'89 timing setting... HOW do I do it?

[Mikel_NY]

Hello-o-knowlage base...

How do you set the timming on a 1989 XL 4 speed. I am guessing that it is an 883. The "points cover" is rivited on but I do see a "plug" between the cylinders on the left side. I would guess this is the access to the marks on the flywheel?

What is the timing supposed to be and do I need to remove said "points cover"(right side of motor) to rotate the plate?


thanks to all inputs. Mikel

[chrishajer]

Yes and yes.

Yes, the plug on the left side is to see the marks on the flywheel.

Yes you need to drill off the rivets to access the timing plate to rotate it if the timing is off. If you use rivets to put the cover back on, if you take it off, you need special ones, H-D part number 8699. They have a closed end so nothing falls into the timing area when you pop them.

You will see a line for full advance in the hole, which is 40 degree before top dead center. Rev the bike up to 2000 at least for full advance. More RPM will not hurt, but it does spray more oil out onto you at higher RPM. IronMick has a post somewhere about checking timing. I think it's a sticky in the Ironhead section, where he talks about using a piece of hose inside the timing plug to prevent the oil spray from getting all over you.

I know you have a manual for this bike right? The timing stuff is in Chapter 7.

--Chris

[Mikel_NY]

No manual here. This is a friends bike ( She is just starting the wonderful world of XL's).

Thanks for the heads up about the rivets.

this is a 1989 Evo motor, not an Ironhead. Is the timing prosedure the same?

[chrishajer]

Yep, it's the same. The tip to use the hose applies fine. IronMick's writeup works fine. The procedures are all the same. You guys with new bikes where you don't have to check the timing - sheesh!

She needs to buy herself a present of a Service Manual to go with her new bike.

--Chris