I read that some people will intentionally advance their ignition timing. The reason, I have read is to get "more torgue". My bike was set that way when I bought it and it caused aggravations, to say the least. Can one of you guys who really understands this explain?

 

This link explains why you need to have timing before TDC to get the fuel to burn in the most efficient manner. And the optimal ignition time changes as RPM and load change. Generally, Higher RPM = more timing. Less load = more timing, more load = less timing. The Evo has a VOES system that advances timing in low load, high vacuum, reduces timing with higher load, low vacuum situations.

Generally when you tune an engine for performance you want to set the timing to get the most HP without detonation which is very damaging. There is diminishing return - if you've ever dyno'd a car you can see how advancing timing beyond the optimal setting reduces power and will at a certain point introduce detonation.

Here's the link, there are books written on this subject if you need to learn more but this will give you a good understanding. If you have other specific questions post up there are some good tech guys on this forum.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignition_timing