PVL Timing

[2T]

Hi all,

I am about to replace my OEM ignition system with an analogue PVL system on an air-cooled 500cc motocrosser (Yamaha WR500).

PVL recommend timing start at 2.2-2.4mm BTDC for open class machines, however standard OEM setting for my bike is 1.7mm BTDC.

Should I set to OEM or PVL measurements?

[pokey]

Suck it and see. Gazetted settings are good for a starting point though i bet your final settings will  have a few adjustments from both those numbers.
You know the process. Choose either , id start with 2.4BTC and give the bike a few runs then try the stock settings with small incremental changes either way to see what the bike likes. Every engine is different and every rider wants something different. Plug chops.

[2T]

Thanks for the help pokey.

The bike gets a lot of WOT/high RPM and am a bit concerned about detonation and overheating if going higher than OEM setting.

[PeterC]

Pokey is on the money. The different systems and manufacturers of aftremarket ignitions have different advance and retard values. Some have user programmable advanve/ retard curves. I suggest a softly/softly approach with the testing.

[skypig]

I love this Forum. 

[John Orchard]

I love this Forum. 

Me too, I don't know why more people don't contribute with either questions or answers.

[2T]

I love this Forum. 

Me too, I don't know why more people don't contribute with either questions or answers.

It's a shame forums are not as popular as they once were. The good ones have been such a great source of accurate information that's not available elsewhere.

[Hoony]

I love this Forum. 

Me too, I don't know why more people don't contribute with either questions or answers.

probably because its virtually inactive these days, i used to check it out daily sometimes twice a day, now its every week or 2. as its slow with activity this is the reason not many check it out i reckon.

long gone are the days of the infamouse suzuki footpeg never ending story and the long threads on bikes like the sprite / american eagle / alron saga etc.

[Wasp]

Hoony  , just start a thread about to start a CR 500. 

[Hoony]

Hoony  , just start a thread about to start a CR 500. 

  yep, that's going to Haunt me forever   

in my defense on that Day at Ravenswood Victoria in the middle of winter, when we got to the track there was a thin layer of ice on top of the puddles as they were frozen overnight...very cold indeed.

[Wasp]

You are not the only one , Hoony. I broke at least 3 kickstarter gears on my CR 500 , before I learned to be more gentle. Unlike the 540 KTM , the Honda gears are more fragile.Most of the times we push started the Honda , problem solved. While riding ,keep it singing and have one finger on the clutch leaver ,so you can fang it out of the corner.

[John Orchard]

You are not the only one , Hoony. I broke at least 3 kickstarter gears on my CR 500 , before I learned to be more gentle. Unlike the 540 KTM , the Honda gears are more fragile.Most of the times we push started the Honda , problem solved. While riding ,keep it singing and have one finger on the clutch leaver ,so you can fang it out of the corner.

My problem kick starting my CR500 was, splitting the teflon cup in my titanium knee.

[Wasp]

Just had both my knees replaced over the last few months . I will take good care of them from now on. The pain over the last few years has thought me a good lesson.No more kick starting and no more crashing.I just push the starter button from now on  , cruise and enjoy the trip.