Vulcan 1500 Classic- setting the timing part 1

First in this series. I got a little ahead of myself while rebuilding my motor and didn't correctly set the timing the first time through so I took the opportunity to record the process as best I could working solo. Here's the first stage of setting the timing for the front cylinder. You know what to do in the comments! Thanks for watching!

[@53Indian]

Great video, very helpful, thanks for taking the time.

[@brettrobson6573]

Man, I just did this! I had the bike running and everything! It only ran off 1 cylinder and didn't do any damage, thank god! I wish I saw your video before hand.. :) I gotta pull my engine and fix it now, what a pain in the ass that you cant adjust the timing in the bike!

[@CPerreault]

Great set of instructional videos! I just want to add something here. Be sure that the camshafts are installed in the proper heads. The camshaft that goes in the front head has an "F" on the sprocket and the camshaft that goes in the rear head has an "R" on the sprocket. Both the "F" and "R" have to be on top of the sprocket when aligning the notches with the heads.

[@FernandoAvelarify]

Thanks a lot. I'm rebuilding a 2003 meat strike

[@rudycoco8998]

So are you turning the engine over clockwise or anty clockwise ? Then all so are you doing one hole turn or two? I'm asking as no one explains this and after putting my moter back in on the frount head Is fiering

[@austinoneal9332]

Did you ever get this answered?

[@CPerreault]

I have a question. The sprockets were removed on my camshafts. Which way do they bolt on? In the manual it shows some pictures with the lobes closest to the sprockets pointing to the right with the sprocket facing toward me and the "F" or "R" on the sprocket on the top of the sprocket and both alignment notches in a horizontal position. Is this the correct way to install the sprockets? The manual does not specify this. Do both the front and rear camshafts have the lobes pointing the same way? I hope I'm explaining this correctly.

[@deplorable_pureblood_patri7704]

Do you line the notch up with the F or the R? I notice that there is a line leading from the letter to a aokid Line that seems like it would be lined up with the notch instead of the letter. Did the bike run?

[@drchrubr]

The ignition timing is correct if the index notch on
the cover aligns with the F or R index line on the alternator
rotor.

[@scratchcoderig]

Clymer manual say that too. The TF mark just to the left of the "F". TR mark for rear jug.

[@mathewkibler8981]

Does there need to be tension on the cam chain when you set the timing?

[@scratchcoderig]

I do believe you want the TF mark to the left of the "F" to be lined up with the notch in the peep hole.

[@RaymondMatteson]

Thank You!

[@edkay3601]

Assuming the bike was correctly maintained how many miles can you get on these engines before you have to replace the cam chain and/or tensioner? Thanks

[@michaelreynolds9463]

That depends on how you ride it.Most people fit the cam tensioner extenders at around 60,000m.Some have then gone on to over 250,000m.But that is Americans,who just sit all day long in top gear,at a constant speed.If you ride the arse off it in England,going up & down the gearbox,and accelerating hard.You will be lucky to get 60,000 out of the chains.