This comes up way to much to not have a sticky on this.
Honda really makes things simple for you to work on these motors. For example, if you notice there are arrows on the cases. Where there is an arrow (or triangle might be a better description) that is where you need a washer on the bolt. Timing is just as easy and has check points for you. keep reading.
For timing, you use the timing mark on the flywheel. Which is on the left side of the bike:
Notice the timing mark (right one) needs to line up with the hash mark in the threads. That mark is there for a reason in the threads.
Now on the 02-06 cam this is how you line things up:
Notice the mark on the cam gear lines up with the arrow on the tower. This means you are in time! That cam lobes will be pointed about the 2 o'clock position at this point.
The 07-08 cams use a weight style decompression which makes things a bit different or should I say more difficult to install the cam on the cam:
But again still the same principle, the mark on the cam gear lines up with the arrow on the tower. I have highlighted it in red on the pic to exaggerate it. Also the arrow is a spacer that is pressed into the 07-08 cam. Make sure that is FLUSH with the end of the cam. If not, press it back until flush. Otherwise the weight will hang up on it causing major damage.
This is also the correct point at which to check the valves!
The right side motor plug allows you access to turn over the crank. you can use the kickstarter also and not need to open this up. The timing marks on the crank gear are ONLY there to line up the counterbalancer.
