Motorcycle Repair: 1988 sporty cam timing, markd, cam timing

Question
i am currently working on a 1988 sporty 883 xlh and was wondering whether or not the engine has to be at tdc to line up camgears. the book just says line up dots as in the picture it shows. is it really that simple or does the engine have to be in a certain position? thanx

Answer
The book is correct. Just line the cam gears up with the markd. You will probably have to rotate the motor so you can get eh mark on the pinion gear ligned up with the cam. Make sure they are ligned up, if you are off one tooth it wont run correctly
Good luck and happy riding
Mike