One down, one to go!

Well, I just finished installing the roller lifters on the left jug. Not too bad, really, considering I'm just a shade tree mechanic. I did notice one thing in the swap out I have a question about for Pete or anyone who's already done this. The new camshaft has some type of black end cap or thrust washer held on the end with a small bolt, whereas the old camshaft did not. Is this normal? Of course, I suppose it would have been better to ask this question prior to buttoning everything back up in case the answer is: NO, YOU MUST REMOVE THIS END CAP BEFORE INSTALLATION! That would be just my luck.

Nope, leave it alone. As you surmised it is there to eliminate the end float in the cams in an attempt to quieten them down.

Pete

Thanks, Pete. I figured as much, but wanted to ask. I've also noticed the new cams out of the box are quite stiff to turn by hand as compared to the old ones, which turn easily. Should this be considered normal? Should have the bike all back together by tomorrow. This site (and esp. Mr. Roper) has been a great help.

Quite normal. Do make sure that when you've swapped the rockers into the new camboxes and bolted the bridge on they can move freely you don't want them pushing the valves open and then sticking with the valves open. This would not be good!

Pete

Slowly cranked the engine over using the front nut/breaker bar. Everything looked and felt normal, no unusual binding that I could notice. Valve covers back on and plugs in. Tomorrow I'll replace the tank and the battery and see if she fires up. Then balance the throttle bodies and check the TPS, and I should be back in business. How many miles should I put on it before I double-check the valve lash settings again?

I left it 300 miles before re-checking. But I did do a fill & flush oil change immediately after re-starting (just warmed it up and dropped the oil/filter); and I did another oil/filter change at the 300. miles. Same as you say I also did TPS & balance (& re-map) once I was happy it was running fine. Finally worth checking you torqued the oil banjos and the cam tensioners (RHS especially cos that's the only one you undo) and you checked the copper washers in same....already in a thread somewhere but slightly under torqued can cause what looks like oil leak/weep around the base gasket - I also had this but went away when I nipped up these (taking tank off again); BTW I re-used old ones.

Would be interested to hear (sic) if you can hear the rollers noise. Initially I thought it was completely quiet versus previous clattering BUT over time & now I got used to different sound there is definite 'rolling noise' at certain conditions.