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I just got a 1980 xs400 Special and it is my first motorcycle so I am learning as I go... and well the book has helped me out quite a bit it is leaving me in the dark on setting the timing.

The book tells you to connect a multi-meter to the orange wire and to ground to check the static timing but it shows a different set up in the book then what I have. Mine seems to have some type of magnetic contact points and the book doesn’t even mention it.

So I guess my question would be: How do you set/check the timing with magnetic contact points on this thing?

My initial guess is that you have TCI or CDI ignition. Basically, theres no way to manually adjust timing. It either works or doesn't.

Is there a reason your concerned about timing?

Thanks for the info... I just thought I should check it while I had it apart.