Need some advice --> 1981 Ironhead

[MFC]

So the bike idles great, but feels as though I have no power. weather I am in 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gear when I get to the upper RPM range it feels like the bike just plateaus. like im just spinning the wheels and getting no where. This is my first "old" bike and I am not sure if this is how the bike is suppose to feel, thus I do not know if I should be looking for a problem.

I feel like the bike should have more "go" behind it, but I am very familiar with what it feels like to be wrong. If I am not clear on the issue I can do my best to re-explain. Thanks gals and guys !

[Dragstews]

Make sure your timing is advancing ....

[JBinNC]

Air, fuel, compression, and spark, at the right time. Same ol' recipe.
I'm with D., above. Pipes have retarded timing written all over them.
Check compression, timing, and fuel delivery, and then carb set-up and jetting. Same ol' same ol'.
That bike in good nick (did the Brits used to say that?) should FLY. Even a less than fresh ironhead should turn 6000+rpm.

Jim

[MFC]

I have no clue how to check timing. I found this on the internet, is it a good source for checking timing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKVh4pbyh2A

[JBinNC]

How you check the timing depends on what kind of ignition system you have. Determine that, and those here should be able to advise.

Jim

[flatman]

When you say bike is just spinning do you mean your rpm is increasing and you are not moving faster? If so clutch issue

[MFC]

When you say bike is just spinning do you mean your rpm is increasing and you are not moving faster? If so clutch issue

More like the power and has come to a flatspot

[MFC]

Turns out I have an electronic ignition. A Daytona vt-I 1010 to be precise. Any good instructions for a beginner for adjusting timing or at least checking???

[FatChibs]

it sounds like you need to readjust your clutch to me

[DoomBuggy]

Turns out I have an electronic ignition. A Daytona vt-I 1010 to be precise. Any good instructions for a beginner for adjusting timing or at least checking???

http://www.daytona-twintec.com/download/VTI_Instructions.pdf

Start at the beginning

Let us know how it goes

[MFC]

So I pulled the plugs and followed the directions on the instructions. All went the way the directions said it would.
From 35Degrees BTDC (single dot centered in the inspection hole) I held the center bolt thing counter clockwise ... then rotated the vt-I clockwise just until the light went off. I haven’t started the bike up yet... but if it’s wrong what sounds am I listening for at idle? Also here is a pic of my plugs... front looks normal (I think) and rear looks fouled.. this means my fuel/air mix is fucked? Or would this possibly be a result of bad timing??

[Guest]

Was the gap in the rear plug like that or did you drop it?

[MFC]

It was like that

[MFC]

I’m pretty confused.... my maintenance manual is telling me that 1980 and later flywheel marks are like this


However when I look at the markings I see the this




Which one is BTDC?

[MFC]

Whatever my manual says and what’s in the flywheel doesn’t matter... I used the straw trick on the front cylinder to measure BTDC saw the mark (the dot) then rotated the flywheel again until the line mark and made sure the piston was at the top of the cylinder ... thus the Dot is before top dead center... not sure the degree...
anyway I have the timing set pursuant to the directs for the VT-I..
what should I do about the plug?? The rear plug was bent to a small gap... I’m guessing the previous owner did that on purpose ???
When I look close at the center electrode it does have a caramel color to it .. not that fouled... the ground electrode is pretty black tho , especially compared to the front plug.