how do i set the timing on my CR500

[mrbigal81]

i just bought a 1989 CR500R. i don't know much about 2 cycles and im having troubles with it. it runs great but its really hard to get started. i read that the timing may need adjustment. how do i set the timing and do i need any special tools to do it? or do you have any other suggestions on hot to start the bike?

Thanks,
Alan Schulze

 

[fatty_k]

It could be many things that are making it hard to start. For one, I would check the reeds and see if they are warped or chiped. I have heard that chipped or damaged reeds can make a bike very difficult to start.

 

[Papakeith]

If the bike "runs great" I would think the timing is ok. It could just take a while to learn the technique of starting a 500.
Here's what I do:

• lean bike to side until fuel runs out of the overflow
• set choke on - no throttle
• kick through the stroke easy once or twice
• Kick with some energy!

If everything is fresh (fuel,plug, filter) this will usually get me going.

 

[mrbigal81]

well i guess the bike isnt running as great as i thought. i let a mechanic look at it today and he said that it needed new reeds and new gaskets for the carb.

 

[fatty_k]

Originally posted by mrbigal81
he said that it needed new reeds

bingo :silly: