Weird engine sound

I have a weird engine noise. It sounds like it is the top end possibly vavles. I know it isnt the cam chain i have an ape manual one. The weird part of the noise is it only gets real bad around 4500rpm to 5500rpm. I just noticed the sound becuz normally i dont accelerate that fast normally. It is like a really loud ticking sound almost a vibration. So i naturally let of to stop the sound. The bike is a 1983 kz550 with about 11000 miles. I have owned it since 8800. Any ideas?

I still think its the top idler or chain noise.....I have some at 4500 rpm on a 100% rebuild with 300 miles.

KZ = lots of engine noise.. :S :S



PS....owned it since 8800....is that 8800 BC or AD... :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

There are only guides in the 550, with a slipper guide at the top in the valve cover. It is a multi link Hi-vo chain.
With a APE tensioner, you could have mis adjusted it. Either to loose or to tight. Pretty simple job to pull the valve cover and have a look. Check the valve clearances, make sure the cam bearing caps are snug, the bolts for the cam gears are snug, and all the chain guides are in place and not worn. There is a measurement for the chain, so many links and a length spec, it would be in your manual. If you don't have the Kawasaki 550 manual, look for member Loudhvx as his signature will have it and much more. Thats not enough miles to need to replace anything, so look for something wrong, possibly your adjustment of the tensioner.