Setting The Ignition Timing On The Honda CB175/CB200 Family Of Motorcycles

Рет қаралды 47,061

3 жыл бұрын

Setting the ignition timing is the fourth and final step in the standard tune-up procedure on the Honda CB175 / CL175 / SL175 / CB200 / CL200 family of motorcycles. Part of owning one of these vintage motorcycles is knowing the how and why of the proper tune-up procedure that needs to be performed every 1,500 miles (2400 km). All of these must be performed every time to have your motorcycle running at peak performance and when done properly you will find that these bikes turn over at your first kick and scream to the red line. We consider learning how to set the points gap and static timing what we call the "weed-out" skill. Take your time and rewatch this guide to learn how to set your timing, if you don't you will have a tough time getting your bike to run reliably. Alongside ignition timing, every 1,500 miles (2,400 km) you also need to change the oil in your Honda, set the cam chain tension, and also set your valves(tappets).
How To Change The Oil And Clean The Oil Filter On The Honda CB175/CB200 Family Of Motorcycles: • Cleaning The Oil Filte...
Setting The Cam Chain Adjustment And Valve Adjustment On The Honda CB175/CB200 Family Of Motorcycles: • Setting The Cam Chain ...
Service Manuals:
CB175 / CL175 / SL175 / CB125 / CL125 Service Manual Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1niRt...
CB200 / CL200 Service Manual Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1KfK3...
Parts you might need:
CB175/CB200 Ignition Points: www.common-motor.com/honda-ig...
CB175/CB200 Ignition Coils: www.common-motor.com/honda-ig...
CB175/CB200 Ignition Timing Plate Allen Bolt Kit: coming soon
Honda 18mm Spark Plug Socket: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
CB200 Spark Plugs: www.common-motor.com/honda-sp...
CB175 / CL175 Spark Plugs: www.common-motor.com/honda-cb...
Feeler Gauges: www.common-motor.com/feeler-g...
Anti-Seize: www.common-motor.com/anti-sei...
CB175 / CL175 / SL175 / CB125 / CL125 Service Manual Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1niRt...
CB200 / CL200 Service Manual Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1KfK3...

Пікірлер: 100

@icanseeyouallfromuphere 2 ай бұрын

These videos are ~ excellent ~ 👌🏻 I've got a '78 CB200, I got a new replacement rectifier back God five years ago maybe, all the parts and I got unwell and left the bike in the garden after spending £2500 on it and parts! I dragged it in two winters ago, good job cause we have had two years of heavy rain in England !! Bike is repainted, new tank resprayed gold (metal flake purple chassis) .... Just got the engine apart now, watched the oil filter one earlier, all good, I've got all sorts of replacement parts, my points are the Nippon type, surely as that's what ones arrived on order and today I removed the original ones 👍🏻💯

@lastrelic715 24 күн бұрын

I just got myself my first bike. A 1972 CB125K5. There aren't many tutorials out there, but it has the same internals as the bike shown by you. Just fixed the lack of power in the high revs. Great thanks for the thorough tutorial.

@markheischman672 2 ай бұрын

Im getting a 1966 CB160 back on the road. This video helped a ton!! Thanks so much!

@keltecshooter 2 жыл бұрын

Been a professional tech nearly 30 years , videos are well done

@marklambie7444 Жыл бұрын

Can’t thank you enough for doing these videos. I order from your site almost exclusively because of it.

@angelic-clump3203 2 жыл бұрын

I inherited a 76 cb200t and I just discovered your channel, THANK you for being here and showing us all these tips and tricks

@Common-motor 2 жыл бұрын

glad to help!

@alexnelson8 Жыл бұрын

This got my CL100 running so much better! Thank you.

@Intrepid175a 8 ай бұрын

The first time I rode a CB175, a bike I very much liked when I was a teenager, it ran ok but it seemed kind of anemic approaching redline and I discovered that whatever speed I was at when I shifted to top gear, that was pretty much all I was going to get. Later, I found a 1971 K5 model in a storage shed and the owner was willing to sell it. It turned out to be in very good shape, mechanically, so I cleaned it up, bought a shop manual for it and started going through things, among them, buying points, condenser, and spark plugs. After setting the ignition timing in the manner you used, I took it for a ride. To my great delight, it ran like a top. It would pull top gear way better than that first version I had ridden.

