Motorcycle Repair: Honda ignition/timing, honda ignition, 1986 honda fourtrax

Question
I split the case on a 1986 Honda Fourtrax 70 and repaired a shift fork. I have reassembled engine and ATV and was confused with the manuals instructions on timing. SO HERE IS WHAT I GOT... The engine is 70cc and it has a magneto type cdi ignition. NO POINTS, and you cant adjust the timing in any way unless I guess you move your chain position on the cam or fly wheel position The directins were confusing so I went with these timing marks... there is a T and a F and ^ mark on the magneto. There is a mark on the crankcase when cover is removed (when cover is on you remove a plug and use its time mark to set timing , but this plug and mark are in a different location than the mark on the case itself,,,,,,which one?) Also which mark F or T or ^ on what mark for this magneto with cdi box? At TDC I put the T on crankcase mark (this put the F in the plug window mark) and the magnet was just about to cross over the pulse generator. Next I turned cam so both valves had freeplay, installed my cam sprcket with the O mark matching the mark on the head and put on the chain. CRANKED up second pull and idled better than before but it doesnt have power in gears beyond 1st. I mean it want pull me and it should. Is this timing set correctly? Rebuilt top end 3months ago. Help please... By the way gears shift great...Thanxxxxxxx Sorry so long of post

Answer
Hi Tom,

Right, the ignition timing is not designed to be tuned.

Set the piston to "T" mark (TDC on "compression stroke"). This should align the ignition timing mark "F" ("fire") for checking ignition timing with a strobe light.

Again, the timing is not like an old car ignition. Rather, timing is pre-set and does not change.

Check cylinder compression and also perform a leak-down test. These tests will determine the sealing properties of the combustion chamber.

I believe you have the cams timed properly. I suspect a problem with the transmission or other drive line component. I would need to be present and inspect the ATV to accurately diagnose the problem, if any.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively