An important part of setting or adjusting ignition timing is determining Top Dead Center (TDC), the highest point that the piston reaches in its travel through the cylinder. Here's how to fit a Dial Indicator to your engine to help find TDC.

Step 1: purchase a gauge for about $25.00 plus freight from Harbor Freight, a mail-order tool supply; http://www.harborfreight.com/

Step 2: Get a used plug that fits the head of your bike. Break out the ceramic, remove the electrode and break off the contact. Use a hacksaw or, as I did in my case, use a Dremel tool to cut off the hex nut portion. This part will reduce the depth of the insertion if you don't.

Step 3: Drill and tap a small diameter screw hole in the side to hold a set screw. I used a small hex machine screw so that I could use an Allen wrench to tighten it easily when it was in place on the cylinder head. I also made an extension for the rather short insert that comes as standard on the gauge you see. I cut off some stainless rod stock the same size as the insert and smoothed and polished one end. I use a piece of vinyl tubing to hold the extension on the insert. The extension does not seem to bind, and rides well on the piston surface.

Good Luck!  Email me if you have any questions or improvements.

lklajda@comcast.net