Why Do a Timing Advance?

[reload]

So is the gs's stock timing retarded or something? (no pun intended lol).  Has there been any solid evidence of gains?

[ben2go]

So is the gs's stock timing retarded or something? (no pun intended lol).  Has there been any solid evidence of gains?

The older GS (89-02) gets help with smoother power delivery through out the RPM range.It does give a little help with pulling off from a stop.The newer 04+ is sketchy because no one is sure if the timing is controlled by the black box.There were no 03s released in the US.Not sure about other countries tho.A timing advanced does need a rejet.It cause a lean condition with the engine.

[burning1]

Timing advance doesn't cause the engine to run lean, it just causes it to run hotter, exacerbating any existing lean condition... And since our bikes come lean from the factory...

If your bike has already been jetted properly, doing the timing shouldn't require a rejet. Just be sure to inspect the plugs.