Motorcycle Repair: 1986 Honda Rebel, compression stroke, honda rebel

Question
Both pistons come TDC at the same time does that mean i set the valves on both cylinders at the same time? How do i know which cylinder fires first? Please help i have never set valves when both cylinders come TDC at the same time? Thamks

Answer
Hi Ronnie,

Remove spark plugs, cover one plug hole with a finger tip, press lightly to allow compressed cylinder air to escape past finger, watch timing marks, when you hear air escaping past finger-align TDC mark, this piston is now at TDC on Compression Stroke.

The other cylinder is 180 degrees out. Adjust valve clearances when engine is room temperature, with piston at TDC on Compression Stroke.

Repeat for other piston.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively