Cam chain timing without the T pointer

Mistakenly ended up breaking off the T pointer underneath the Pickup Coil Cover before setting up the cam chain timing and now all I have got left to complete the process is by looking at the piston movement.

As far as my knowledge goes the number 1 or 4th Cylinder piston needs to be at the top of its travel (TDC) for the cam timing to be set. However what concerns me is the amount of crank movement there is while the piston stays at the top.

Can I just bring the piston at top and set the timing without being concerned of the crank movement?

 

"The Book" says to find TDC using a Dial Gauge.
Maybe you ain't got a Dial Gauge handy.

You wouldn't be the first person in the World to put a Screwdriver in the Spark Plug Hole and rely on your recently Certified Highly Calibrated Eyeballs.

Hey, you're cheating.
Don't let the Screwdriver (or Safety Dowel) get wedged in the Spark Plug Hole and snap-off.

 

You need to find TDC with a dial indiacator and mark the position on the timing wheel. Make a new pointer to replace the old one. Trying to guess at it by estimating TDC will only get you in trouble.If it is not right the cam timing could be off and possibly damage the engine. Maybe one of your friends has a dial indicator to borrow.

 

Yep.

That's exactly what THE BOOK says. Exactly.

 

I knew about the Dial Indicator being possibly the ultimate solution before this post but haven't been able to find one as yet hence the Question.

I did get the bike to start up and it idles pretty good too, however there is a certain bog down at and above the 50% throttle opening which makes me reconfirm the timing.

Anyone possibly know the correct position the piston needs to be at for making the timing close to perfect? One possible way would be if someone with an engine rebuild could confirm by checking the piston position on theirs.

Rick. I used a piece of a plastic hanger to poke in the plug hole, it is pretty safe as far as I can tell.

 

See if this any help to you.

http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Engine ... -%28TDC%29

Epoxy or JB Weld will secure the Hose into the Plug Fitting.

Thumper Talk says you can make a Tool by Using JB Weld and a Spark Plug Fitting.
Grease a Rod so the JB Weld don't seize it.

I called AutoZone to see if they had a "Rent-a-Tool"
No dice.