Cam fine marks

Some would say use new cams and followers to be sure.  I would give then a very  light dressing with a smooth oilstone to remove any burrs , a good clean and assemble with some cam lube . An 88 with std cam and the correct valve springs is pretty reliable and not very stressed. I tend to trust orriginal components more than new. I probably put the orriginal  60 valve springs back in around 1990.  I don't go above 80mph very often or try for 90 in third anymore.

Some people say that using a pitted camshaft is asking for trouble as it will quickly delaminate. In my experience this does occasionally happen but more usually only with the rubbish churned out by Plumstead and the odd after-market manufacturer. A good few Commando owners will confirm this.

If your camshaft is earlier than 1962 then the chances are it will happily put up with a few pinholes and the odd wear line. However, If your camshaft has larger areas of obvious wear then either change it or get it reground.

Telling the age of a camshaft is very difficult.  On the side should be a casting number. Look for something like T2219  @1, or T2219 @2, or T2219 @3 or one with Q.R. stamped on it. Avoid T2219 @1 as this is the Model 7 camshaft and is no good for an Model 88 engine. The others are generally fine. If you have a T2219 @3 with X2 stamped nearby this could be a suspect item worth avoiding unless in good condition. One with an X1 stamping is usually ok as it is a better made camshaft.  Attachment shows collection and variations. These are all from my junk box.