Varitronic timing setting

[wack 63]

Sorry to disappoint but the Varitronic has crap lights anyway at low revs so you would have been better converting your original system to electronic by fitting the laminates and coils from a 12v kit onto your old stator backplate and using an AF lightened flywheel with a J boss. Hell of a lot cheaper too.

[Adam_Winstone]

Thanks again Adam.

I'm starting to lose the will to continue with this, it's way out of my comfort zone. I only bought the Varitronic so that I could get 12 volt lighting and electronic ignition (normal electronic ignition kits are not available for the J-range). The points system was working fine, but I just didn't like the idea of having to adjust the gaps or whatever it is you have to do with them. And I don't have any cigarette papers

On my LI series 3, I fitted a Casa 185 kit and Indian electronic ignition (eventually swapping it for a BGM stator). I set the timing at 19 degrees (as advised by RLC), and it just works. Around town, motorways, whatever - it hasn't missed a beat. I was hoping that the Varitronic would be the same.

Realistically, the Cento is going to spend a lot of its time flat out, since that's what you have to do to keep up with suburban traffic on a scooter that maxes out at forty-odd.

Part of me thinks that I've spent so much time and effort on this, I have to see it through. But the other half is saying just put the points stuff back on and ride the damn thing!

Maybe the best thing is just to park the whole idea until the spring, when maybe my patience will return. Thanks again to everyone for their encouragement.

... you say that the points system was working fine... so what static timing was that set to? As already said, if you asked the question of 'What should I set my points timing to?', you would get exactly the same range of comments from people. If you know that your bike was running well (if you had the chance to use it, rather than just start it or go around the block) then knowing what that was set to would give you a starting point for setting your Varitronic.

Adam

[Nerdy Norm]

Haha, I thought exactly the same thing - just after I removed the points system

[Adam_Winstone]

Stop worrying and follow the recommendation that you've already got...

"Just heard back from Scooter Centre Cologne:
"You should put the Ignition on 25° to come to 17° at 6000 RPM."

... strobe it to confirm that you're running roughly the above, then run it and see how it goes

[Nerdy Norm]

I'm leaning towards that solution Adam.

I'd almost have been happier if they'd given me slightly different advice though. As it stands, I can't help thinking that they just looked at the instructions on the box, which takes me back to square one. I think I'll make a quick reply to check the source of their info, hopefully they'll say that they spoke directly to Tino.

[Adam_Winstone]

^... as I said though, whatever they say is only a starting point suggestion. We (including me) are probably guilty of adding to the confusion by giving you recommendations, none of which you should blindly trust as being 'correct' for your machine, however, you can take any one of these, try it, test it, confirm or adjust to suit your motor's requirement.

Next you're going to tell me that you would trust a pre-jetted carb when specifying it for a known kit and exhaust! (kidding)

Set it to what SCC have suggest and try it.

Adam

[Nerdy Norm]

I replied to Scooter Centre with this:
Thanks for your reply. Please could you confirm for me that this information isn't just taken from the instructions which come with the kit. The reason I ask is that they seem to be generic instructions for all scooters from a Lui to a GP200. I'm certain that they are not all identical in their ignition requirements.

This was the response:
Yes they are not all identical, but with 17° you will NOT destroy your Engine with a false Ignition.
Keep in mind…the 17° degrees are not from God send….they have been determind a long time ago.
If you think that your engine can do with 20°…then put 8° on it and you will come to 28°.
Well OK…set it there and you will see what will happen…but don’ t tell afterwards that I have not warned you.

Mmmm ...

[Nerdy Norm]

Woohoo, il maestro has spoken

I suggest 24 degrees
Best regards
Tino

[Adam_Winstone]

Please let us know how you get on

Adam