Motorcycle Repair: Kawasaki aftermarket camshafts, camshaft timing, clean air act

Question
I have a '99 Vulcan Nomad (1500G1) with 22,000 miles. It runs great however I have to pull the motor for a rocker cover leak. I was thinking about installing aftermarket cams while I had the motor out. Is this advisable and can you give me any leads on who makes aftermarket cams for this motor. I was hoping to find a set that might raise my mid to upper range power and hopefully be used with the balance of stock components. Thanks --- Gary

Answer
Hi Gary,

With performance camshafts, use performance valves and valve seat work. There are numerous brands out there, not sure what is available for the Nomad. Have to investigate on line.

Instead, consider using a new trigger wheel (ignition timing wheel) to change OEM camshaft timing. It's like degreeing the cams a few degrees to compensate for the EPA Clean Air Act Standards restrictions.

Consider a performance exhaust and Stage I carburetor kit to pick up the mid-range. How about remapping the ignition?

Respectfully,
Mark Shively