@REDPUMPERNICKEL Жыл бұрын

If only you could send this video back in time to September of '67 after I bought my first bike, blue CB175 with matching blue leather jacket and helmet despite parental stern prohibition. The guiding purchase principle was 'maximum CCs for $600 CDN' money earned working at 'Student Safari to Expo67' (cash remaining after buying electric guitar and record player (1st 45 was 'White Rabbit'... sent shivers down my backbone)). I had no clue how the bike worked. The only servicing I did was oil level and drive chain tension maintenance. It ran fine for at least 4 summers. Best summers ever, really miss the awesome mileage and getting laid that first time, farmhouse party in the country, thank bike for that. Had one ever since, of course.

@davidriley9043 5 ай бұрын

I just picked up a beautiful CL 175 that has sat for many years. Of course there is a lot of wiring issues. I have worked on many different bike wiring systems, but your videos has taken my bike from a head scratchier to an enjoyable adventure. Thank You very much for your great videos.

@orange-peeler 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Getting ready to do this as I’m getting my CB175 running.

@thecontinuingadventureso-qs5zm Жыл бұрын

I loved My CB175 back in 1977. First proper bike I owned. I do remember setting the points just like You did. Best wishes Dee

@fish8196 3 жыл бұрын

sweet! glad to see some video's on the smaller twins!! thanks. just about to do this on my 175

@connorbass7229 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Stumped why my bike wasn’t starting but after following it started faster than ever before.

@dsomas91 Жыл бұрын

Such cool videos you guys make. Thank you for the step by step detailed instructions.

@don7406 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for showing the 2 types of points for these Hondas. That’s a great looking machine on the video.

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Its been a ton of fun so far!

@user-se7vt5ow4e Жыл бұрын

I was a motorcycle mechanic in the earl seventies. One problem I would find with all the Hondas was if they were kept outside and got rained on the wire running through the point cover could wick moisture onto the points. The smallest amount of moisture under that point cover could cause the bike not to start. I would seal up that area with some silicone especially on the old XL models that were ridden off-road .

@bobrinker1316 5 ай бұрын

Wow! great video! Thank you

@RideandDine61n61 Жыл бұрын

Well done, great explanation. Thank you.

@plusblood5101 3 ай бұрын

Awesome video

@cb400fhonda6 3 жыл бұрын

Always superb

@craigbuchan316 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding explanation. Have a 1976 CB200T Im trying to resurrect.

@levelflightvideo 3 ай бұрын

Great beginners video.

@hobocop2585 2 жыл бұрын

this was well made for teaching someone like myself.

@yanasuryana2444 Жыл бұрын

Good job my frent

@plusblood5101 Жыл бұрын

Just the way hondaman said Awesome Branden

@HennieBours 3 жыл бұрын

Forget about the light, use the Ohm position of your multitool. When the contacts open the resistance will be infinit. At that moment you also have ignition. Much easier and it works. Mine runs like a V12.

@johncollins5552 3 жыл бұрын

a V12 has a few hundred horsepower, weighs half a tonne plus and return about 15mpg!

@richieortiz5 3 жыл бұрын

@@johncollins5552 I agree John no way his bike runs like a V12, that’s impossible!

@gervaisfillion9417 Жыл бұрын

when i was 20 i add a 175,,6 vdc. .i loved it a lot and superbe engine.noisy but good

@experience19811891 6 ай бұрын

@common-motor excellent Video! Worked well the first time I did it. This time I have the problem, that the light is constantly on. I can't figure out what is wrong

@1439of2000 2 жыл бұрын

Just used your test light method to set the points on my 66 CT200. Thanks for showing this method and love the smooth jazz in the background.

@andytrace 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

@rcclassiccrawlers4368 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Newly subscribed. Great video! Do you have a video on how to adjust the valves?

@Mike-wx7bx 11 ай бұрын

Awesome

@Peperonsski 14 сағат бұрын

First of thanks for the tutorial, im restoring my old cb125s so its very helpfull. Do you or anyone have an idea what the problem might be if the light lights most of the rotation and only goes out for a short moment. So its kind of reversed to what you showed 😂

@Chan-cq1dw 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, my test light flashes once at the "F" mark and does not stay on, time for a new condenser?

@tahoemike00 Жыл бұрын

Excellent information. I just picked up a 1972 CL175. The motor did not include any points, nor does it have a points plate. So my question is, will both styles of points plate fit? If so, then I can order either one and just buy the corresponding points type? (ND or Hitachi) Thanks so much!

@richardphillips1041 23 күн бұрын

great video, hoping it will help me sort my XL125S out. Whats the tool called that lights up?

@revivemotorcycles 2 жыл бұрын

Great video mate. I have a 76 125. And it kicks my leg back when I go to start. I’m sssuming timing too soon ? Thanks buddy great job

@greatlivemusic7203 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I have a 1971 cb175 that suddenly quit on me while at on a ride. I'm pretty sure that my cam chain either broke or came apart. Never attempted to repair that type of fault myself. Is that something that I've DIY guy can do easily?

