Timing a R100

[axlray13]

I have an 82 R100 and I guess I need to use a timing light to set the canister correctly. What kind/brand should I get? I have a strobe-type that works on a car, but I'm not sure how to hook it up on a bike. #1 cylinder is L or R side (when you are sittin in the saddle)? It seems pretty basic but my ever so vague Haynes has lots of warnings about making sure both plugs are firing or damage will occur to my canister.
Thanks Axlray

[manicmechanic]

If you have an inductive pick-up type, with the pick-up that clamps around the plug wire, then you're in good shape. If you've got one of the "inexpensive" type that plugs in series with the plug wire, well I've seen some that weren't too bright. The inductive is the way to go. Connect the power leads to the battery, the pick-up around the left side wire, start the bike and check it out.

I'll recommend that, before you get that far, to disconnect the ground cable from the battery, then remove the front cover from the engine while it's still cold. Reconnect the battery cable, then start and warm up the bike. After you've checked/adjusted the timing, then let the bike cool before disconnecting the ground cable and replacing the cover.

[axlray13]

Thank you. The timing light I have was a very good on in 1971 when my dad gave it to me. It has an alligator clip that I can clamp on my plug wire. In the book it said to use an alternative power source rather than use my battery because the bikes electrical system could interfere. I can hook it up to my truck if it acts oddly on my bike. There's a lot to learn on such a basic bike.
Axlray

[20774]

but I'm not sure how to hook it up on a bike. #1 cylinder is L or R side (when you are sittin in the saddle)?

It doesn't matter which cylinder you attach the timing light to. The ignition system fires both plugs at the same time. One of the cylinders will be on the compression stroke, the other will be on the exhaust stroke. Thus one of the firings is "wasted"...that's why they call the system a wasted spark ignition system.

For convenience, most people use the left side and because the timing hole to see the marks on the flywheel is on the left side.

[benway]

often people set the timing statically, at the S mark, then verify the advance with a timing light.

you can use a basic multimeter to set static timing, or a light, or can listen for the spark "crack" as it fires

as for cheap timing lights, Harbor Freight sells one which seems to work OK for less than $15. you do not really need a separate power source for the light these days.

hope that helps

[20774]

you can use a basic multimeter to set static timing, or a light, or can listen for the spark "crack" as it fires

Benway's right in setting the static timing by means other than the timing light. Setting the static timing is, for the most part, just about getting the bike to start easily. Once started, the more important setting is to use the timing light to see at what RPM the max advance mark appears in the timing window. Rules of thumb I've used is around 3000-3200 RPM. You may have to change the static timing a bit in order to gain the proper reading at full advance.

In using the spark "crack" method of identifying when the points open, this means either removing an existing plug or pulling the high tension spark plug lead and sticking in a spare spark plug. In either case, be sure that the plug threads are grounded to the engine case. This allows the spark energy to ultimately find its way to ground, just as it does when the plug is installed in the cylinder. It's not healthy for a spark plug to fire in the "open"...in some situations, damage to the coils can result.