Since I had my bike apart cleaning the debris from my recoil housing, stator, and rebuilding my starter motor I thought I would bump the timing a little as well. How do you go about checking the timing after?? It looks pretty easy to adjust, loosen the screws around the mag plate and turn it counterclockwise, but I have no idea how to check it after. I didn't see any marks on the flywheel or the mag. Thanks in advance

 

Oh and what should the timing be??

 

Crap, I'm at work and my manual is at home.

Going strictly by memory, I believe the timing should be 35 degrees advanced at 5,500 RPM. If you wish to adjust it manually, I would do it only 1/16" at a time.

Make sure you mark the position of the plate before you make an adjustment so you can put it back easily if the adjustment doesn't have a positive effect.

 

This is from my 2006 Sportsman 500 manual (carb model) Don't know if the same applies to the EFI model.

TIMING CHECK PROCEDURE:

1. The ignition timing check hole is in the starter recoil/magneto housing. Remove the check plug.
NOTE: The ignition timing marks are stamped on the outside of the flywheel. Ignition timing must be inspected with the engine at room temperature (68 defrees F).
2. With the transmission in neutral, start the engine and set engine speed to 5000 +/- 200 RPM.
3. Direct the timing light at the ignition timing check hole and check the ignition timing.
NOTE: Do not allow the engine to warm up. The timing will retard approximately 2 degrees when the engine is warm.

If the ignition timing is not within the specified range, adjust the stator plate position as described below.

STATOR ADJUSTMENT:

1. Remove the magneto housing.
2. Remove the flywheel.
3. Loosen the stator plate screws and adjust the stator plate position.
NOTE: Moving the stator plate clockwise retards (delays) the ignition timing. Moving the plate counterclockwise advances it.

TIMING SPEC:

EH50PL 30 degrees BTDC @ 5000 RPM

In the pics, the long mark on the flywheel represents 30 degrees. The short one ahead of it is for 32 degrees, and the one behind it is 28 degrees.

I would have to guess that the timing spec is the same between the H.O. and EFI models. Might check with the dealer to make sure.

Hope this helps.