Engine rattle

I think most people use 10-40, but thta's all I'm going to say, I really don't want to go through the oil debate again.

Do a search on here for "Oil", and if that's not enough then do the same thing in the archives

jon0108 wrote:

im about to change the oil. What weight should I use? Should i use synthetic or stick with conventional? Would a thicker oil or a thinner oil quiet the engine rattle noise?
I do little riding, mainly around town, low rpm's.

Regardless of which weight oil and brand you use, be certain that the oil doesn't have any sheer inhibitors in it. Since the clutch on our bikes is lubricated with the engine oil, sheer inhibitors in the oil can cause the clutch to slip somewhat, giving the impression that the clutch friction plates are wearing out.
A good portion of us use Castrol GTX oil.
Which weight oil would depend on the climate the bike is ridden in, and how the bike is ridden.
Here in So Calif we really don't see much in the way of extremely cold temps, so I use 20w50 all year long in all of my vehicles.

thanks. I did the archives and was amazed at how many people use regular motor oil compared to motorcycle oil. All these years i was under the impression you had to use motorcycle oil.
Anyway, because I have that primary chain knock/rattle noise when cold, would a higher weight oil quiet it at all? I was going to use 10/w/40 instead of 20/w/50 because of the little riding i do at low rpm's.

DanOz7Five0 wrote:

You said they adjusted your valves. Did they reset the cam chain tensioner also, correctly? I just did my cam chain and at first it was wrong and the rattle was horrible. I redid the tensioner and it definately made a difference.

I'd definately redo the tensioner, as you said Dan. This fellows "coffee can full of marbles" analogy sounds exactly what my bikes noise was like after reshimming and forgetting about the tensioner. The noise difference at idle was very noticeable. I'm no mechanic and the primary chain may be/probably is, this fellows malady, but redoing the tensioner sure wouldn't hurt.

Another 15 year old thread dragged up but this thread has hopefully helped with a similar issue I have been having with a 1981 KZ1000. 
The only reason I post though is to say how great the advice is that's been given to someone who sounds/sounded like they are not the most clued up mechanically (hope you don't mind me saying that, we are all learning everyday!) 
Great thread, great forum and great knowledge shared, and thanks from me for hopefully identifying my primary chain noise.