1982 CSR 1000 timing procedure

Hello,
My CSR is running a little rough and I just want to put my light on and see if the timing is correct (no use fixing it if it ain't broke!) So, how do I set it up correctly? I know on autos you have to disable the advance etc. I just need to know how to do the basic test, connect the light run at X rpm and mark ? is aligned.
Many thanks!
BK

This bike is permanently set. There IS NO timing procedure. If the engine is rough it is not the timing. If there was anything wrong with the "pickup plate" all you could do is replace it. But knowing this system I would look somewhere els than the pickup plate.

Otto

Some simple checks will tell you what needs further work:

1.Compression checks on all four cylinders.

2.New sparkplug wires and sparkplug caps.

3.Properly gapped fresh sparkplugs in correct heat range.

4.It's more involved, but check the valve clearances for correct adjustments.

5.Clean and inspect the air filter(s), and the fuel delivery system.Look for varnish build up in the carbs.

6.Look for air leaks at the carb ducting(boots) before the carbs from the air box and after the carbs at the engine/carb interface at the manifold(s).Spray carb cleaner or WD-40 with the engine at idle on the boots/ducts/manifolds, If the rpm goes up after spraying, you've got a vacuum leak.

7. check the operation of the mechanical timing advancer for smooth operation(it's under a CD sized cover on the right side of the engine). Some light oil like sewing machine oil or 3-in-one will work.

Thanks, I haven't checked anything yet, it just started running rough when I got it out last week after sitting a couple of weeks (weather has been bad). I was thinking of doing most of the checks you suggest, changing the plugs, cleaning the carbs, and last a compression test seem the most obvious tests to do. I will put my strobe on each plug to verify that I'm getting consistant spark to each plug too.
Thanks!