I am not retarded. Should I be?

Dont use the octane booster, The crap does not mix even with the fuel, learned this the hard way with a hole in the piston.
If you havent tried super unleaded then adj on the timing can help.

You could buy a can of race gas at an automotive performance place that sells to drag racers & mix it but thats not too handy on long rides. Slot the holes on the timing plate {?} to where it will turn and retard it a bit and see how it goes

Any advice on how many degrees to retard it? How far is too far?

I would work in 2 degree increments, I dont think you should move more than that.

on another thought, what about maybe trying one step colder plugs, just a thought

BSKZ650 wrote:

on another thought, what about maybe trying one step colder plugs, just a thought

Yeah, that was suggested earlier in this thread. I may try that first. Are there any potentially undesirable side effects to going with colder plugs?

Skyman wrote:

BSKZ650 wrote:

on another thought, what about maybe trying one step colder plugs, just a thought

Yeah, that was suggested earlier in this thread. I may try that first. Are there any potentially undesirable side effects to going with colder plugs?

They will foul frequently in city riding where you are not revving up a lot.

Skyman wrote:
[quote... any potentially undesirable side effects to going with colder plugs?[/quote]

FSM cautions that a colder plug may not run hot enough to keep the carbon burned off; then goes on to warn that the carbon build-up can heat up red-hot and cause preignition and knocking, which may eventually burn a hole in the top of the piston.

Accordingly, imo it would be a good idea to read the colder plugs often to assure running hot enough to stay tan color, and if not (appearing carboned or sooty), return to the standard size plug giving the tan color reading.

Good Luck!

P.S. -- If testing the colder range spark plugs, would do that first before retarding the timing, so the remedial efforts are not mixed together without knowing which if either change has the most effect.

Patton wrote:

P.S. -- If testing the colder range spark plugs, would do that first before retarding the timing, so the remedial efforts are not mixed together without knowing which if either change has the most effect.

Roger that. Thanks!