Bean can!!

[MR.E]

Hello

Does the bean can 'advance and retard' the ignition timing??
The bike is, quite often, a bugger to start, but has a strong spark.

I noticed it has what seems to be possible minor adjustment on the mountings.

Thanks

[montmil]

... Does the bean can 'advance and retard' the ignition timing??

Yes, it does. Loosen the two Allen screws just a tad and then use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the bean can -when facing the can- counterclockwise to advance and clockwise to retard the timing.

Of course, you'll need to have a timing light prepped and watch the flywheel timing marks.

Please consider adding your R65's model year to your sig line. I know differences in model years can mean differences in answers, as in correct or not.

BTW, I would not jump on altering ignition timing until I had confirmed a good battery, proper choke operation, checked for water in the float bowls, correct valve lash, blah, blah, blah. The Airhead will start and run pretty well even with the timing several degrees off.

[Barry]

If it's a points model then set the gap first as any change will also impact on the timing.

You will probably need to remove the can to adjust the points especially if you don't remove the outrigger bearing to improve access. And if you do remove the out rigger bearing before setting the gap bear in mind the gap will change when you put the bearing back on.  Can't win so it's just much easier to do it on the bench.

[MR.E]

It's an '81 model, I'll check the other bits first but it's never been the best starter

Thanks

[Bob_Roller]

The 'beancan', has a centrifugal advance mechanism inside .

[tvrla]

I'd check that the choke bodies are tight - the four screws tend to loosen up and then it won't work as well with air leaks.

Original coils on these bikes can also have the same effect. Just because you see a good spark with the plug exposed to atmosphere doesn't necessarily mean it'll be good under compression in the cylinder.

It's a tune-up thing to check the ignition timing, but with electronics, it hardly ever changes. I'd look elsewhere first.