1972 Cota 247 timing...

[sempergumby]

HI Guys.

Todays dumb question is timing. I have learned to set 21 BTDC with a spark plug dial gage. I was wondering if anybody has ever bothered trying something less in the 10 to 20 degree range.

My reasoning is that I spend a lot of time riding in the idle to 2500 rpm range and 21 degrees is a compromise between fast runing and slow running motors. I am always trying to run slow as possible with little or no clutch so why not run the timing a little closer to TDC? 10 degrees? 15 degrees?

Am I barking up the wrong tree?

Edited November 26, 2011 by sempergumby

[feetupfun]

HI Guys.

Todays dumb question is timing. I have learned to set 21 BTDC with a spark plug dial gage. I was wondering if anybody has ever bothered trying something less in the 10 to 20 degree range.

My reasoning is that I spend a lot of time riding in the idle to 2500 rpm range and 21 degrees is a compromise between fast runing and slow running motors. I am always trying to run slow as possible with little or no clutch so why not run the timing a little closer to TDC? 10 degrees? 15 degrees?

Am I barking up the wrong tree?

Not a dumb question at all. Yes some people run with less spark advance than standard on trials bikes, especially on large capacity motors. The standard setting is only a guide. Why not try it and see what you think. The motor will run even with the spark after TDC so you can experiment to your hearts desire. To start with I would try 10 degrees BTDC and see if you can feel the difference. Remember to test for the effect on high RPM performance as well as low RPM response.

[keychange]

my experience with my Cota is retard tends to make it hot and any advance makes it a mongrel to start