[Splitter]

I'm working on my brothers '73 sportster Ironhead, getting it ready for the season. Timing is set to 40 degrees BTDC. Has anyone here had good results using more or less advance?

Motor is bone stock '75 Ironhead with a Bendix carb and stock exhaust.

 

[Hi-po SS 454]

I have a custom 71 Sporty iron head and have always used stock factory settings.. Which I suggest you use. You can't go wrong.

 

[Geoff1200]

Every motor is different and manufacturing tolerences varied wildly in those days. Put it on a dyno and adjust timing for best torque or simply advance the timing alittle and use the "butt dyno" I've generally found setting timing to the edge of the window works in many cases...

 

[Big James 4XL]

Make sure the advance weights and springs are working, it's not uncommon for them to be broken or otherwise not in order.

 

[Rowdy]

I have a 1958 XLCH. Being the first year of the XLCH (XL introduced in '57) and somewhat of an experimental race bike (only 239 built at the request of the California Dealer's Association), mine has a magneto, without consideration towards any kind of timing advance or retard. The factory setting is 45* BTDC.

AND..... If not set dead on or pretty darn close to it, you could expect prolonged periods of kicking and the profanity laden tyrades that go with it, not to mention possible injury.

Ever heard stories of riders being thrown over the handlebars, this is the bike that perpetrated those stories, although, it is far more likely to break your ankle, leaving you hobbled where you stand. To avoid either of these scenarios, each kick must be followed through completely and held at the bottom of it's stroke. Hyperextending your knee is also common, occurring anytime a commited stroke is initiated with the kicker in it's absolute highest position. After that experience, you'll not likely be lured into the temptation of trying to take advantage of maximum rotation... That is until you become complacent or too comfortable. One lapse and you're quickly reminded.

 

[Big James 4XL]

I have used a dollar bill to set the timing and points. Put the slot in the middle of the hole and turn the points till they just turn the bill loose. You could advance or retard it by setting it with the slot at the front or rear of the hole.

I had an old 1000cc XLH with PB+ cams, high top pistons, and a Mikuni carb that was a one kick Harely. I actually made a few dollars betting I could crank it by hand.:thumbsup: