G'Day Confederate18,

Pursuant to what Dave said,

Timing by ear is a little trick I picked up from a Yank mag many moons ago (around 1982). The idea is that most bikes are timed at the factory so they run ok, but because of tolerance differences between motors probably not at their best (especially true in those days.), so we do it by ear.

You don’t have to take the timing hole plug off.

Take the timing cover off, loosen the screws holding the timing plate, and then tighten one lightly so you can move the plate to adjust it.

Set a fan so it blows on the engine, warm the bike and then increase the throttle and lock it when it reaches 2000rpm. 

Slowly rotate the timing plate clockwise till the engine starts to run rough.

Back the plate (anticlockwise) about 1/8. Tighten everything up.

Keep the points cover in your pocket. 

Take it for a run. If it hesitates when you crank the throttle on, back the timing plate a touch more.

Put the cover back on. 

You’re done.

Cheers,

Cris.