Timing and electronic conversion?

[Phaseman]

I have a 78' GS1000E which the previous owner converted from points to electronic. I pulled off the cover expecting to see something at least similar to what was in my service manual. No such luck.

Instead this is what I saw! Looks to me like I can't remove these
pieces to run the bike and view my timing plate.



Also admittedly I'm not even sure if a car timing light is the same
as a motorcycle timing light. The service manual shows setting the
timing (points type) separatly for cyls. 1-4 and 2-3 separately. If
the timing lights are the same for auto/cycle, does that mean that I
need to place the sensor on plug wire no.1 for 1/4 and no.2 for 2/3?

I guess that doesn't matter if I can't find anything to shine the
light on...

If someone can get me past these issues I am sure I'll have more
questions.

[duaneage]

Take a flashlight to that little window at the top. maybe through there you can see the firing marks .

And yes, 1-4 or 2-3 fire together so you can check them in pairs.

[bwringer]

Dude, you don't have to check the timing any more...

[progas]

That Martek ignition is quite old. I use to sell them back in the day, and had nothing but trouble with them!! I quit selling them because of that. I always told people to carry their stock ignition with them.

[Phaseman]

That Martek ignition is quite old. I use to sell them back in the day, and had nothing but trouble with them!! I quit selling them because of that. I always told people to carry their stock ignition with them.

Hmmm... Any particular KIND of trouble, or just trouble in general?

[chef1366]

You can't see the timing marks through the window below the top center plate screw?

[Suzuki_Don]

Dude, you don't have to check the timing any more...

Brian can you please explain?

[Don-lo]

Electronic ignition is "set it, forget it"

[gbw]

I have that same EI...PO installed it on my bike who know how long ago. Seems like it works pretty well and since its electronic you don't have to set the timing. I've had it all apart and its pretty simple. Just a couple of LEDs. I have some images that I found online from the instruction manual if your interested in seeing the wiring diagrams, etc. PM your email address and I'll send them to you. you might be able to read them off my photobucket account here:

http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/77GS750/ei/

the instructions are for a Kawasaki but the model number of device is the same and as far as I can tell it is exactly the same thing.

[salty_monk]

You do have to set the timing initially...

[Phaseman]

duaneage - Take a flashlight to that little window at the top. maybe through there you can see the firing marks .

I'll check that!

bwringer - Dude, you don't have to check the timing any more...

Nice...

chef1366 - You can't see the timing marks through the window below the top center plate screw?

See two up!

salty_monk - You do have to set the timing initially...

Always with the making us do it right salty...
If I can check it through the little window and it's not right I'll be looking for some "How To" info from you.

[wazz]

Running the same ignition on the project bike, haven't had any issues , but also haven't seen many miles.....

I have the original instructions, if you'd like a copy just let me know.



-greg

[Rock]

I had the same ignition and it lasted for 30 years. It failed while I was doing some rewiring and hooked up a wrong wire and fried it. I put in a Dyna S today and the coil relay mod. The spark is waaay bigger and better now.