At TDC compression all 4 valves are closed. At TDC Exhaust, the cam is surely still holding some bind on the valves. Tho, it is time to close them & get the intake going. I dont know the cam timing, so maybe theres some Overlap here. Some guys know this engine inside & out.

Heres what I do now. I kleave the plug in, saves a step. Slow rotation & it wont roll off TDC. I work the valves at TDC & feel for slack. When both sides feel the same, I figure Im there. Hasnt done me wrong yet. If you cant make the exhaust side move any, its gotta go around again.

Hi SS,

Did you ever solve this problem?  I just bought an 03 Savage, my first bike, and it's tapping as well.  Sometimes I don't pay attention, and other times it drives me nuts!

The previous owner said he got his checked out by a mechanic and they said it is okay, but he *was* trying to sell me the bike at the time.