GT550 set the ignition timing without a dial indicator?

[TRC]

Might be a dumb question but is there a way to set the ignition timing without using a dial gauge indicator (and perhaps having to remove the tank?). Is it possible with a timing gun? Seems like not with no timing marks?

About to take the plunge and bite the bullet on buying a dial gauge but don't want to buy one and then find out there was an easier/better/cheaper way.

Thanks in advance!

BTW, my GT550 was converted to electronic ignition so at least I get to set it once for the left cylinder and be done with it. The bad news is that it wasn't installed by me and I don't know much about it. I have the installation manual that the previous owner had printed out but it doesn't say who it was manufactured by. It uses a Nordlock locking ring and has red lights that indicate the magnets on the timing disk are near the sensors if that sounds familiar to anyone?

[TRC]

Never mind, I think I figured this electronic ignition out.

I popped off the cover and it turns out there are cylinder marks on a butterfly that you can see through a little window on the plate. It then makes perfect sense that you want the left cylinder light on the sensor to come on right at the moment the L mark aligns through the little hole and that's how I adjusted it. Will take a test ride in the morning.

[GTandcbr]

I too have a 550 with electronic ignition. The rotor can be seen through the window L C R. I use a strobe light (very cheap) to set it. Simple process easy to do.

[Alan H]

The 'butterfly' timing marks are fine.
They're all I've ever used on 550s after I once used a dial gauge and found the marks were less than half a degree out.
These old engines aren't so high output that half a degree makes a difference.

[TRC]

Thanks guys. I feel reassured.

[bpeck27]

I've always used a piston stop and degree wheel to set my timing. I don't know if it's any more or less accurate than a dial indicator, but I already had the tools needed from my go-kart racing days.

By the way, thanks Alan for the Carrot Cycles link. The Newtronics ignition is in transit as we speak.

[Alan H]

No probs.

[TRC]

Thought I'd report back that I took her for a ride this morning and the bike ran better than ever after setting the timing dead on. Go figure.

[GTandcbr]

Happy days ☺

[Craig380]

Coming late to this, but as said above, the L-C-R marks are usually so close to optimum timing as to make no difference.

On my old 380, I did actually check the marks using a dial gauge etc. The marks were about 3 degrees retarded from Suzuki's recommended setting. However, I got a tiny bit of detonation at the recommended setting, so I just started using the L-C-R marks with no further problems. The bike ran better.