@bitran3031 11 ай бұрын

Hello, my 1972 Honda CB175 didn't come with a kill switch. At one point of the video Brendan said to make sure to turn the kill switch off during one of the steps in the process. I was wondering if I can still safely follow the steps of the video without a kill switch?

@diceyncio636 2 жыл бұрын

Question what’s the wire called on the point plate? I’m new at this

@mattcorke6544 2 жыл бұрын

You can also use a volt meter set to ohms to set ignition timing

@Alanaa_a 3 жыл бұрын

how to find replacement for carb , mine are broken and hard to find NOS . my bike is cb200 1976

@nickjames205 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect. I just got a cl175

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Send us photos!

@nickjames205 3 жыл бұрын

@@Common-motor where can I send them?

@buddymcclure6170 Жыл бұрын

I'm assuming you set the crank mark at TDC prior to setting the points gap correct? Unless I missed something?

@teohaoshin7251 Жыл бұрын

Hi, can we use the same method when the bike have no battery?

@ccoutdoors590 2 жыл бұрын

Points open or closed my meter is reading 12v. What would that mean is wrong? I'm using a meter and not a test light, I figure a meter work work as well?

@WillSander-lf7su 4 ай бұрын

I am timing to set My point on a honda 1973 cb200 the ignition condor I had to change but the that I had was a single wire my bike started and ran now it won't. Start

@cccp9887 Жыл бұрын

Its the same on the honda cb 125 k5 1973?thanks🙂🙂🙂

@jefffranks6213 Жыл бұрын

How come you guys down include cb160. It should be the same or am I mistaken?

@timothyshanley1132 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video as usual Brendan, one question I still haven’t heard back from you about my cb400f question. Have a project bike, do you carry parts?

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Timothy, we're working through our tech customer questions but a little over a week in response time currently. We should be caught back up shortly. As for the CB400F I do and I don't have parts. It shares a large amount of suspension and electrical parts with the CB/CL360 family of bikes which I have, if you need specific engine/carb parts I MAY have some or be able to get some. What are you looking for?

@timothyshanley1132 3 жыл бұрын

@@Common-motor working through compression issue right now but I will let you know

@daiberry-cp8ee 4 ай бұрын

most of what you show applies to the cd175 as well

@murraykriner9425 3 жыл бұрын

Cool deal. Wish you had an example of a CB/CL/SL with the Nippondenso points set, so we could tell if the last owner was using the proper points before? I've seen too many re-engineered Honda's in my day, but assume the plates will only accommodate a particular type alone. I hate ever taking for granted any point when it comes to ignition timing since many ill's are made worse by faulty electrical systems. Thank you.

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

From what we've found their interchangeable but you have to have the right plate. If it's the incorrect plate though the other style point won't even fit on the plate. Hopefully, this helps!

@murraykriner9425 3 жыл бұрын

@@Common-motor kinda figured that is how they made the arrangement up that you won't have any luck getting it to fit at all. That helps some, but Murphy is prankster and the first one I am bound to come to won't have a set of points to start with. Thank you.

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

haha oh gosh well glad to help and let us know if you need anything else!

@shanecarpenter6208 3 жыл бұрын

Can you set up the advanced timing by moving the plate with the cb450 family as well?

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

I would check out our ignition timing video for the CB350, CB360, and CB450 family of bikes. It's on our channel if you haven't seen it!

@Pmz604 2 жыл бұрын

where do you find these gems ?

@johncollins5552 3 жыл бұрын

Cool video, I have a 1980 cb125 single that won't start. I have a yellow cable out from the generator that is live even when the ignition is off. I don't understand it. The wiring diagram in my manual Haynes says it should only be live when the lights are on?

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

Hey John, I don't know much about the 80's CB125 but I would agree. You shouldn't have power that's live when the motorcycle is turned off at all. Now a lot of Honda's had a charging system that only kicked in one half when the lights turn on and most owners do what is called the white/yellow wire mod which turns both halfs on at all times for better charging. This could be what's going on, in which case it wouldn't be a bad thing. Here's our article on it: support.common-motor.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038003951-The-White-Yellow-Wire-Stator-Coil-Mod-How-To-Increase-Charging-System-Output-CB175-CB350-CB360-CB450

@johncollins5552 3 жыл бұрын

@@Common-motor Thanks I appreciate the advice.

@cb400fhonda6 3 жыл бұрын

Your 80 cb125 has cdi ignition No points

@claytonmurray218 2 жыл бұрын

Can anyone explain to me if all of these videos apply to my 69 CD175 as well? And are parts compatible?

