Motorcycle Repair: firing order and timing on ninja 1000 R, smooth bores, stock cams

Question
Thanks for responding back to my question. You have to admit, it does seem a bit strange to send a spark to a piston at the top of the exaust stoke. I do not have a manual and trying to gather as much info off web sites. It runs pretty good. Stock cams are in correct but cannot find info on the right clearance. have the ex at .900 & int & .700. I backed them off about .200 from where they were thinking they might be tight. have not put it back together yet. Mikuni 36mm smooth bores. 130 mains and pilots are 20.Engine seems to straighten up if you pull the choke nob out just a hair. Plugs still running black. Dropping needle down to see if it cleans up. So I'm assuming that a arc goes off every time the pistons hit TDC regardless of which stroke it's on? Sure is weird but ok. Thanks again for your response. P. Fourroux.

Answer
Hi Paul,

Right. The spark plugs fire 180 degrees apart. One arc produces power and the other has no effect. Firing order is 1-2-4-3. The cylinders are numbered 1-2-3-4 left to right as if seated on the MC.

I recommend that get a copy of the service manual. It will explain things in detail. It will pay for itself with the first work you perform.

See microfiche parts views at: "www.bikebandit.com" and "www.buykawasaki.com"

Get valve clearance specs and see the procedure for adjusting valve clearances at:

http://www.ldrider.ca/techpages/valves.htm

Respectfully,
Mark Shively