thefrenchowl wrote:I still wonder from time to time why the cam is offset from the tappet on Harleys...To start with it was probably just to get the valves in the right position in the cylinders despite the pitch of the gear train, but is there a physical need for it?
Opening side is often faster lift rate than closing so lifter is offset to that side to position the lifter over the rising lobe thereby minimizing side thrust on the lifter. If the lifter is centered over the lobe the side thrust is increased.