Static tuning ?

[Lordcargo]

I've decided to stay with the point system on my 79 R65 and have ordered points and condenser. My friend uses what he calls static tuning on his 75 R90. My plan was just to borrow a friends timing light. What is "static tuning" and does anyone have experience with this. :-/

[mrclubike]

Static timing a method used to set the timming without the engine running
 It is really used  just to get the timing close so you can get it started or until you can get to a timing light  and set the timing closer
If you have access  to  a timing light use it
That way you can make sure your advance working properly also

Generally you set the timing at 4000 rpm and let the base timing fall where it is as long as it is close

[Barry]

I've done both static and timing light ignition timing and find no observable variance such that I feel confident in just doing static timing most of the time with a strobe check every few years. I believe I can do static timing very accurately including checking and adjusting for any difference between cylinders.

My bean can has only 23,000 miles on it so it's presumably relatively unworn.

[Lordcargo]

Just a follow up. When I checked the old points whomever had set them way to close. Put in new ones at the proper gap .015 checked the timing and it now runs much better. Day and night ! It almost appeared they had set them at .0015 and not .015. Lol I checked the manual at least 3 times thinking this can't be right.