@Common-motor 2 жыл бұрын

the CD175 is a weird one! It has a 6v electrical system but I'd imagine the actual method of setting the points is very similar. As far as parts compatibility, message our support and we can check.

@mickeynicholson4054 Жыл бұрын

I’ve cleaned points but light is still not flashing/turning off. What should I check next. I believe my ignition problem is the points.

@experience19811891 6 ай бұрын

I have the same problem. Did you get any further? Your help would be appreciated.

@alexrivet1732 2 жыл бұрын

Timing light. You say for your average guy about 13:46 in the video that static timing is fine. If I'm looking for best performance being a rider of 210 lbs is there another recommendation? Running only 93 or better octane maybe pods or aftermarket exhaust?

@Common-motor 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex! So a few thoughts about this because it's a good question and one we get often. One step further you can take your ignition timing is by reading up on the dynamic timing method in the Honda service manual using a stroboscopic timing light. I would always recommend running the highest octane gas you can get as well. To touch on performance, there's always more you can do to squeeze out extra here and there. There's internal engine modification, exhaust systems, different carburetors you can adapt, and etc. When you get into these style upgrades they are almost entirely there for getting the edge up on someone in a racing environment and can often sacrifice rideability, especially on the street. The vintage Honda's are tuned for high RPM riding and perform amazing stock from the factory and that tends to be a consistent theme for most motorcycles vs a car where a lot of similar style changes can make a big difference even day to day. The wall you might be running into unless you're racing this motorcycle is that maybe you're ready for a bigger motorcycle. If you are feeling a bit sluggish on the 175 and want something a bit more, I would recommend looking at a CB350 or maybe even CB450 instead of putting a huge amount of money into what will only get you a hair better performance.

@alexrivet1732 2 жыл бұрын

@@Common-motor Oh I have a bigger bike. 00' Triumph Speed Triple 955. I have some friends that flat track race though so this is my project bike. 74' CB200T

@splenda89 2 жыл бұрын

It’s really confusing that you say to do the oil change first…since oil will come out of the alternator/stator cover when that is removed. When on the regular kickstand it will literally pour out. The oil change should be done last, or am I missing something here?

@Common-motor 2 жыл бұрын

The motorcycle is designed for this work to be done on the center stand is the only thing you are missing! If you open the inspection cover on the side stand about a quart can come out vs. the center stand in which only a small amount should dribble out. The oil change really doesn't affect the other procedures and really could be done at any time we just find it easiest to do first. If you center stand is gone, you could always use a small piece of wood under the kick stand or a rear stand that goes under the rear tire to prop the motorcycle up straight.

@splenda89 2 жыл бұрын

Common Motor Collective makes sense, thanks!

@nickjames205 3 жыл бұрын

When I come up on the f mark the light pops on. But when I do one more revolution and come around again it's advanced. So how do I get it to be equal on every revolution?

@richieortiz5 3 жыл бұрын

This! Do you average out the two adjustments or do you have 1 that’s perfect and the next that’s slightly off?

@nickjames205 3 жыл бұрын

@@richieortiz5 I do it to where the left cylinder is perfect and the other one is slightly off. But maybe I should try averaging them out

@BasicPoke 3 жыл бұрын

Current is running through the coil when your test light is off (points closed, closing the circuit). You said it's when the light is on. Spark occurs when the points open at the F mark, interrupting current through the coil.

@experience19811891 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for that comment. If the light never turns of, does that indicate that the coil is broken? I have the problem that the light never turns off! Points are set to 0.3mm. Any help is appreciated

@triken900 5 ай бұрын

sand paper the points is not a good thing, Leaves cross marks on the contact surfaces, as well as residue( You didn't even clean off the residue before you re-installed the points. Either re-place points or clean without sanding or grinding.

@robertclary1718 3 жыл бұрын

Just so folks know an electronic ignition is available for the 175 which eliminates points and condenser. Runs better, starts easier and virtually no maintenance. And please don't tell point are better, I've set points since 1968.

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

There definitely is! Coming soon....hint hint...

@hectorparada8141 2 жыл бұрын

Puesta a punto honda CB 200

@AI-pu6zv 3 жыл бұрын

This willwork on the CB 125

@Common-motor 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! It's not identical, but a very similar process. I would check the Honda service manual for the slight differences in your CB125 timing rotor

@AI-pu6zv 3 жыл бұрын

@@Common-motor awesome thank you

@johncollins5552 2 жыл бұрын

@@AI-pu6zv on the CB 125 the index arrow/line/marker is down lower than the 175 at the bottom of the crankcase really , that's where you line it up with the F mark as shown in this great video.