Other than loss of low end power, are there any tell tale signs that you're running too much retard?? Thanking you in advance---Jay

You may get more spooge.
why do you ask? there are marks to look at to see where the timing is set.

Recently installed a new ignition stator coil and the bike wants to kick back on starting. Never did that before. It's an Electrex coil. Marked the stator before install and reassembled exactly the same position---but it seems a bit different. The bike is much stronger on the bottom end as well. Retarded it a degree or two today to see if it helped with the top end---can't tell. Bottom line---what does too much retard do to performance? This isn't the end of the world as I'm happy playing with it a couple of degrees either way on the retarded side of the center timing mark. Any input would be helpful. Thanks again, Jay

Too much advance and the bottom end power will be better but there will be more tendency for the engine to overheat and boil out radiator fluid.
Retarding it lessens bottom power and increases top end power.
I'd say keep retarding it (so that it fires later) until you notice a loss of bottom power and gain in top power (or ability to wind out farther).
Better yet is to buy a car timing light that triggers off the spark wire by induction. Put on your old coil and run the bike at a fast idle and take note of where a mark on the flywheel is (that you should put there) when the timing light goes off each time. Then put on the new coil and check what its doing and adjust until its the same as your old coil.

:flame:

Hey Jaguar,

Hows the SR going? Well Im back from my Gasgas holiday! its been sold and Ive bought a 98 200, but Ive still got the old SR and its still as good as ever.

I hope all is well with you.

B

UK

hi B
the SR is as good as ever with rebuilt shock and more engine compression now.
I have been getting ready for the new motocross season but the track just closed down due to legal action by the neighbors against the dust from the track when in use. So now I have to wait for a new track to be built at another location. :-(

Its good to see you still one here mate. The sr has been getting really spongy feeling, the forks are too hard, the shock too soft (Ive had it rebuilt but never adjusted) and the motor feels a bit athsmatic. Ive not really touch it in the time that Ive had the gasser. The missus has been one the SR as a learning tool but Ive got my KDX enthusiasm back. Picking the new bike up tomorrow. It feels so light and small next to the gasser.

All the best

B