I have a 500 cc motorcycle engine that runs on methanol. I only want to run the machine a shows so is it possible to convert it to run on petrol,as it will never be racing.The compression is 15:1 ignition advance is 42deg BTDClubrication is total loss carb is an 34 mm amal setup for methanol.Also would this be a viable proposition.I the answer is somewhere in the forum I apologize for not being able to find it as it is the largest I have ever seen
Kind regards.

If the timing is that easy to change and you can properly re jet the carb, using high octane race gas, 110 or 116 , then I don't see the change as impossible.
I would, however, limit any full throttle or any long time on the engine at the 15:1 CR unless the bike is water cooled and you do proper testing.
I run my '63 Mini Cooper 1380cc vintage racer at 14.98:1 CR and 32 degrees ign. advance on VP 110 octane.  Your bike should survive well enough.

Cooling and compatibility of seals is the only problems I see. Oh and maybe the idle circuits might be to rich at their leanest settings. A deliberate calibrated air leak, like drilling a small hole where it is not obvious and easily plugged might help if that turns out to be a problem.ball valve

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