Valve adjustment with #9 cams

[gary647]

Hey JD,
I have your 700 kit and a the #9 cams, installed about 2 years ago.  I set the valve clearances to the stock tolerences, but not using the procedure in the manual.  I assumed that the timing marks on the crank no longer correspond to the valve fully closed positions and did it by feel, eye, making sure the cam lobe was 180deg from the rocker.  It does run fine, but there is some ticking noise from the engine still.  Possible cam chains?  The bike does have about 60,000 km on it in total, maybe more.   Just wondering if my procedue sounds ok, or if I need different tolerences, or if you have suggestions on replacing the timing chains?
Thanks,
Gary

[J.D. Hord]

As long as you are checking clearances "lobes down" you are ok.  The timing marks on the flywheel still apply.  I usually set the #9 at .005-.006 intake, .007-.008 exhaust.  They are a tad noisier than 153x1 cams due to the more aggressive grind on the exhaust side.  Check your rocker arm wear pads as well, and the adjustment screws.