School me on timing

[koko64]

Correct as a general rule.
Look for the "V" inscription on each head. 43 inlet/38 exhaust with the better cams.. The "W" heads, not so much. It seems the 900 Monsters part way through 1996 got the 750 style W heads. The M900S models kept the good heads. I read somewhere that some of the W heads were hemi heads and not with bathtub shaped combustion chambers.
Check out "900 engines, not all created equal", on bikeboy.org. A generous sharing of knowledge by Mr.B.Black.

A call to Brad saved me from buying a 900 with W heads once. I knew the year but not the serial number. A quick call and W was spotted. It saved me on the cost of cams and valves.

Interesting how the 800 is right up there with the V head 900, its got the same valve area. Makes me want to get my heads reworked with reduced valve angle for 1000 sized 45/40 valves.

[ducpainter]

Thanks guys for all the input. I'm ok with the top speed. I had her at a bit over 90 and thats ok by me. But I do more inner city riding and love to romp that throttle. I like the low end snap (which this bike clearly is snoozing on). Soooo because I cant afford a complete 900, I will keep my eye out for just the engine or even just the heads and go from there.
I appreciate the schooling.

There's a set of V heads in the classifieds right now.