I had big problems with my 850 pinging New intake boots fixed that

[LarryJ]

Oh yea, I've put on new carb boots too.

[1_v8_merc]

Haven't set timing since last Summer, but off the top of my head...

The only ignitions that are adjustable are Points Ignition(76-79 GS) and aftermarket Dyna Ignitions. Normally you slide the plate Clockwise for Advance, Counter-clickwise for Retard. (another way to tell, slide the plate One direction slightly...if the Idle speeds up, that's Advance. If it bogs down or starts missing- that's Retard.)
Also, with the 76-82 GS bikes, there is a Mechanical Advance piece, behind the timing plate...sometimes the springs get stuck, and the weights can't fully expand outwards as the motor spins faster...and as a result your timing won't advance correctly.

With Aftermarket Electronic Ignitions(such as Dyna), you can also set the Two pickups individually to dial in the timing perfect.
There are two magnet pickups on the plate, Left pickup controls Firing to cylinder 1/4, the Right pickup goes to cylinder 2/3.

Most GS bikes reach full Advance around 1500RPM. Some of the 550's and smaller may be around 1800RPM.

[LarryJ]

This past spring I recleaned the pilot jet passages on the #2 carb. That was the one that didn't respond to idle mixture settings. Guess what? The longing is 90% gone. I've only heard a slight amount of pinging, now, when the engine is hot & pulling under 2500-3000rpm.Overall, the bike is running much better this year than last.