Timing with strobe on gt 380

[bazit]

Hi
How do you time with strobe light on gt 380 ?
Regards
Barry

[Craig380]

To use a strobe on the Suzi triples, you need to make sure the so-called timing marks are accurate. They are NOT actually timing marks but an assembly guide to ensure the timing gear and points cam is approximately indexed correctly when the clutch cover is fitted.

That said, they are usually reasonably accurate. But for an engine with unknown history, it's worth borrowing / buying a dial gauge to check the marks before considering using a strobe. My 10 pence worth is, static timing is much easier, but either way it's good to know just how accurate those timing marks are.

But if you want to try using a strobe, here's how:

First, make sure the points are gapped to 12 - 16 thou / 0.3 to 0.4mm and that the engine is warmed up so it will tickover easily. I usually raise the tickover a bit so it will idle at 1500rpm.

Hook up your strobe first to the LEFT cylinder HT lead (I have one of the 'traditional' types which has two leads, one plugs into the plug cap and the other connects to the spark plug).

Remove points cover, then start the engine. Shine the strobe light at the little window on the points plate so you can see the timing marks.

Can you see the line with the L mark? If it is to the LEFT of the rib as you look at it, your timing is probably too advanced. Stop engine, rotate points plate a little ANTIclockwise, start the bike and check again.

If it is to the RIGHT of the rib as you look at it, the timing is probably too retarded. Stop the engine, rotate points plate a little clockwise, start the bike and check again. Don't forget that you're probably only needing to adjust by a couple of degrees. So one millimetre of movement at the edge of the main points plate is about 2 degrees of timing. Don't move the plate by more than 1mm at a time.

Repeat for the centre and right cylinders, but don't adjust using the main points plate, instead use the little movable plates that the centre and right cylinders' points are mounted on.