Clymer is bakkerds.
Rotate the crank the same way the wheels turn.

Talk about how it runs.

Thanks guys.  Turns out I have bigger problems.  Went in with better light and discovered that the cam and rocker arms aren't turning at all.  I guess I'll drain the oil, and pull the right cover and take a look at my cam chain set up.  I guess I've found why it will turn over but won't start.  Hope the damage isn't too heavy.
Thanks again. Wish me luck.

It's not running, and I'm a bit apprehensive about what could have caused the cam to stop turning even though the engine rotates freely and quietly.  Now that weather has warmed up I can no longer stick my head in the sand.  It's time to dive in.  I guess the up side is that there appears to be no interference turning over the engine so I haven't smashed my piston into a valve or two.  I can't seem to find any post of others who have had this happen to their cam.

I believe there really only a couple potential causes of your situation.

1)  The cam chain has broken, and somehow has not wedged into the sprocket at the bottom.

2)  The bolts that hold the cam gear to the cam have come out, and the sprocket is rotating on the cam.  (I really don't think this is possible, as the bolts would have rubbed on the head casting as they came out and would have made a horrible racket).

When did the bike last run?  Was it running and then suddenly stop - or did you shut the bike off after a ride......then it wouldn't start again?

Where do you live?  Maybe a nearby forum member can help?

Unfortunately I didn't discover this forum until trouble struck.  It is indeed option 1 as Dave suggested and I feared.  My 27 year old daughter was riding it so I am clueless as to the preliminary noises leading up to the last thump.  The culprit was indeed a neglected cam chain tensioner. So It looks like some quality wrench time ahead.  I'll start by reading up on the forum some more.  Thanks guys for the moral support.  Is there a member list including locations of fellow thumpers?

Well its just about time to do my shopping. What suppliers do you guys like to consider.  Since there is a cam chain and adjuster involved I'm well past the free shipping threshold.  How do you tell if my bike is a t/v/w/x/y/K1 etc.?  Is that in the vin or just the model year (96 is mine).
Thanks in advance for any info shared.

Better chain for less money.  I love it. Thanks for the tip.