Motorcycle Repair: 1986 yamaha virago

Question
I got the timing marks on crank and cam how book says  N  shows OK but piston comes about half way down before intake valve begins to open book says T on magneto is for rear cylinder and I is for front cylinder I did have motor running fr cyl spark plug looks like new rear cyl spark plug black front cyl exh pipe real hot rear cyl exh pipe cool I have been F===ING WITH THIS FOR TO LONG !!!! WHAT DO I NEED TO DO ????????8

Answer
Linda, I'm not sure I can help but here goes. These bikes used Hitatchi carbs and didnt hold up well. The rear cylinder has slightly larger jets in the carbs to run richer to keep the cylinder cool. With the crappy gas we have been getting the jets in the carbs may be building up with a film. Also the intake valve should open just after the piston starts its travel down the cylinder. Recheck the valve to flywheel timing, as the tensioner may have allowed the timing chain to jump. If I remember right there is enough clearance above the piston a valve face they should not hit and bend.