1980 timing advance

[jusgus]

After replacing the valves on Billie (1980 R65) and touring a little I came home and retorqued the head bolts and adjusted the valves.  While I was at it I also checked the points and timing. That was when I noticed that the timing mark advanced up to about 2200 revs then fell back and readvanced up to about 3000 rpms.  She runs good but I was wondering if there are 2 stages of advance or if there is a problem in the bean can?

[drewboid]

You have a problem - the advance should move up smoothly as the weights swing out.

[jusgus]

Thanks Drew!

[steve hawkins]

Try a bit of cleaning/lubrication before you try to strip/replace it.  Something I managed to get away with with my 1979 R65 - especially as you just have a slightly sticky operation, rather than no operation at all.

These items are expensive to replace and difficult to strip/service - BMW specified that they are a non rebuildable item.

If you have no luck, you can always replace the ignition with a Boyer etc.  

However, I am still running my points bean can on my 1979 R65 Cafe Racer at 115,000 miles(aprox) so they can remain serviceable for quite some time.

[Justin B.]

The points can is easier to get apart than the electronic one - IMO.   It is strange that it would advance, then drop.  I would have thought that it would be sluggish/jerky, or advance and then stick there.  Let us know what you determine.  This is what it looks like ('80 R65) and it was causing idle speed to be too high after a blast down the freeway:

[jusgus]

Cool picture Justin, Thanks a 1000 (words). I also have noticed that she revs higher after running. I was wondering if it would come apart and now I know. Are there any obvious pittfalls or is it a pretty straight forward disassembly?  My brother has already suggested that I try some of his light weight water proof bicycle grease when I get it apart.

[Justin B.]

Just take lots of pics so you can remember where everything goes!